Free Zones

Incentives for free zones in Alajuela
The Asamblea Legislativa modified the law to align the incentives received by the free zones that are installed in Grecia, Valverde Vega, Naranjo, Palmares and San Ramón, with those outside the Greater Metropolitan Area.

The legislator pointed out that Costa Rica is a highly centralized country in the GAM. This is why the proposed reform respects and coincides with the spirit of promoting development in peripheral areas.

The new law extends the exemption from taxes of companies located in the free zones of the West. The 100% exemption will go from 8 to 12 years. The subsequent exemption period of 50% is extended from 4 to 6 years.

Real estate Luxury tax

The Government of Costa Rica presented the luxury tax on houses valued at more than 100 million colones in 2008. It is also known as the "Solidarity Tax for the Strengthening of Housing Programs" and is paid in addition to the existing property taxes.
Luxury tax is based on the market value of the house. It is not calculated on the basis of the land on which the house is built. This is how it is calculated:

Real Estate Tax

Local governments are required to conduct routine property assessments of real estate located in their jurisdiction. These assessments are used to create a property tax on a specific piece of real estate that is ultimately the responsibility of the local government to collect.
While annual payments are more common, it is also possible for a local government to decide on semi-annual or quarterly property tax payments in that region.
The general property tax rate is 0.25 percent of the property's registered value, usually determined by the evaluation commissioned by the local government responsible for the plot.

Real Estate Invest

The most popular way to invest in Costa Rica is through its many different real estate options. The country is a great place to retire and has become increasingly popular with the baby boomer generation for its choice of vacation homes.

Land development projects have especially become more popular with investors, with the possibility of allowing the rights to be used for either residential or commercial construction.

Costa Rica has a very low property tax rate of 0.25% of the registered property's value.