About Costa Rica

At present, Costa Rica is going through one of the most favorable microecomic moments in the country's history to make long term investments.

Within the last years, the most important economic indicators habe shown, a constant growth.

The economic policies of the present administration have promoted foreign investment and changed the vision investors have of Costa Rica as reliable country to invest.

Some of the advantages Costa Rica has when compared to other Central and South American countries are:

•  One of the best Human Development Indexes in Latin America
•  One of the most consolidated democracies of America with a good political stability
• High education level
• Strategic location
• Access to different markets through trade agreements
• Export incentive sistems
• Infrastructure
• Quality of Life

Macro Economic Summary

1. Within the last 3 years, there has been an important economic growth of 7,16%
2. There has been an increase in the fiscal income, as well as a good control in public expenditure.  This combination made possible that in 2007, for the first time in 30 years, a surplus of 0,3% was achieved
3. There has been a considerable increase of the Monetary Reserves, which by February 2008 represented $4.535 million dollars
4. There has been a high level of direct foreign investment, reaching $1.885 million dollars in 2007
5. There has been a constant growth in exports.  At present, Costa Rica exports 4.014 products to 142 countries
6. The income from Tourism has tripled in less than 10 years.  It went from $883,5 million dollars to 1.921 million dollars in 2007
7. There has been certain stability in the exchange rate of the colon with respect to the dollar 
8. The unemployment rate was lowered to 4,6%.  This was the lowest rate in Latin America for 2007, according to information provided by CEPAL
9. All the forengoing made possible that in 2007, the poverty index decreased by 3.5 percentage points, reaching 16,7%

 Tourist Awards And Recognitions

A.     One of the last recognitions Costa Rica has received was to be rated as the best tourist destination of Latin America in 2007 by the United States tourist industry.

The magazine Travel Weekly, specialized in this industry, granted this reward

This is the third time the country has received this kind of recognition; the first two were obtained in 2004 and 2006.

B.     During 2007,  in the study made by the World Economic Forum (an independent organization founded in 1971 with headquarters in Geneve, Switzerland) to assess the tourist competitiveness of 130 countries, Costa Rica obtained the #44th position at general level and #2nd position within Latin America.

 

Daniel Oduber International Airport

The opening of the Daniel Oduber International Airport has allowed more and more tourists to visit this exotic destination.  Since 2001, the amount of passengers entering the country through this international airport has increased by 580%.

 

Summary of the Real Estate Profile

REAL ESTATE PROFILE:

% of tourists interested in making a Real Estate investment     23%

% of tourists that already made a Real Estate investment          5%

% of tourist that already made a Real Estate investment  that preffered a Condo            28%

% that invested between $120.000 - $400.000     33%

% of tourists that purchased for vacations     70%

% of tourists that purchased for investment     10%

The three most important reasons why tourists  made this purchase     A nice and tranquil place friendly people beaches

 

12 good reasons to invest in Paradise now

1. As a foreigner you are allowed to invest and own real estate in Costa Rica.

2. Private property in Costa Rica is inviolable and guaranteed by the constitution.

3. Costa Rica is a booming tourist destination (more than 400 weekly flights, mecca of sport fishing and surfing, world-class golf courses,fine-dinning, etc).

4. Costa Rica is a true eco-paradise (26 National Parks, 13 live volcanoes, endless mileage of coastline, primary forests, and much more).

5. Located just a few hours away from your doorstep with daily flights serving the major cities in the U.S.

6. Real Estate prices are very affordable when compared to U.S. and international second homes market.

7. Costa Rica is a tax-friendly

8. Very affordable and manageable lifestyle compared to the U.S. and Europe.

9. High-quality construction standards (anti-seismic, high-end finishes, exotic local and foreign materials, etc.).

10. Safe and controlled legal environment (National land register, title insurance and escrow services available throughout the country).

11. Local financing available for foreigners investing in Costa Rica.

12. According to recent studies and surveys, Costa Rica has been ranked as the most stable and reputable country in all of Central America.

 

Source: Guanacaste Chamber of Tourism July 2008