Family Housing Voucher (BANHVI/FOSUVI)

The Family Housing Voucher is a state subsidy that does not have to be repaid, so low‑income families can build, buy or improve their home. It is administered by the Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (BANHVI) through the Fondo de Subsidios para la Vivienda (FOSUVI), with resources from the Fondo de Desarrollo Social y Asignaciones Familiares (Fodesaf).

Main requirements:

• Have a family nucleus with at least one adult.
• Not own a home (you may own only a lot, without construction).
• Not have received this subsidy before.
• Have family income within the limits set by law: for 2026, the general limit is ₡1.940.076 per month; in cases of extreme need, the limit is ₡485.019.

The voucher amount is not fixed: the lower the family income, the higher the amount awarded.

Available options:

• Construction on own lot.
• Purchase of lot and construction.
• Purchase of an existing home.
• Repair, Expansion, Improvements or Completion of Housing (RAMT).
• Second home on a family member's lot ("Bono Patio").
• Comprehensive Program for Middle‑Income Families (the voucher is used as a down‑payment for a mortgage loan).

Where to apply: the voucher NOT requested directly at the BANHVI offices, but through an entity authorized by the BANHVI (banks, mutuals or other accredited financial institutions) — they are the only ones authorized to receive the application and process it with the bank.

Note: the complete list of documents required by each authorized entity was not confirmed in this verification (it usually includes identification, income statements, and documents for the land or home depending on the option) — verify directly with the chosen authorized entity or at banhvi.fi.cr before starting the process.