Many foreign buyers hold Costa Rican property through a local corporation — typically an S.A. or S.R.L. It can be a smart move, but it is not automatic, and the wrong structure adds cost without benefit.
| Own it personally | Own it through a corporation | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A single home you’ll live in | Multiple properties, partners, or rental income |
| Liability | Tied directly to you | Separated from your personal assets |
| Annual obligations | Minimal | Corporate tax, legal books & filings |
| Succession | Local probate on your estate | Simpler — transfer of shares |
| Cost | None to set up | Setup + ongoing maintenance |
Where it does not
- A single home you will live in may not need one
- Corporations carry annual obligations — the corporate tax, legal books, and filings
- Buying an existing company along with the land can mean inheriting hidden liabilities
The short version
A corporation is a tool, not a default. We size it to how you will actually use the property.
If a structure makes sense, we set up a clean one — fresh, with no history you did not create — and keep it compliant. If it does not, we will tell you to skip it.