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How To Join​

The process starts with a personal visit to Costa Rica, to Marenal. Just to see the property,
meet Franz and his team, and determine if this is what you are looking for.

No purchase decision required, no commitment at this point.

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The 6-Step Process


Joining Marenal as a founding partner follows a structured process designed to protect both you and Franz. Every step includes legal safeguards and transparency.

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STEP 1: SCHEDULE A VISIT

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All prospective founding partners must visit the property before Franz proceeds with any agreement. Visits can be virtual initially, but must be in person if you both decide that joining Marenal is a good idea.
To start, send us an email. Franz will follow up with property details and a short Compatibility Assessment to complete before your conversation.
 

Virtual visits: Schedule a video call with Franz and send him the filled-out Compatibility Assessment, available on the website, before the appointment. At the meeting, you will receive a virtual tour of the property and have a direct, honest Q&A about our shared interests and expectations for the future.
 

Physical visits: Set a date and time for your visit. If you need a place to stay, we can reserve our little farmhouse for you. If you can, plan for a full day on-site.
 

Note: Franz does not transfer lots to people who have not actually seen the property and met him personally.

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STEP 2: VISIT THE PROPERTY​

What you'll see:

  • Existing infrastructure (Franz's residence, manager's house, guest cottage, 2-bedroom home)

  • Pool construction site (completing second half of 2026)

  • Deep well and water treatment system

  • Fiber optic internet installation

  • Working farm (tilapia, chickens, sheep, vegetables)

  • Available Phase I lots
     

Who you'll meet:

  • Franz Xaver Meier: Founder, will discuss with you his philosophy, and your vision for your future. He will also answer any questions you have as best he can. He will introduce you to as many team members as are available during your visit

  • Ariana Ugalde: Property Manager, handles day-to-day operations.

  • Marlon Muñoz: Operations Manager, oversees grounds and livestock

  • Kenneth Artavia Mora: Architect, available to discuss building plans

  • Diane Greenfield: Administrator, handles partner coordination
     

What you'll discuss:

  • MPA governance structure and consent-based decision-making

  • Your philosophical alignment with voluntaryism and sociocracy

  • Construction costs and timelines, permitting, and support services

  • Monthly costs, long-term expectations, and pioneer reality

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STEP 3: SUBMIT ESCROW DEPOSIT


After your visit, if you both decide to proceed, you submit $10,000 to our attorney's third-party Costa Rican escrow company, at which time the Preliminary Purchase and Sale Agreement will be signed.

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This starts your 30-day due diligence period. During this time, you can and should:
 

  • Hire a Costa Rican attorney to review all documents

  • Verify property title with the National Registry

  • Confirm infrastructure claims through independent inspection

  • Review MPA formation documents

  • Conduct any other verifications you need

Escrow Protection: During the 30-day due diligence period, both parties can walk away for any reason, and your deposit will be returned in full. No questions asked. The escrow company is independent and protects your deposit.

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STEP 4: SIGN PSA AGREEMENT


After due diligence is complete and you are satisfied, you and Franz sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) and transfer $65,000, the first half of the purchase price, to Franz's MFGK account. As part of the $75,000 payment, the escrow company will release your $10,000 down payment to the Seller.
 

From the date of PSA signing, you have the right to begin construction planning and permitting. You do not need to wait for the title transfer to start working with architects, obtaining permits, or coordinating with the construction company.
 

You can begin to...

  • work with Kenneth, our architect, or your own, to design your home

  • begin obtaining Costa Rican residency based on your $150,000 investment

  • coordinate with our construction company on the timing for building

  • apply for building permits when plans are ready (timeline varies, plan 2-6 months)

  • coordinate with our property management on your infrastructure connections

  • participate in the community management

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STEP 5: PAY BALANCE


The remaining $75,000 is due after January 1, 2027, but not later than January 31, 2027, as stipulated in the PSA. However, at your convenience, you may prepay any amount due, prior to January 1, 2027, to our attorney's escrow account. The Title will not be transferred until the full amount of $150,000 is paid.

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STEP 6: TITLE TRANSFER

 

January 2027: Legal title is transferred to your personal name and is registered with Costa Rica's National Registry. Note: You can not purchase your Lot through a corporation if you want to take advantage of the favorable investor law. After the title is submitted, you will be the registered owner of your lot with full legal property rights under Costa Rican law.

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TITLE TRANSFER?
 

Once the title has been transferred to your name in January 2027, you can sell your property again at any time.

 

MPA formation: When 11 shares are distributed, the MPA will activate, and you will become a shareholder with governance authority. You participate in consent-based decision-making for all community decisions.

Community development: As additional founding partners arrive and build, the community grows. You are part of the group shaping what Marenal becomes.

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Legal Protections


Every purchase agreement includes multiple layers of legal protection
designed to safeguard your investment.

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  • Escrow Protection: Third-party escrow holds your $10,000 deposit. Refundable during the 30-day due diligence for any reason.
     

  • Succession Protection: If Franz becomes incapacitated before title transfer, all contracts are honored. The property management team and the MarenalPartnerAssociation continue.
     

  • Buyback Protection: If you need to exit after PSA signing, the agreement includes a first right of refusal, which gives Franz or the MPA the option, but not the obligation, to buy back your property if you do not have an MPA-approved buyer.
     

  • Title Protection: The title is registered with Costa Rica's National Registry and protected by Costa Rican law.

Hire Your Own Attorney: During the 30-day due diligence period, hire a Costa Rican attorney to review all documents, verify title, and ensure you understand your legal position. This is YOUR due diligence period. Use it.

Payment Structure

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  • Escrow Deposit ($10,000): An initial escrow deposit of $10,000 is due before the due diligence period begins. This deposit initiates the 30-day due diligence period and is fully refundable during that timeframe.
     

  • PSA Signing ($75,000): Following the completion of due diligence, a total payment of $75,000 is due at the time of Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) signing. This amount includes the initial $10,000 escrow deposit, requiring an additional payment of $65,000 at signing.
     

  • Balance ($75,000): The remaining balance of $75,000 is due after January 1, 2027, and must be paid no later than January 31, 2027. This final payment completes the purchase obligations prior to the transfer of title.
     

  • Total Investment ($150,000): The full purchase price for the Phase I Founding Partner Lot is $150,000. All payments are scheduled to be completed during January 2027, culminating in full ownership upon title transfer.

Additional costs to budget and consider:
 

  • Construction: $150,000-$300,000+ depending on design and finishes
     

  • Monthly maintenance: $100/month (covers roads, security, property management)
     

  • Costa Rican property taxes: Based on assessed value, consult an attorney during due diligence

Requirements For Buyers​

 

Financial Requirements
$150,000 liquid capital for Phase I lot purchase plus closing costs. Construction budget of $150,000-$300,000+ for building your home. Monthly maintenance costs of $100. User fees are TBD after MPA forms. You should have Emergency reserves for unexpected costs during construction and permitting.

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Practical Requirements

Visit required - Physical or virtual, no exceptions. 4x4 vehicle highly recommended- Highland terrain requires an appropriate vehicle. Long-term mindset: This is not a vacation property or a quick-flip investment. Construction flexibility - Costa Rican timelines are what they are.

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Residency Requirements

If you are below retirement age and do not qualify for "pensionado" residence, then an investor visa is your best choice for living in Costa Rica. This $150,000 requirement is also one of the main reasons for our purchase price. Our attorneys are very qualified and can help you attain residency at a reasonable cost.

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Philosophical Requirements

Voluntaryism alignment - Understanding and commitment to voluntary association. Sociocracy alignment - Comfort with consent-based governance. Austrian economics familiarity - If Rothbard/Mises are unfamiliar, Marenal's philosophy may not align with your outlook. Participation commitment - Willingness to engage in MPA governance

Are You Ready? If you have the financial resources, the pioneering mindset, and philosophical alignment with voluntaryism and sociocracy, you are ready to schedule your visit.
 

If you are uncertain about any of these requirements, read the FAQ first. It may answer your questions.

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