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How to Get a Loan in Costa Rica as a Foreigner

July 27, 2026
Property-Backed Loans

Foreign property owners can submit a Costa Rica property-backed loan request through GAP Equity Loans when suitable real estate is available as collateral. Borrowers of any nationality may be reviewed.

GAP Equity Loans handles property-backed loan requests starting at US$50,000 and up. Terms generally range from six months to three years, and we do not ask for a credit score.

GAP Equity Loans works with first-lien property security only. GAP Equity Loans is not a bank and is not the direct lender. Each request is reviewed individually by a private lender, and approval or funding is never guaranteed.

How Foreign Borrowers Start a Loan Request

For a property-backed loan request, begin with the Costa Rica real estate that will be offered as collateral. The lender needs to understand the property, ownership, title position, existing obligations, requested amount, purpose of funds, and repayment plan.

A clear starting file makes it easier to determine whether further review is appropriate. It does not create an approval or commitment to lend.

Step 1: Confirm the Property Can Be Presented for Review

The property is the security for the request. Before submitting information, gather the basic facts about the real estate:

Property location and access
Current property photos
Ownership details and available registry information
Plano Catastro or survey-plan information, if available
Existing mortgages, liens, annotations, taxes, or legal concerns
Estimated property value and support for that estimate

Property value alone is not enough. A private lender may also consider title, access, condition, marketability, existing obligations, documentation, and the proposed loan structure.

Step 2: Make Sure the Requested Amount Fits the Program

Property-backed loan requests through GAP Equity Loans start at US$50,000 and up.

Before submitting a request, identify the amount needed and explain the exact purpose of the funds. A specific, well-documented purpose makes the request easier to understand and evaluate.

Submitting a request does not guarantee that the requested amount will be available. The final decision depends on the individual property and private-lender review.

Step 3: Understand the Term Range

Terms generally range from six months to three years. The final term and payment structure depend on the individual request and the private lender’s review.

Because the financing is short-term, the repayment plan matters from the beginning. A borrower should be able to explain how the loan will be paid during the term and how the principal balance will be repaid at maturity.

Step 4: Know That No Credit Score Is Requested

GAP Equity Loans does not ask borrowers for a credit score. The review focuses on the Costa Rica real estate offered as collateral and the complete loan request.

That does not remove the need for clear documentation. Borrowers should provide accurate information about the property, ownership, existing obligations, requested amount, use of funds, repayment plan, and exit strategy.

Foreign property owner preparing a Costa Rica property-backed loan request

Step 5: Disclose Existing Mortgages and Liens Early

GAP Equity Loans works with first-lien property security only. Any existing mortgage, lien, annotation, unpaid tax balance, or other registered issue must be disclosed early.

An existing obligation does not automatically prevent review. However, the title position and proposed structure must be understood before a private lender can decide whether the request is suitable for further consideration.

If a corporation owns the property, available corporate records and signing authority may also be needed.

Step 6: Prepare a Realistic Repayment Plan

The property is the security for the request, but it is not the repayment plan. A private lender also needs to understand how the loan will be repaid.

A repayment plan may involve a planned property sale, refinance, business income, rental income, sale of another asset, or another documented source. The plan should be specific and realistic for the individual request.

Do not assume that a future sale, refinance, or renewal will happen automatically. The repayment plan should stand on its own.

Step 7: Submit the Basic Information

To begin a practical review, prepare the following:

Property location through Google Maps, Waze, or WhatsApp
Current property photos, including access and surrounding area
Available ownership and registry information
Estimated value and support for that estimate
Requested loan amount
Exact use of funds
Existing debt, liens, annotations, taxes, or legal concerns
Repayment plan and exit strategy
Corporate documents and signing authority, when applicable

GAP Equity Loans can then determine whether additional information may be appropriate for private-lender review.

Submit a property loan request

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner submit a property-backed loan request in Costa Rica?

Yes. Qualified borrowers of any nationality may submit a request when suitable Costa Rica real estate is available as collateral.

What is the minimum loan request amount?

Property-backed loan requests through GAP Equity Loans start at US$50,000 and up.

How long are the terms?

Terms generally range from six months to three years. The final structure depends on the individual request and private-lender review.

Do you ask for a credit score?

No. GAP Equity Loans does not ask borrowers for a credit score.

What property security is required?

GAP Equity Loans works with first-lien property security only. The property must be located in Costa Rica, and its title, ownership, existing obligations, and supporting information must be reviewed.

Does ownership of a Costa Rica property guarantee financing?

No. A private lender reviews the complete request, including the property, title, existing obligations, documentation, requested amount, purpose of funds, repayment plan, and exit strategy.

This article is for general information only. It is not a loan offer, legal advice, tax advice, financial advice, or a promise of financing. Loan availability and final terms depend on the individual request, property, documentation, private-lender review, due diligence, and signed documents.

Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)