Escrow Contracts in Costa Rica. ☎️ A tool for transactions
Real Estate purchase in Costa Rica often involves transferring significant funds. At CPG Legal, our notaries handle the closing process and coordinate escrow services in Costa Rica with SUGEF-registered agents. This combination offers complete control over payments, documents, and timing. Therefore, both parties complete the transaction safely, under Costa Rican financial and notarial law.
Our firm works with buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout the country. We supervise every escrow instruction, ensure legal compliance, and confirm that the property title and purchase funds transfer together. In short, we make the process clear and predictable from start to finish.
What is an escrow contract in Costa Rica?
An escrow contract allows a neutral third party to hold funds or documents until all conditions in the sale contract are met. In Costa Rica, this mechanism adds a vital layer of protection. The money is released only after the transfer deed (escritura de traspaso) is signed and notarized. For this reason, escrow is one of the safest ways to close a real estate deal.
At CPG Legal, we draft and review escrow instructions so that they align with the property purchase contract. We also make sure that every clause follows civil law and SUGEF’s supervision standards. This coordination ensures that no funds move without full legal authorization.
In addition, we explain to foreign clients how escrow in Costa Rica differs from their home country. Our notarial oversight guarantees that the process remains both valid and enforceable in local courts.
How Escrow Services in Costa Rica Work
In a standard real-estate transaction, the buyer transfers the funds to a temporary escrow account. The money stays there until all contractual and legal conditions are satisfied. During that period, the escrow agent communicates with both parties and awaits written authorization to release the funds.
Our attorneys monitor each step of the transaction. We confirm that the funds come from lawful, verified sources and that all anti–money-laundering (AML) requirements are met. Furthermore, we verify that:
- escrow instructions match the purchase contract, the notarial deed, and and closing statement,
- the signatures and documents are consistent for registration, and
- the notary confirms the executed deed before any release of funds.
When to Use Escrow in Costa Rica
Escrow is most common in property sales, but it also works for other transactions. For instance, investors use escrow for business acquisitions, inheritance distributions, or private loans. In each case, the system holds the money safely until all conditions are met.
At CPG Legal, we coordinate every part of the procedure between the parties and the escrow provider. We also review the payment instructions, tax obligations, and commissions to ensure they follow the signed contract. After the deed is executed before the notary, we supervise the release of funds to the seller and any other beneficiary.
Using escrow services in Costa Rica also benefits foreign investors who are abroad during closing. Because the escrow account operates under SUGEF supervision, transfers can originate from international banks while maintaining compliance and traceability.
Regulation and Compliance
All escrow companies that hold third-party funds must be registered with SUGEF — the Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras. Before opening any account, we verify that the chosen provider is duly authorized and maintains up-to-date AML systems. This review protects our clients from fraud, misuse, or unverified transfers.
Our team helps clients gather the documentation required by Costa Rican financial law. We review KYC (Know Your Client) forms, confirm the legal origin of funds, and make sure all beneficiaries are properly identified. For additional transparency, we keep a record of every instruction and signed authorization.
You can verify the list of approved financial intermediaries directly on the SUGEF official site. Working only with authorized escrow agents ensures that the closing remains compliant and legally enforceable.
Your Role and Ours at Closing
Before closing, each party must complete the KYC process with the escrow company. Buyers provide identification, proof of income, and banking references. Sellers prepare ownership documents and corporate certificates when applicable. We assist both sides in reviewing and submitting these materials.
Once the escrow account is approved, the buyer transfers the funds. Most escrow companies in Costa Rica use correspondent accounts in the United States to facilitate international wire transfers. This makes the process faster and safer for foreign investors.
On the day of closing, our notary reviews the deed and the release instructions. We check that the property description, purchase price, and payment order are accurate. After signing, we coordinate with the escrow agent to release the funds immediately. Consequently, ownership and payment transfer in a single, secure act.
Why Choose CPG Legal
CPG Legal is not an escrow company; we are notaries and attorneys who manage the closing from start to finish. Our independence guarantees that every escrow arrangement follows Costa Rican law and serves our client’s best interest. In addition, our bilingual team explains each step in clear English and Spanish, so you understand every detail before signing.
We assist clients across the country — in San José, Guanacaste, Heredia, Alajuela, and the coastal regions. Our experience in property law, notarial acts, and escrow coordination allows us to handle transactions of any size or complexity.
Choosing CPG Legal means that your escrow services in Costa Rica are legally supervised, compliant with SUGEF, and handled by a licensed notary public. Therefore, you can buy or sell property with complete confidence.
Next Steps
If you are planning a real-estate closing, send us the property number, or any information you have. We will draft the option to purchase contract, and perform due diligence. Please indicate whether you already have an escrow provider. If not, we can recommend SUGEF-registered options. After that, we prepare the closing timeline, review your KYC documents, and coordinate the escrow release instructions. Finally, we schedule the signing before the notary public.
Contact
Contact CPG Legal to coordinate your escrow services in Costa Rica. We will guide you from the first due-diligence review to final registration, ensuring that your investment is secure, transparent, and fully compliant with Costa Rican law.
Dr. Christopher Pirie Gil.
