5-Step Guide to Import a Car to Costa Rica

Please note market conditions and laws are subject to change at any time. To insure success and the most accurate, up-to-date information please consider hiring consultation from an expert on Costa Rican law and this process.

Importing vehicles to Costa Rica is supervised by the Customs office (Aduana) of Costa Rica. The process involves six steps with varying costs in the process. This guide outlines the process, then provides examples of costs you may use to determine the process unique to your situation.

Upon entering Costa Rica, you will receive a temporary import permit valid for the duration of your authorized stay. Most tourists are allowed to stay for 180 days, but the period of time is at the discretion of the border agent handling your entry. Once this period lapses, the possibility of leaving the country and returning with an extended import permit is no longer available. The alternatives are to either permanently remove the vehicle from the country or fulfill the obligation of paying the applicable import taxes.

1. Customs Clearance

Ownership Verification

• Present all necessary documents to the Customs office (Aduana) to verify legal ownership of the imported vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle’s title is free of liens and other issues that might hinder importation (e.g., salvaged or scrapped status).

2. Customs Storage and Processing

• The vehicle will be stored with Customs until its tax class is defined and naturalization fees are paid including the Appraised Value of the vehicle (VCAV) and Customs Duty Percentage (CDP). A certified Customs broker facilitates this process and requires all the necessary original documents.
  • Appraised Value of the vehicle (VCAV): The Appraised Value of the vehicle (VCAV) is determined by adding the market value, freight, and freight insurance. For individuals bringing a vehicle into Costa Rica, the freight cost is computed at 7% of the vehicle’s market value. Freight insurance, on the other hand, is the expense associated with insuring the vehicle. If no insurance is acquired, the cost is calculated as 1.5% of the combined sum of the market value and freight. For instance, let’s consider a vehicle with a market value of $25,000. The freight cost would be $1,750, which is 7% of $25,000, and assuming no insurance is purchased, the freight insurance would be $412.50 (1.5% of $25,000 + $1,750). Therefore, the Appraised Value of the vehicle would be $27,162.50 ($25,000 + $1,750 + $412.50).
  • Customs Duty Percentage (CDP): The Customs tax is determined by a percentage of the imported Vehicle’s Appraised Value (VCAV), varying according to the age of the vehicle. For vehicles less than 3 years old, the duty rate is 47.72%; for those aged 4-5 years, it’s 27%; and for vehicles 6 years and older, the rate is 20.98%. Suppose the imported vehicle is valued at $25,000 and is four years old. In this case, the import tax would be calculated as $6,852 (63% of $25,000).

3. Initial Vehicle Inspection

DEKRA Inspection

• Within 48 hours of release, schedule a mandatory vehicle inspection with DEKRA, Costa Rica’s official inspection authority.
• Ensure the vehicle complies with basic safety standards.

Marchamo Tax

• Pay the annual Marchamo tax on the newly imported vehicle.
• This tax is required insurance to drive the imported vehicle. It is paid to INS (Costa Rica’s National Insurance Agency) and varies based on the car’s age and type ranging from $100 to $1000 annually. The amount adjusts annually supposedly based on the cost of damage associated to driver’s of the vehicle in Costa Rica.

4. Register with National Registry

Notary Public Assistance

• To apply for a Costa Rica license plate, register the vehicle with the National Registry.
• Hire a Notary Public to draft the deed, filing it with the Registry.

Documentation Obtained

• Obtain the vehicle’s property title, the deed, license plates, and sticker plates through this registration process.

5. Final Vehicle Inspection

Return to DEKRA

• Return to DEKRA with all necessary documents.
• Receive a vehicle inspection sticker, indicating the vehicle’s compliance with Costa Rican circulation requirements.

By following these steps, you can navigate the intricate process of importing and registering your vehicle in Costa Rica, ensuring a smooth transition to driving on its roads. Always stay updated on the country’s regulations and seek professional assistance if needed for a hassle-free experience.

Cost Breakdown for Shipping

Freight Charges

• Freight charges amount to 7% of the vehicle’s value.

Freight Insurance

• Freight insurance costs 1.5% of the market value plus the freight minimum.

Import Duties

• Import duties range from 21% to 48% of the vehicle’s value, as determined by the Costa Rican government.
  • Vehicles less than 3 years old: 47.72%
  • Vehicles 4-5 years old: 27%
  • Vehicles 6 years and older: 20.98%

Vehicle Valuation

• Costa Rican authorities calculate the vehicle’s market value based on its age, typically assigning a higher value than the Blue Book value.