Q COSTARICA — On Monday, November 3rd, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) — National Insurance Institute — officially launched the collection of the 2026 vehicle registration fee (Marchamo).
The INS, the State institution responsible for providing the mandatory insurance and collection of all taxes and other fees, reported that 1,943,587 vehicles were registered this year. This represents an increase of 58,533 compared to last year (when the figure was 1,885,054).
The INS reminded the public that, due to a law passed years ago, the tax value (valor fiscal in Spanish) of vehicles will always decrease compared to the previous year’s value. However, it clarified that for vehicles 15 years old or older, the assessed value remains the same.
On another note, owners of electric vehicles have not been able to check the exact amount they will have to pay, as with ICE vehicles. This is because electric vehicles in Costa Rica have a 40% exemption on property tax if they entered the country between 2022 and 2024, and a 20% exemption for 2021 models. This data is still being entered into the payment system.
Finance Minister Rudolf Lucke indicated that the change made to the law two years ago, which stopped the periodic increases in the tax value of cars, has resulted in lower revenues from vehicle property taxes.
Lucke explained that, before the law, annual revenue was estimated at ¢220 billion colones. However, with the approval of the legislation allowing for the constant reduction of tax value, the amount dropped to ¢165 billion colones.
Despite this, the expected property tax revenue for 2025 is ¢163 billion colones. Lucke explained that although the amount payable decreases for the vast majority of vehicles, this is partially offset by the increase in the vehicle fleet. Therefore, the decrease is small compared to the projected revenue.
The Marchamo in Costa Rica is comprised of:
- The vehicle property tax, calculated annually on the vehicle’s fiscal value
- The Mandatory Auto Insurance (SOA)
- The sales tax on the SOA
- A public transportation fee (if applicable)
- A contribution to the Road Safety Council (Cosevi)
- Outstanding traffic violations
- Wildlife and Scout stamps
What happens if the vehicle registration fee is not paid by the deadline?
If payment is not made before January 1, 2026, late fees will accrue. For the SOA, the annual basic passive rate plus five percentage points will be charged.
For traffic violations, the annual rate will be 36%, and for parking meters, 2% per month, which is capped at the end of the year.
Property tax will accrue interest at a rate of 8.35% per year or 0.02287% per day.
The INS also reminded individuals that failure to pay the corresponding fee may result in fines and vehicle impoundment.