Commercial and multi-unit construction in Costa Rica
Boutique hotels, rental villas, multi-unit buildings and retail, designed, permitted and built by one team.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
A building that earns income has to be designed around how it will run, not only how it will look.
We plan rental and commercial buildings with the operation in mind: guest flow, separate units, storage, back-of-house, parking and maintenance access.
Casa Dos Hermanas, our showroom in Altos de Flamingo, is a multi-unit building of separate units with a shared pool deck. We also build larger developments, and can source the land for them: we work directly with landowners and have a large network across Costa Rica. Qualified clients can finance through our third-party lending partner.
How a commercial project runs
Land and feasibility
We source land through landowners we work with directly, or check yours: zoning, water, access and a first budget for the use you have in mind.
Design
Layouts built around operations, then engineering and a detailed budget.
Permits
CFIA plans, municipal permits and any environmental review the project needs.
Construction
A schedule that protects your opening date, with regular reporting.
Handover
Systems commissioned, documentation complete and the building ready to operate.
What we build
Hospitality
Boutique hotels, villas and guest houses.
Multi-unit residential
Apartments, townhomes and buildings with separate units for rental or sale.
Retail and offices
Shops, showrooms and small offices.
Where commercial building is growing
CFIA permit data from January 2021 to June 2025 shows ten cantons account for more than half of the commercial and industrial area permitted in Costa Rica. Santa Cruz, the municipality for Playa Flamingo, is one of them. It was also among the top three cantons for new house permits in the first half of 2025.
Our showroom is in Altos de Flamingo, in Santa Cruz canton, and we build commercial and multi-unit projects anywhere in the country.
Approvals a commercial project needs
Every project is different, and we scope the list for your site during feasibility. These are the usual approvals.
CFIA plans
Plans approved through the CFIA, as for every building.
Municipal permit
Issued by the municipality, with a SETENA environmental review where the project requires one.
Ministry of Health
Approvals for food service and wellness facilities.
ICT tourism declaration
Free and voluntary for hotels and other tourism businesses that meet ICT requirements. A boutique hotel needs at least 5 rooms. It does not grant tax exemptions by itself.
Maritime zone
Coastal sites need a maritime zone assessment before design.
“We have had a great experience with Decentra. Their follow up skills are impeccable and they are a one stop shop for all phases of your build.”
“I engaged with Sean and the owner Sergio to obtain building costs for a residential project in the mountains of the Central Valley. I found them to be very welcoming, informative and accommodating.”
Questions about commercial projects
Do you build rental properties?
Yes. We design and build villas and multi-unit buildings for rental, planned around how they will be run.
Do larger projects need extra permits?
Often. Larger buildings can need environmental review, stormwater plans and road or river alignments. We scope these during feasibility.
Can you find land for a development?
Yes. We work directly with landowners and have a large network across Costa Rica, so we can source a site that suits your project and check it before you buy.
Is financing available?
Yes, through a third-party lending partner, for qualified clients. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will put you in touch.
What is the minimum project size?
Our projects start at $350,000.
What permits does a hotel need in Costa Rica?
CFIA-approved plans, a municipal building permit, a SETENA environmental review where required, and Ministry of Health approvals for food service and wellness areas. An ICT tourism declaration is optional. We scope the full list for your site during feasibility.
What is an ICT tourism declaration?
A free, voluntary recognition from the Costa Rica Tourism Board for hotels and other tourism businesses that meet its technical, financial and legal requirements. A boutique hotel needs at least 5 rooms. It brings ICT training and promotion, but no tax exemption by itself.
Where is commercial construction growing in Costa Rica?
CFIA permit data shows ten cantons, including Alajuela, San José, Cartago and Santa Cruz in Guanacaste, account for more than half of the commercial and industrial area permitted from 2021 to mid 2025.
Everything we do
Take the full turnkey package, or bring us in for one stage.
- Land and construction consultingLot checks, surveys, soil studies and water letters before you buy
- Architectural designA CFIA-licensed architect, 3D renders and construction plans
- Permits and water lettersCFIA plans, municipal permits and water availability
- Luxury custom homesTurnkey construction, from foundations to furniture
- Any construction systemConcrete block, poured concrete, hybrid, steel frame and more
- Pools and outdoor livingInfinity pools, terraces and outdoor kitchens
- Renovations and additionsKitchens, bathrooms, joinery and full remodels
- Cost to build in Costa RicaPer square meter prices, fees and permits for 2026
Tell us about your project
The fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp. Or send the form and we reply within one business day.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
Message us on WhatsApp- +506 8733-2930
- Phone
- +1 503-994-8017
- Showroom
- Altos de Flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, by appointment
- Licensing
- CFIA certified under SIM SRL