Investing $150K in Costa Rica Real Estate: Your Path to Residency and Passive Income

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in paradise while growing your wealth, investing in Costa Rica real estate might be your best move. With just $150,000 USD, you can qualify for Costa Rica’s Investor Residency (Inversionista Program)—a legal pathway to live in the country long-term while owning an appreciating asset in one of the world’s most stable, eco-friendly destinations.

At Cabuya Realty, we’ve helped investors navigate the process of buying property in Costa Rica and securing residency. Here’s how it works—and why it’s one of the smartest real estate investment decisions you can make.

🌴 Why Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate?

1. Political and Economic Stability
Costa Rica offers a secure environment for foreign investors. There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership, and the country’s democratic government and strong legal system protect your real estate investment.

2. Growing Property Market
Demand for vacation rentals, income-generating properties, and eco-friendly developments continues to rise—especially in high-demand regions like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Nosara, and Cabuya. Real estate values in these areas have appreciated steadily, with continued growth driven by tourism and foreign relocation.

3. Attractive Residency Option for Investors
With a minimum investment of $150,000 USD in property, you can qualify for Investor Residency (Residencia Inversionista)—allowing you to live in Costa Rica, open a business, access public healthcare, and enjoy tax benefits on certain imported goods.

4. High Quality of Life
Imagine waking up to the sound of the jungle and the Pacific Ocean just minutes away. Costa Rica ranks among the top global destinations for digital nomads, retirees, and eco-conscious investors seeking balance, beauty, and financial security.

🏠 What Type of Investment Qualifies for Residency

To qualify for the Investor Residency in Costa Rica, your real estate investment must meet the following criteria:

• The property value totals at least $150,000 USD (single or combined properties).

• The property is legally registered under your name or your Costa Rican corporation (where you hold majority ownership).

• The funds used for the purchase come from abroad and can be traced for immigration purposes.

Qualifying investments include:

• Residential real estate (homes, condos, villas)

• Raw land or development lots

• Income-generating vacation rentals

• Eco-lodges or boutique hospitality projects

⚖️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Residency by Investing in Costa Rica

Step 1: Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agency
Partner with a reputable local agency—like Cabuya Realty—to find the right property that aligns with both your investment goals and residency requirements.

Step 2: Conduct Legal Due Diligence
Your attorney will verify title ownership, land use permissions, and ensure the property is free of liens or disputes. Costa Rica’s centralized land registry makes this process transparent.

Step 3: Make Your Real Estate Investment
Transfer funds from your home country into Costa Rica for the property purchase to document your investment properly for immigration.

Step 4: Apply for Investor Residency (Residencia Inversionista)
Your lawyer will submit your application to Migración (Costa Rican Immigration). Required documents typically include:

• Proof of property ownership

• Bank records of the investment

• Police clearance certificate

• Birth certificate and passport copy

• Residency application forms and fees

Step 5: Receive Approval and Residency Card (DIMEX)
Approval usually takes 6–9 months. Once approved, you’ll receive your DIMEX card, allowing you to live in Costa Rica legally and renew every two years. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency.

🌺 Benefits of Investor Residency in Costa Rica

• Live legally year-round in Costa Rica.

• Access to the national healthcare system (Caja).

• Residency for your spouse and dependents under one application.

• Right to own and operate a business.

• Pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

• Tax advantages on imported household goods and business equipment.

💡 Where to Invest $150K in Costa Rica

Your $150K can stretch surprisingly far depending on location. Popular investment zones include:

• Cabuya & Montezuma – Ocean-view lots, boutique rentals, and eco-living developments.

• Santa Teresa & Mal País – High rental yield vacation homes.

• Central Valley (Atenas, Grecia, San Ramón) – Ideal for long-term living, cooler climate, and affordable homes.

• Osa Peninsula & Nicoya Peninsula – Emerging eco-tourism hubs with excellent appreciation potential.

At Cabuya Realty, we specialize in guiding international buyers toward turnkey investment opportunities, eco-projects, and undeveloped land ready for building. As locals, we often have insight into listings before they go on the market.

🌞 Start Your Investment and Residency Journey with Cabuya Realty

Whether you’re seeking passive income through vacation rentals, a tropical retirement home, or a secure investment with residency benefits, Costa Rica offers an incredible opportunity.

Our bilingual team at Cabuya Realty supports you through every step—property search, legal process, and immigration paperwork—so you can focus on living your Pura Vida dream.

Ready to invest in Costa Rica real estate and secure your residency?
👉 Contact Cabuya Realty today to explore qualified properties and start your journey toward tropical living and financial freedom.