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The Truth About Real Estate Licensing in Costa Rica

mark15030

Updated: Jan 31


The Truth About Real Estate Licensing and NAR Affiliations in Costa Rica.

Many real estate associations in Costa Rica mislead the public by passing their members off as licensed real estate agents or NAR-approved professionals.


The reality is quite different, and here’s why:


1. Costa Rica Has No Formal Real Estate Licensing System

Unlike the U.S. or Canada, Costa Rica does not have a national real estate license for agents or brokers. Real estate is an open profession, meaning anyone can call themselves a real estate agent without official government certification.


2. NAR Affiliation Does Not Equal Licensing

Some Costa Rican real estate associations are affiliated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), but this is often used to create a false sense of legitimacy. NAR does not regulate or license real estate professionals in Costa Rica—it is simply a U.S.-based trade group that offers memberships and designations.


3. The Only Legal Requirement for Real Estate Brokers in Costa Rica

To legally act as a real estate broker in Costa Rica, an individual must register with SUGEF (Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras). This is not a real estate license but a financial oversight measure designed to prevent money laundering. More importantly, real estate must be the person's core labor activity to qualify.


4. Real Estate Associations Are Private Clubs, Not Regulatory Bodies

Associations like CRGAR and CCCBR are private organizations, not official regulatory bodies. While they may offer training or networking opportunities, membership does not equate to government-backed licensing or oversight.


What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

If you are working with a real estate agent in Costa Rica, don’t be fooled by claims of licensing or NAR approval. Instead:

  • Verify SUGEF registration to ensure they are legally conducting real estate transactions.

  • Check their experience, reputation, and references.

  • Work with a qualified real estate attorney to protect your investment.


Bottom Line

There is no such thing as a licensed real estate agent in Costa Rica. The only legal requirement is SUGEF registration, and NAR affiliation does not grant any special authority. Always do your due diligence before engaging with any real estate professional.


Costa Rican Commerical Code

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mtgiii
Feb 03

Well put. Reading the CRGAR website ... The Membership reads as if a government assigned regulatory branch?

And here comes another promised MLS ....

Is it really that difficult to record property sales prices in the Registro Nacional given the Capital Gains tax laws? It was easy enough to require the recording of Planos in the Registro years ago ???

I believe the traditional MLS is going the way of ZILLOW and Redfin.


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