Do You Get Citizenship If You Buy a House in Costa Rica?
No — buying property in Costa Rica does not give you citizenship.
It also does not automatically give you residency.
Costa Rica’s citizenship system is based on time lived in the country, not money invested.
1. What Property Ownership Does Give You
The same rights as Costa Rican citizens to own real estate
Ability to rent out your property
A strong foundation for a residency application
But it does not grant:
Residency
Citizenship
Special immigration privileges
2. How You Can Get Citizenship
Citizenship requires:
7 years of legal residency (for Americans and most foreigners)
Spanish exam
Civics test
Good conduct record
Property ownership plays no direct role in this process.
3. Why People Confuse This Rule
Some countries offer:
Citizenship by investment
Golden visas
Immediate residency for home buyers
Costa Rica does not offer citizenship or automatic residency through home purchase.
4. Exceptions?
None.
Even if you buy a $2M beachfront home, you still need to:
Apply for residency
Maintain residency
Wait 7 years
Bottom Line
Buying property is a great investment — but it does not give citizenship.
Use CitizenCR to streamline your application.
Download the CitizenCR app for residency options, timelines, and expert support.
