Where can I check out the land registry in Costa Rica?

Do you need to check out the ownership of land in Costa Rica. Well the good news is that the land registry has an online resource where you can have a look your self.

Of course for a complete check of land ownership / title you may like to check with your Notary / Legal Advisor.

The land registry can be seen at

http://www.registronacional.go.cr/

Wait for the introductory flash page to dissapear and then to check the land registry:

• Click on "Catastro Nacional" (National Registry) on the upper navigation bar.
  
• Click on "Consultas" (Search) in the left-hand navigation bar.
  
• If you know the name of the plot of land or Finca: click on "Consulta Por Nombre", enter the Name and copy the squiggly letters (a security check) and click on Consultar (Search) and proceed from there.


• If you know the identity document of the owner of the the plot of land or Finca: click on "Consulta Por Cedula", enter the relevant certificate number and copy the squiggly letters (a security check) and click on Consultar (Search) and proceed from there.


• If you know the registration numbers of the land or Finca: click on "Consulta Por Numero de Plano", enter the Name and copy the squiggly letters (a security check) and click on Consultar (Search) and proceed from there.


• If you know the property or concession number: clcik on "Consulta por Número de Finca o Concesión", enter the Name and copy the squiggly letters (a security check) and click on Consultar (Search) and proceed from there.

Be aware that many people choose to hold their property in Costa Rican SA's (companies) and you may need to check out ownership of the shares of the relevant company to ensure that the individual owns the copmpany which owns the land.

Of course for a complete check of land ownership / title you may like to check with your Notary / Legal Advisor.

In Costa Rica, foreigners actually have the same right to own property as Costa Rican citizens.

While many countries have strict restrictions when it comes to the foreign ownership of real estate, Costa Rica does not. In Costa Rica, citizens and the foreigners have identical legal rights, and these rights are contained in the Costa Rican constitution.

The most important document is the registration on the land registry (not any land deeds) which is the "final word" on who the owner of the land is.