Why Costa Rica?

The Case for Costa Rica Investment

So why is Costa Rica so attractive now? With the entire world in a real estate slump (and, yes, Costa Rica has slowed down considerably too) Costa Rica will likely be seen by many as a great place to invest AND the primary reason is again directly related to tourism. It is doubtful that the economy is destined to sink so low that people will just stop taking vacations. People with disposable incomes (and there are still a few of those types out there) will continue to travel, albeit to alternative destinations where they can get more "bang for their buck." Costa Rica is one of those destinations. In terms of the U.S. (which is and will be our number one source of direct foreign investment), it is closer than other areas of the world (Europe, the Far East, etc.). Vacations here continue to be more affordable, despite the fact that prices have risen in the last decade. And finally (and this may be the real "silver-lining") Costa Rica will likely become more popular as the world (especially the U.S.) becomes more environmentally conscious. If you pay attention you will already see hints of this in little news broadcasts that mention Costa Rica in this light. Heck, the other day I heard Bill O'Reilly mention (in a conversation about the failing U.S. economy) that if all goes to hell we will just have to move to Costa Rica! Yes this little country is finding its way into the hearts and minds of the American public and it is tourism that is leading the way. As tourism grows so will investment and property values and that is why Costa Rica may be right now and more than ever one of the best places on the planet to put your money.

Then there are the obvious historic reasons of a stable democracy, friendly investment laws, favorable disposition to U.S. culture, and the fact that this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Costa Rica has something to offer anyone regardless of investment desires (be it beach, or mountain, or city, or country, or whatever).

All the above is said with one important caveat. That is, although we welcome and promote foreign investment, it is a good thing only in so far as it plays out in a controlled and environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way. Costa Rica has laws on the books that are favorable toward foreign investors, but that strike a good balance between such investment and sustainability. Those laws need to be enforced. But moreover, we need more developers and investors to come here with a sustainable mindset. Certainly to take advantage of the opportunities that exist, but to do so in a way that recognizes and respects Costa Rica's unique ecological position in the world. When the dust of this economic storm settles, Costa Rica's will still be shining ever more brightly as that little secret gem of an investment opportunity that it has been and will be for many years to come.

Costa Rica Investment Zones

Click on a colored section of the map below for a description of the corresponding zone.