How To Become a Partner
The process starts with a personal visit to Costa Rica and 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.
The 6-Step Process
Joining Marenal follows a structured process designed to protect both you and Franz. Every step includes legal safeguards and transparency.
STEP 1: SCHEDULE A VISIT
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: hello@marenal.com
We will follow up with a call and set up a virtual call.
Virtual visits: At the meeting, you will receive a virtual tour of the property and have a direct, honest Q&A about our shared interests and your future plans and expectations.
We will set a date and time convenient for your personal visit.
Physical visits: You should plan at least a full day for your visit. If you need a place to stay, we can reserve our little Farmhouse for you.
STEP 2: VISIT THE PROPERTY
What you'll see:
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Existing infrastructure (Franz's residence, manager's house, guest cottage, Amapola house (2-bedroom home)
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Pool construction site (completing second half of 2026)
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Deep well and water treatment system
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Fiber optic internet installation
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Working farm (tilapia, chickens, sheep, vegetables)
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Available Phase One and Phase Two lots
Who you'll meet:
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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 they may be available during your visit
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Ariana Ugalde: Property Manager, handles day-to-day operations.
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Marlon Muñoz: Operations Manager, oversees grounds and livestock
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Kenneth Artavia Mora: Architect, available to discuss building plans
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Helen Rodas: Assistant to Franz and Partner Relation Manager
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Diane Greenfield: Physical Therapist and Health Advisor and Administrator, handles partner coordination.
What you'll discuss:
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MPA governance structure and consent-based decision-making
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Your philosophical alignment with voluntaryism and sociocracy
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Construction costs and timelines, permitting, and support services
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Monthly costs, long-term expectations, and pioneer reality
We have elected to price all our lots equally at $175,000, although many properties might command a higher price. To obtain investor residency status an investment of $150,000 or more is required.
Please move quickly to have the best selection of available properties
STEP 3: SUBMIT ESCROW DEPOSIT
During or after your visit, if you both decide to proceed, you should submit $10,000 to our attorney's Costa Rican escrow company, at which time the Preliminary Purchase and Sale Agreement will be signed.
This starts your 30-day due diligence period. During this time, you can and should:
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Hire a Costa Rican attorney to review all documents
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Verify property title with the National Registry
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Confirm infrastructure claims through independent inspection
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Review MPA formation documents
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Conduct any other verifications you need
STEP 4: SIGN THE 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 S.A. 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 the signing of the Purchase and Sale Agreement 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...
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work with Kenneth, our architect or your own, to design your home
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begin the process of obtaining Costa Rican residency, if desired
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decide on the timing for building your home and get cost estimates from our contractor
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apply for building permits when your plans are ready (timeline varies, plan 2-6 months)
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coordinate with our property management on your infrastructure connections
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participate in the community management
STEP 5: PAY BALANCE
The remaining $75,000 is due according to the terms agreed to in the Purchase and Sale Agreement after January 1, 2027. However, at your convenience, you may prepay any amount due to our attorney's escrow account prior to January 1, 2027, The Title will not be transferred until the full amount of the purchase price is paid.
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.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TITLE TRANSFER?
Once the title has been transferred to your name, you can sell your property again according to the stipulations in the PSA
When the MPA is activated, you will become a partner with governance authority. You can participate in consent-based decision-making for all matters concerning the community.
As additional Partners arrive and build, the community grows. You are part of the group shaping what Marenal becomes.
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.
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Succession Protection: If Franz becomes incapacitated before title transfer, all contracts are honored. The property management team and the MarenalPartnerAssociation continue.
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Buyback Protection: If you need to exit after the 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.
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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.