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How to Search for Public Records at the National Registry of Costa Rica

by Jeanne in Costa Rica

So, you’re thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Excellent!

As part of your move, you may consider buying property, a vehicle, a motorcycle, or maybe starting a business. As part of your research to come to Costa Rica, you’ll find the public records available at the National Registry of Costa Rica invaluable.

When moving to another country, research is the name of the game. There is so much to know. As part of your move, the National Registry is a handy tool to keep you knowledgeable and mitigate any problems.

What Is the National Registry, and What Does It Provide?

The National Registry of Costa Rica was created by Law No. 5695 of May 28, 1975, to consolidate and centralize the land ownership and management information in Costa Rica. It is the national recording office in Costa Rica.

The registry is divided into six sections, each providing all the information needed for that domain. The six sections are:

1. Property Registry — real estate transactions, property rights, i.e., title and deed transfers, mortgages, and liens that affect real estate.

2. Moveable Property Registry — title and security interest on moveable properties, i.e., vehicles, motorcycles, and boats.

3. Legal Entities Registry – the company registration database with recordings of all Costa Rican companies or foreign companies with subsidiaries in Costa Rica. In addition, recordings of changes to any company structure and management. The Powers of Attorney section is here as well.

4. Industrial Property Registry — all industrial patents are found here.

5. Copyright and Trademark Registry — all copyrights and trademarks are registered in Costa Rica.

6. The Planos Catastrados — the survey plat map registration section, title property must have a corresponding survey with the title. This is where you will find the surveys.

What Steps Are Required to Search the Registry?

To look through the registry, you need to take a few steps.

1. Using Chrome, because it allows you to translate the site from Spanish to English, go to www.rnpdigital.com, the Registro Nacional República de Costa Rica.

2. Click on Certifications and Free Consultations as a first-time user.

3. Enter all the information requested to start your account. First and last name. (In Costa Rica, they use their mother’s maiden name as their second last name.), telephone number, email, and password. Then agree on terms and conditions. That’s it!

4. Go back, and now you can log in as a registered user using the email and password you set up.

Once in the Registry

The essential inquiries that take care of most ex-pat needs are in two areas in the registry —

1. Choose free searches by clicking Free Consultations on the left side of the page. This will allow you to look at all six sections — Property, Movable Property, Legal Persons, Legal Entities, Copyright and Trademark, and Cadastre.

The most common areas to search regarding properties are:

• The property number, if you have the title number

• The identification number of a person or company

• The name of a person.

• Property tax values

• The history of a property

• Liens and mortgages

Similar searches are available for each of the other five sections.

2. The Shopping Cart if you want to purchase something.

To purchase a certification on real estate, movable property, etc., you’ll have to buy it. The average cost of a certificate is ₡3,000 or $4.50-$5.00, and you use a credit card to do so. Once you’re in the registry, getting any information you want and the certifications you need is a simple process.

To see the registry process and everything available to help you during your move, CostaRicaLaw has released an excellent video about The National Registry of Costa Rica. It takes you through all you want to know step-by-step and is only 16 minutes long.

A Final Thought

Moving to Costa Rica or any foreign nation takes courage and fortitude.

Please don’t boldly follow your dreams without being pragmatic about the basic needs you could encounter, such as buying property, a vehicle, or even starting a business.

Pura Vida! 🌺