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 begin, send us an email with a request for a virtual call to hello@marenal.com
We will follow up 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, if it is available.
STEP 2: VISIT THE PROPERTY
What you'll see:
-
Existing infrastructure (Franz's residence, manager's house, guest cottage, Amapola house (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 One and Phase Two lots
Who you'll meet:
-
Franz Xaver Meier: You can discuss with him your vision of your future. He will also answer any question about Marenal as best he can. You can review with him our guidelines, rules, and regulations, and our compatibility report.
-
He will introduce you to as many team members as may be available during your visit.
-
Ariana Ugalde: Property Manager, handles day-to-day operations.
-
Marlon Muñoz: Operations Manager, oversees grounds and livestock
-
Helen Rodas: Assistant to Franz and Partner Relation Manager
-
Diane Greenfield: Physical Therapist and Health Advisor and Administrator, handles partner coordination.
Other questions and comments you may have about:
-
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
We have elected to price all our lots equally at $175,000, although many properties could command a higher price.
When one considers the value of the community and commercial properties each purchaser receives, it is easy to recognize this exceptional investment.
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:
-
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
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), which contains the acceptance of our GRR's, the First Right to Repurchase, and any financing agreements with MFGK S.A. to cover the $65,000 due after the release of 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...
-
begin the process of obtaining Costa Rican residency, if desired
-
choose an architect to design your home
-
decide on the timing for building your home and get cost estimates from our contractor
-
apply for building permits when your plans are ready
-
coordinate your infrastructure connections with our property management
-
participate in the community management
STEP 5: PAY BALANCE
The remaining $75,000 are due after January 1, 2027, according to the terms agreed to in the Purchase and Sale Agreement . 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
After January 1, 2027: Legal title is transferred to your personal name, and registered with Costa Rica's National Registry. Please note, if you want to take advantage of the favorable investor law, you can not purchase your Lot through a corporation. As soon as the title is submitted, you will be the registered owner with full legal property rights under Costa Rican law.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TITLE TRANSFER?
Once the title has been transferred, 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 and are a part of the group shaping what Marenal becomes.
Legal Protections
Every purchase agreement includes multiple layers of legal protection
designed to safeguard your investment.
-
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 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.
-
Title Protection: The title is registered with Costa Rica's National Registry and protected by Costa Rican law.
Please check our Co-housing Community Guidelines, Rules and Regulations
We kindly ask that you complete the Compatibility Profile Questionnaire. It will help us understand your background and preferences, before your visit to Marenal.
