Yes, a foreigner can legally buy a used car in Costa Rica without being a resident. All you need is a valid passport, a local contact address, and funds to pay for the vehicle, either in cash or through financing approved in the country. The ownership transfer is handled by a Costa Rican notary public, the same process any local buyer goes through.
As of 2026-10-24, LatiAutos showed 5,529 active used cars for sale in Costa Rica, with a median price of ₡10,600,000 colones. The brands with the most listings were Toyota (751), Hyundai (741), Nissan (364), Kia (350) and BMW (329). These numbers give a realistic picture of supply before you start shopping.
Basic steps to buy as a foreigner
- Check the vehicle legal status (plate, tax payments, liens) before putting down any deposit.
- Sign the transfer in front of a Costa Rican notary public, who registers the ownership change with the National Registry.
- Pay the transfer tax, calculated on the vehicle fiscal value.
- Get mandatory insurance (marchamo/RT) in your name or your legal representative's name before driving.
- If you do not have residency, most paperwork can be done with a passport plus a tax ID number (NITE), which is simple to request.
You do not need permanent residency to own a car in Costa Rica. What does help is having someone trustworthy in the country, like a lawyer or notary, review the transfer and confirm there are no outstanding debts tied to the plate.
What to expect from the used car market
With more than 5,500 active listings today on LatiAutos, Costa Rica has one of the more varied used car markets in the region. Toyota and Hyundai clearly dominate supply, which means more parts availability and mechanics specialized in those brands, useful for anyone new to the country who has not yet found a trusted shop.
The median price of ₡10,600,000 reflects the overall market midpoint, not any specific model. Prices vary a lot by brand, year and mileage, so it is worth comparing several similar listings before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a car in Costa Rica without being a resident?
Yes. You can buy a used car and register it in your name with just a passport, no permanent residency or Costa Rican ID card required.
What documents do I need as a foreigner to buy a used car?
Generally a valid passport, proof of funds or approved financing, and in some cases a tax ID number (NITE), which is easy to obtain.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a car in Costa Rica?
It is not required since the transfer always goes through a notary public, but many foreigners choose to get independent legal advice to review the vehicle history.
What are the most common used car brands in Costa Rica?
As of 2026-10-24, Toyota and Hyundai led active listings with 751 and 741 respectively, followed by Nissan, Kia and BMW.
How much does a used car cost in Costa Rica on average?
As of 2026-10-24 the median price of used cars listed on LatiAutos was ₡10,600,000, though it varies by brand, year and condition.