What is The Maritime Zone?
Be aware that coastal properties are governed by different, and more complex, regulations than other properties. The area comprising the first 200 meters above high tide mark along Costa Rica’s coastline in called the Maritime Zone.’ The first 50 meters are owned by the public, overseen by the govt. and are inalienable. The remaining 150 meters of land is known as Concessions Property, and can be leased from the municipality for consecutive 20 year terms. Foreigners who are not residents are restricted to a maximum of 49% ownership of leased beach front properties. The remaining 51% must belong to a Costa Rican national or a resident, or a Costa Rican corporation. Check with your lawyer. About 95% of costal properties come under this law. An elite 5% or so of land has ownership dating back as far as the era of Spanish land grants. This small percentage is fully titled and not subject to concession law or regulation. It obviously has a higher value and is highly sought after.
