The basic rights of all citizens in Costa Rica are respected by its society which has a well-developed tradition of democratic government. More importantly for foreigners, those same rights are extended in equal measure to all residents of the country.
Few countries are so magnanimous in their treatment of foreign residents.
Unhappily, while this is true, the facts of life are that the differences in the legal system and ways of doing business in Costa Rica discriminate against those who do not understand them. Unfortunately, there are people who would use that lack of understanding to their advantage. Therefore, anyone wishing to make their home or otherwise invest in Costa Rica, faces a greater possibility of risk in their decision making process than they would in familiar circumstances. My wife and I have been extraordinarily fortunate in our business dealings in Costa Rica. We have not had a single bad experience.