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Building permits in Costa Rica: Everything you need to know about it

Updated: Mar 5

In Costa Rica, obtaining construction permits is essential to ensure that any project complies with current legal and technical regulations. These permits guarantee structural safety, compliance with environmental regulations, and proper urban development. Below, we explain everything you need to know about this process.


1. Land Use Certification

This document is requested from the municipality and certifies what type of construction can be developed on the land.

Land use is a key consideration in the permitting process. Each property in Costa Rica has a designated land use defined by the municipality's Regulatory Plan, which determines the type of construction allowed on that land (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).


2. CFIA Approval

The Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) plays a fundamental role in reviewing and approving construction plans. CFIA approval certifies that the project complies with Costa Rica’s current construction regulations.

Required Documents for CFIA Approval:

  • Architectural plans (design of the structure).

  • Structural plans (technical details about materials and structure).

  • Soil study (if the terrain has complex characteristics or geological risks).

This approval process usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the project's complexity and the volume of applications being processed by the CFIA.



3. Municipal Construction Permit

The municipal permit is the first and most important authorization you must obtain before starting any construction project. This permit is granted by the municipality of the canton where the property is located and is a requirement for any type of construction, whether residential, commercial, or industrial.

Requirements for the Municipal Construction Permit:

  • Plans approved by the CFIA: The architectural and structural plans must be designed and signed by a licensed engineer or architect and then approved by the CFIA. This step ensures that the plans comply with the established technical and safety regulations.

  • Environmental Impact Study (if applicable): Large-scale projects or those located in sensitive areas require an environmental impact study approved by SETENA (National Environmental Technical Secretariat). This document evaluates the project’s environmental impact and proposes mitigation measures.

  • Additional permits: Depending on the type and location of the construction, you may need permits from other institutions, such as:

    • Ministry of Health (for buildings with sanitary facilities).

    • AyA (Aqueducts and Sewers Institute) to ensure access to potable water and wastewater management.

    • ICE (Costa Rican Electricity Institute) for the installation of electrical services.


4. Municipal Inspections

Once the construction permit is granted, the municipality conducts periodic inspections to ensure that the project follows the approved plans and complies with local regulations. If irregularities are detected, the construction may be temporarily suspended until the issues are corrected.


5. Time and Costs of the Process

The time required to obtain all construction permits varies depending on the project's complexity but generally takes between 2 to 6 months. Additionally, the costs associated with the process include:

  • CFIA fees for plan approval.

  • Municipal taxes, which vary based on the project's value.

  • Professional fees for architects, engineers, and other consultants.



Final Considerations

Complying with all requirements and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure that your construction project is safe and sustainable.

A construction project involves multiple disciplines, from architecture and structural engineering to environmental studies and municipal regulations. At Grupo ACA, we are a construction company in Costa Rica specializing in coordinating all these aspects. We bring together the necessary professionals to efficiently manage the required permits. Our team takes care of the entire process, ensuring that every phase of the project aligns with current regulations and standards, guaranteeing success and peace of mind for our clients.




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