4 Things Happening in Costa Rica Right Now That Matter to Future Expats and Buyers. Living in Pérez Zeledón.

If you've been watching Costa Rica from afar — researching, dreaming, planning your move — this week has some genuinely useful updates. From a big immigration change that speeds up your residency card, to price trends in the South Pacific that buyers should know about, here's what's worth your attention right now.

1. Getting Your DIMEX Card Just Got a Whole Lot Faster

One of the most common frustrations for new residents in Costa Rica has been the wait for a physical DIMEX card — the ID that proves your legal residency status. Until recently, approved applicants were waiting up to four months just to receive the card after their application was processed.

That backlog is gone.

Under Resolution DJUR-0045-02-2026, designated Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branches now operate as full-service immigration hubs. Once your residency is approved and biometrics are recorded, you can walk out of the bank the same day with your physical DIMEX card in hand.

This applies to first-time applicants, renewals, and replacement cards. It's a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for anyone in the residency pipeline — and one more sign that Costa Rica continues to make the process more livable for international residents.

Why it matters for buyers: If you've been hesitating on a property purchase because residency felt complicated, this is the kind of change that smooths the road considerably. You still need a good immigration attorney — but the wait is now much shorter.

2. South Pacific Prices Are Rising — But They're Still the Value Play

The South Pacific corridor — Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal — is seeing steady price appreciation in 2026, and the numbers are worth understanding before you shop.

Ocean-view homes in Uvita and Dominical now typically range from $450,000 to over $1 million. Jungle homes closer to town often fall between $250,000 and $450,000. Developable land near Uvita and Ojochal runs $100,000–$350,000 depending on size and access.

The good news? These prices are still running 30–40% below comparable properties in Guanacaste. And the Pérez Zeledón and inland mountain areas — Cajón, Tinamastes, Quizarra — remain even more accessible, with farms and homes starting well under $200,000.

Jacó and the Central Pacific have seen a 17% increase in active listings year-over-year, meaning more choices for buyers — and more developers entering the market with new condo projects.

The takeaway: The window to buy at pre-appreciation prices in the South Pacific is narrowing. Buyers who have been watching from the sidelines are increasingly making their move.

3. Regional Airports Are Getting Upgrades. Pérez Zeledón expats.

Costa Rica's government is investing in runway upgrades, improved lighting, and better passenger facilities at regional airports — including Quepos/La Managua. The goal is to let international visitors fly directly into these secondary destinations without routing through San José's congested Juan Santamaría International Airport.

For buyers and future residents in the Central and South Pacific, this is significant. A functioning regional airport increases property values, makes the area more accessible to visiting family and friends, and signals long-term government investment in the region's infrastructure. Pérez Zeledón expats

4. Investor Visa Update: Property Must Be in Your Personal Name

A lesser-known but important update for 2026: if you're planning to use a Costa Rica property purchase to support an Investor Visa (Inversionista) residency application, the property must be registered in your personal name in the National Registry.

It cannot be held through a corporation or LLC for residency purposes.

This doesn't change the purchase process for most buyers — many already buy in their personal names — but if you've been advised to structure ownership through a holding company, check with your immigration attorney before assuming it will support your visa.

Ready to talk through what any of this means for your situation?

We're based in Costa Rica's South Pacific and Southern Zone — Jacó, Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Pérez Zeledón — and we work exclusively with international buyers and sellers. Reach out anytime.