Architect fees
How much does an architect charge in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica an architect’s fees are calculated as a percentage of the construction value, using the minimum rates that the CFIA fee schedule sets for each stage. Preliminary studies, schematic design and construction documents add up to 5.5% of the estimated construction value, the usual package for the building permit. Site inspection (3%) and technical direction (5%) are calculated separately on the final value, excluding land and furniture.
Updated
When a person or a company plans to build, one of the first questions is what the architect’s fees will be. In Costa Rica, the fee schedule of the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA) sets minimum fees as a percentage of the construction value, stage by stage.
Figures from the current fee schedule, reviewed in October 2026. Always check the official document before signing a contract.Stages and fees in the fee schedule
Design stages are calculated on the estimated construction value and construction stages on the final value. The building typologies published by the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) are used to estimate it, and we bring them together with our office’s reference values on the construction cost per m² in Costa Rica page. Our office can prepare that calculation for your project.
- Design
- Cost and scheduling
- Construction
| Stage | What it includes | Minimum fee | Base (construction value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary studies | Analysis of the lot, the applicable regulations and the client’s space program. | 0.5% | Estimated value |
| Schematic design | Floor plans, elevations and massing to settle the design. | 1% 1.5% (if only this stage is hired) | Estimated value |
| Construction documents and specifications | Architecture plus structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, signed by each responsible professional and ready for the building permit. | 4% | Estimated value |
| Budget | Overall budget by construction units or detailed budget by activity. | 0.5% (overall) 1% (detailed) | Estimated value |
| Construction scheduling | Construction schedule and disbursement plan. | 1% | Estimated value |
| Inspection | Periodic site visits to verify that the building is built according to the construction documents. | 3% | Final value |
| Technical direction | Technical responsibility for the construction work. It is usually taken on by the selected contractor. Our office also offers it. | 5% | Final value |
| Construction management | The professional manages the work on behalf of the owner. They hire the crew, supply materials and equipment and handle the funds. Technical direction is included. | 12% (minimum) | Final value |
- Preliminary studies, schematic design and construction documents add up to 5.5%, the usual package for the building permit.
- Renovation. For a renovation the fee schedule (article 4, section D) sets 150% of the regular fee for each stage, because the existing building has to be surveyed. The permit package goes from 5.5% to 8.25%.
- Minimum fees from Executive Decree 18636-MOPT, article 4.
- The fee is agreed in a consulting contract registered with the CFIA and does not apply to the land or the furniture.
What the fee does not include
- 0.265%CFIA registration, plus fixed APC fee
- Up to 1%Municipal construction tax
- ≈ 1.3%INS insurance policy, reference
- QuotedSoil study and land survey
- QuotedOther specialists
Indicative percentages. Structural, electrical and mechanical engineering are included in the construction documents.
More detail on the building permit page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an architect charge in Costa Rica?
An architect charges a percentage of the construction value. The CFIA fee schedule sets minimum rates per stage, and the full design package for the permit, from preliminary studies to construction documents, adds up to 5.5% of the estimated value. The base is the construction cost, excluding land and furniture.
How much does an architect charge for a set of plans in Costa Rica?
The CFIA fee schedule does not set a price per sheet. Preliminary studies, schematic design and construction documents add up to 5.5% of the estimated construction value, with the architectural and engineering plans stamped by the CFIA.
How much does an architect charge for site inspection or technical direction?
Site inspection has a minimum rate of 3% and technical direction 5%, both on the final construction value. Construction management starts at 12% and includes technical direction.
Do the fees include the building permit?
No. The municipal construction tax, the CFIA charges and the INS insurance policy are paid separately. We explain them on the building permit page and in our guide to building in Costa Rica.
Can I hire only the schematic design?
Yes. In that case the minimum fee rises from 1% to 1.5% of the estimated construction value. For a shorter first step, see our architecture studies and reviews.
How much does an architect charge for a renovation?
The fee schedule sets 150% of the normal rate for each stage because the work includes surveying the existing building and interpreting its plans. The package for the permit goes from 5.5% to 8.25%.
Let’s talk about your project
At LDB Arquitectura we review the scope together, recommend the stages that make sense and prepare a quote based on the CFIA fee schedule. If you are building the numbers for a development, what we prepare for your financial model, from cost by phase to operating costs, is on the investors and developers page. We reply in writing in English and French.
Tell us about your projectEstimate your projectBuilding guideDocuments and sources
- Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA). Arancel de Servicios Profesionales de Consultoría para Edificaciones, Executive Decree 18636-MOPT (fee schedule for building consulting services, in Spanish). Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Ministry of Finance, Technical Standards Office (Órgano de Normalización Técnica). Manual de Valores Base Unitarios por Tipología Constructiva 2023 (unit base values by building typology, in Spanish), Supplement 187 to La Gaceta 178, September 28, 2023. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA). Rubros de pago CFIA (CFIA charges, in Spanish). Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Urban Planning Law No. 4240, article 70, construction tax of up to 1% of the construction value.
- Municipality of Nicoya. Póliza de riesgos del trabajo para permiso de construcción (workers’ compensation policy for a building permit, in Spanish), 1.2985% of the construction value. Accessed October 21, 2026.
This page reports on the current fee schedule and is not legal advice. Fees may change. Check the official CFIA document and your consulting contract.