Beyond the price you agree with the seller, a Costa Rican purchase carries closing costs — and knowing them up front keeps the process calm. They generally break into three parts.
| Cost | What it covers | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | National tax on the registered transfer, on the greater of the sale price or registered value | ~1.5% |
| Registration & stamps | Registry, municipal, agrarian and legal stamps to record the deed in your name | ~1% |
| Notary fees | The attorney-notary who prepares and executes the deed (an official role) | Official scale |
| Total closing costs | Split between buyer and seller per your purchase agreement | ~3.5–4% |
Typical figures for a straightforward purchase — we give you an exact estimate for your specific property before you commit.
Transfer tax
A national tax on the registered transfer of the property, calculated on the greater of the sale price or the registered value.
Registration and legal stamps
A set of government stamps — registry, municipal, agrarian, and others — paid to record the new deed in your name.
Notary fees
In Costa Rica a Notary Public is a specially licensed attorney who prepares and executes the deed — a far more substantial legal role than in North America. Fees follow an official scale.
Closing costs typically run a few percent of the purchase price, split across transfer tax, stamps, and notary fees. We give you an exact estimate before you commit — no surprises at signing.
Who pays what is negotiable and should be spelled out in the purchase agreement. We put it in writing so both sides know exactly where they stand.