Date of publication:
09/25/2026
Costa Rica
Do domestic laws and policies allow forcibly displaced and stateless persons to own, lease, rent or inherit housing and land?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Constitution of Costa Rica, in its article 45 recognized the fundamental right to private property. It establishes that property is inviolable and that no one may be deprived of their property except for a legally established public interest, with prior compensation in accordance with the law. In Costa Rica, asylum seekers and refugees may acquire movable and immovable property. Regarding the exercise of the right to property, persons in need of international protection are also guaranteed the possibility of opening a bank account and being able to carry out transactions in financial institutions.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica
- Year: 1949
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1949/es/39310
Legal provision
Article 45 - Right to private property
La propiedad es inviolable; a nadie puede privarse de la suya si no es por interés público legalmente comprobado, previa indemnización conforme a la ley. En caso de guerra o conmoción interior, no es indispensable que la indemnización sea previa. Sin embargo, el pago correspondiente se hará a más tardar dos años después de concluido el estado de emergencia. Por motivos de necesidad pública podrá la Asamblea Legislativa, mediante el voto de los dos tercios de la totalidad de sus miembros, imponer a la propiedad limitaciones de interés social.