Costa Rica Real Estate

You do not need a local partner, except in cases of beachfront concession property, where special rules apply.  There is absolutely nothing to prevent you from purchasing property in your own name, but the majority of buyers  with the help of a reputable lawyer and then purchase property through that corporation.  The reason for this is threefold.

1. It may be more beneficial to have your income (from rentals) or capital gain (from sale of the property) taxed within a Costa Rican company rather than having it taxed as personal income.  Of course, this depends on the tax laws of the country from which you originate.
2. It allows for simplified estate planning, whereby you can give or will shares of the corporation that owns the property to members of your family. 
   1. If you ever decide to sell your property, you can avoid paying property transfer taxes a second time by simply transferring the shares of the corporation to the new owner.