Thinking about bringing your car from the U.S. to Costa Rica? Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or planning an extended stay, exporting a car is possible, but it’s a process with several steps, costs, and legal considerations. This guide breaks it all down so you can make an informed decision.
How much is the import tax in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s import taxes on vehicles are steep and vary depending on the age of the car. The government calculates taxes based on the CIF value, cost, insurance, and freight, or the vehicle’s assessed value in the national database, whichever is higher.
Vehicles under 3 years old can be taxed around 52%, vehicles aged 4 to 5 years face taxes of approximately 64%, and vehicles over 6 years old may be taxed up to 79%. On top of that, you must pay shipping and insurance costs, which also factor into the taxable value. These high import duties are one of the biggest considerations when deciding to bring a car to Costa Rica.
Can you take a car to Costa Rica?
Yes, you can legally bring a car into Costa Rica. However, it must be in good legal standing with a clean title, no liens or salvage records. Once the car arrives, it must clear customs, go through an emissions and safety inspection, and be registered with local authorities before it can be legally driven. A licensed customs broker is often used to help navigate this complex process, which includes paying import duties, obtaining a temporary import permit, passing inspection, and registering the vehicle locally.
Why are cars so expensive in Costa Rica?
Cars in Costa Rica are significantly more expensive than in the U.S. due to several factors. High import taxes that can reach nearly 80% of the vehicle’s value are a big part of it. Customs valuation systems often assign a higher value than the car’s actual purchase price, which increases the tax burden. Add to that the costs for shipping, insurance, legal services, and inspection, and the final price tag is much higher. The limited supply of vehicles in the local market also contributes to higher costs across the board.
Can I drive a car in Costa Rica with a US license?
If you’re visiting Costa Rica as a tourist, you can legally drive using your valid U.S. driver’s license. However, once you become a resident or stay beyond your tourist visa period, you may need to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license. Additionally, any imported car must be registered and insured locally to be legal on the roads.
Shipping vs buying a car in Costa Rica – how does shipping work?
When exporting a car from the U.S. to Costa Rica, you have two main shipping options: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping. RoRo is typically the most affordable method, where the vehicle is driven directly onto the shipping vessel. This option is best for operational vehicles and is fairly straightforward. Container shipping is more expensive but offers added protection during transport, ideal for high-value or specialty vehicles.
Shipping typically departs from major U.S. ports like Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles and arrives at Costa Rican ports such as Puerto Limón or Puerto Caldera. Transit time can range from one to four weeks, depending on the route and shipping company.
Once the car arrives, it must go through customs clearance. This involves submitting the correct paperwork, including the title, bill of sale, and bill of lading, to Costa Rican customs. A licensed customs broker is highly recommended to handle these logistics and help you navigate the legal requirements. Your vehicle will be assigned a value by the Costa Rican government, which is used to calculate import taxes. You must pay duties, VAT, and other fees before the vehicle can proceed to the next steps.
After customs clearance, your car must undergo RITEVE, Costa Rica’s technical and emissions inspection. Passing this inspection is mandatory before registration. Once your car passes, you’ll pay the Marchamo (the annual circulation tax), register it with the Registro Nacional, and receive your Costa Rican license plates. It’s also mandatory to purchase insurance from INS or a private insurer before driving.
Handling Document Translations and Legal Requirements
When importing a car into Costa Rica, it’s essential to ensure that all documents meet the country’s legal standards. If your documents—such as the vehicle title, bill of sale, or power of attorney, are in English, they may need to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. In some cases, these documents must also be legally validated or notarized.
Working with a bilingual attorney or customs broker can make this step much easier. They’ll ensure that your paperwork meets all government requirements and help avoid delays during customs processing. Making sure your documents are in proper order before the car ships can save you both time and money.
Required Documentation
To successfully export and register your car in Costa Rica, make sure you have all necessary documentation in order. This includes the original vehicle title with no liens, the bill of sale, bill of lading, a customs declaration form, proof of identity such as a passport, and any inspection records. If someone else is handling the import process on your behalf, a notarized power of attorney may also be required. Having accurate and complete documents will prevent delays and complications.
Smart Strategies to Simplify the Import Process
The process of exporting a car to Costa Rica comes with its fair share of challenges, but most can be overcome with strategic planning. Start by researching the entire process early, know what documents you’ll need, estimate taxes using online tools, and decide which shipping method makes the most sense for your situation.
Choosing the right vehicle matters too. Newer, fuel-efficient models typically face fewer issues with inspections and taxes. If you’re relocating as a resident, check whether you qualify for a duty-free vehicle import under Costa Rica’s pensionado, rentista, or investor residency programs.
Perhaps most importantly, compare the full cost of importing a vehicle to the cost of buying one locally. While used cars in Costa Rica tend to be more expensive than in the U.S., you may save money and hassle by avoiding import taxes and customs delays.
With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, importing a vehicle can be a smooth and successful part of your move to Costa Rica.
Final Thoughts
Exporting a car from the USA to Costa Rica is completely doable, but it requires careful planning, a realistic budget, and an understanding of the country’s import laws. For some, bringing a familiar, reliable car from home is worth the cost and effort. For others, buying a car locally saves time and simplifies life in a new country.
Whatever path you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle, long-term plans, and budget. And remember, Costa Rica’s roads and driving culture might be different from what you’re used to, so plan for the journey as much as the destination.
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