Importing a Vehicle to Costa Rica
Importing a vehicle to Costa Rica involves significant taxes and duties, often totaling 50-80% of the vehicle's value.
Should I import my car to Costa Rica?
In most cases, no. Import duties of 50-85% on the vehicle's value make importing extremely expensive. Buying a car locally is usually more cost-effective, even though vehicle prices in Costa Rica are higher than in the US or Canada.
High Import Costs
Total import taxes (customs duty + selective consumption tax + sales tax + processing fees) can add 50-85% to the value of the vehicle. A car worth $20,000 could cost $10,000-$17,000 in taxes alone.
Import Duty Rates by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Duty Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car (up to 5 years old) | 52–79% | Total import taxes include customs duty, selective consumption tax (varies by engine size and age), sales tax (13%), and 1% customs processing fee. |
| Passenger Car (over 5 years old) | 59–85% | Older vehicles face higher selective consumption taxes. Vehicles older than 15 years may not be importable. |
Requirements: Passenger Car (up to 5 years old)
- Original title of the vehicle
- Bill of sale or commercial invoice
- Valid passport and residency documentation
- Vehicle must pass RITEVE (technical inspection)
- Emissions compliance certification
Requirements: Passenger Car (over 5 years old)
- Same as newer vehicles
- Higher duties due to age-based surcharges
Example: Importing a $20,000 Vehicle (up to 5 years old)
Currency: USD Vehicle Value (CIF)
$20,000.00 Customs Duty (~52%) Varies by engine size and vehicle age
$10,400.00 Sales Tax (13%) Applied on value + customs duty
$3,952.00 Customs Processing (1%)
$200.00 Shipping & Freight (estimate) Varies by origin
$1,500.00 Customs Broker Fee Approximate professional fee
$500.00 Total
$36,552.00
Tips and Advice
- In most cases, buying a vehicle locally is more cost-effective than importing
- New residents with certain visa types may get a one-time duty exemption for household goods (but NOT vehicles)
- Work with a licensed customs broker (agente aduanal) for the import process
- Budget 2-4 weeks for the full import and registration process
Related Pages
Renting a Car A more practical option for most visitors and new residents.
Driving in Costa Rica Road conditions, traffic laws, and driving tips.
Last verified: February 2026