From Cash to Crypto: Payment Options for Buying Property in Costa Rica

Buying property in Costa Rica has become more flexible than ever. Whether you’re a traditional buyer coming with cash or a modern investor leveraging digital assets, Costa Rica’s real estate ecosystem now supports a range of payment options designed to make international transactions smooth and secure.

This guide breaks down every payment method available — from wire transfers and financing to digital asset conversions — so you can choose the option that aligns best with your goals, lifestyle, and investment strategy.

1. Cash Buyers: Still the Most Common (and Easiest) Option

In Costa Rica, “cash” simply means funds available at closing, not physical currency.

Cash purchases offer:

• the simplest process

• strong negotiating power

• faster escrow timelines

• fewer moving parts

• lower closing complexity

Most international buyers complete their purchase through a USD wire transfer into Costa Rican escrow. Cash continues to be the preferred method for buyers who want speed, convenience, and straightforward due diligence.

Perfect for:

• second-home buyers

• investors

• relocators

• buyers who recently sold property abroad

If you want the smoothest path to closing, cash remains king.

2. Traditional Wire Transfers Through Escrow

All legitimate real estate transactions in Costa Rica go through a licensed escrow company, which handles the transfer of funds and ensures compliance with Costa Rican law.

Escrow verifies:

• identity

• source of funds

• bank documentation

• compliance with Anti–Money Laundering laws

Once everything is approved, buyers wire funds to escrow, and escrow releases them only after the property is legally transferred.This step protects both buyer and seller.

3. International Financing Options (U.S.-Style Lending)

Foreign buyers who prefer not to pay cash now have access to U.S.-based lenders providing mortgages in Costa Rica. These lenders understand:

• foreign documents

• income verification

• North American underwriting

• Costa Rican collateral

Loan terms vary, but typically include:

• 30–50% down

• 8–12% interest

• 20–30 year amortization

• 5–7 year balloon or rate reset

This is a great option for buyers wanting to leverage their capital instead of tying it all into one property.

Ideal for:

• investors

• buyers who prefer liquidity

• Canadians who don’t want to sell assets at home

• buyers using rental income to offset mortgage payments

Financing also helps increase ROI for income-producing properties in Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, and other high-demand rental markets.

4. Seller Financing: A Popular Costa Rica Strategy

Seller financing is more common in Costa Rica than in many other countries.

Sellers may offer:

• 30–50% down

• 1–5 year terms

• interest-only or amortized payments

• flexible terms depending on the deal

This is especially helpful for buyers:

• waiting for liquidity from another sale

• moving funds slowly between countries

• seeking short-term financing solutions

• wishing to reduce immediate tax events

Seller financing can be mutually beneficial, and terms are negotiable.

5. Escrow-Backed Digital Asset (Crypto) Payments

One of the fastest-growing trends is the use of digital assets to purchase property. Costa Rica does not treat crypto as legal tender, but it does allow it to be converted and used in property transactions through regulated channels.

Here’s how it works:

1. Buyer transfers crypto to a regulated digital-asset processor.

2. The crypto is converted into USD within a compliant ecosystem.

3. USD is deposited into Costa Rican escrow.

4. Transaction closes like any other cash deal.

Why digital-asset buyers love this option:

• fast global transfers

• clean transaction histories

• easier source-of-funds verification

• alternative to liquidating everything at once

Why sellers love it:

• they receive USD

• escrow manages conversions

• compliance is managed and secure

Digital-asset–friendly transactions have opened the door to a new wave of global investors, especially in luxury markets.

6. Partial Crypto + Partial Cash Transactions

Buyers can also combine payment methods.For example:

• USD from a bank sale

• some funds from crypto

• a portion financed

• or crypto-to-USD for the deposit

Hybrid payment structures give buyers the flexibility to move funds in the way that works best for them.

This is especially useful for:

• buyers diversifying payment sources

• investors with multiple assets

• buyers interested in minimizing taxable events in their home country

The key is transparency and working with a legal team that understands both traditional and digital assets.

7. Costa Rican Corporation Structure (SA or SRL)

Many buyers choose to hold property through a Costa Rican corporation.

This doesn't change how you pay, but it changes:

• how funds enter the corporation

• who signs at closing

• tax and liability considerations

• estate planning options

Your attorney can help you decide if a corporate structure fits your goals.

8. AML & Compliance: What Every Buyer Needs to Know

All payment methods — cash, wires, financing, or digital assets — must comply with Costa Rica’s strict Anti–Money Laundering (AML) requirements.

Expect to provide:

• a passport

• bank statements

• proof of funds

• a letter explaining the source of funds

• corporate documents (if applicable)

These steps protect the integrity of the transaction and ensure a smooth closing.

9. Which Payment Method Is Best for You?

Here’s a simple guide:

Choose cash if you want:

• fast closing

• strong negotiation

• simplicity

Choose financing if you want:

• liquidity

• long-term planning

• cash-on-hand for other investments

Choose seller financing if you want:

• flexibility

• short-term support

• favorable negotiated terms

Choose digital asset conversions if you want:

• to use crypto as a purchasing tool

• fast global transfers

• clean blockchain documentation

Choose hybrid payment if you want:

• to diversify how funds move

• to balance tax events

• to optimize your financial position

Final Thoughts: Costa Rica Offers More Flexibility Than Ever Before

Whether you’re buying with traditional funds, financing, or digital assets, Costa Rica has modern, secure, and transparent systems in place to support your path to ownership. This flexibility is one of the reasons the country continues to attract luxury buyers, investors, relocators, and global digital-asset holders.

If you want help exploring which payment method is the best fit for your goals, I’m here to walk you through every option clearly and confidently.