Costa Rica Property and Citizenship Guide

Key Facts:

Climate - tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Population (2018) - 4,999,441

GDP (Per Capita) (2020) - $12,690

Official language - Spanish

Major religions - Christianity (79%)

Ethnic Groups - White/Mestizo (83.6%), Mulatto (6.7%), Amerindian (2.4%), Black/African (1.1%) 

Government - presidential republic

Currency - Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

Taxes - Residents and non-residents are taxed on their Costa Rica-source income. Residents are subject to income tax, while nonresidents are subject to withholding tax.

Income is taxed under a schedular system. Gross employment income is taxable. Net profits from the carrying on of a trade or profession are taxed in the same way as profits derived by companies. Investment income in the form of dividends is subject to withholding tax.

Personal income tax rates for 2020 are progressive up to 25%. Investment income in the form of dividends is subject to a 15% withholding tax.

Capital gains generally are not subject to taxation in Costa Rica, unless (1) the activity that generates the income is “habitual” (i.e., from the carrying on of a normal trade or business); or (2) the gain is generated as a result of the transfer of assets subject to depreciation/amortization for corporate income tax purposes. Such gains are taxed at a 30% rate.

Residency by Investment:

Interested applicants can gain residency through investment in Costa Rica. The minimum investment, which can be into a business or real estate is $200,000. Applicants then gain Temporary Residecy and can apply for Permanent Residency after 3 years. A further one year and residents can apply for citizenship.

Citizenship by Investment:

To be Updated.

What makes it special?

To be Updated.