By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The collection for the 2026 vehicle circulation permit, or “marchamo,” has successfully surpassed ¢300 billion, according to the latest figures from the National Insurance Institute (INS). This significant milestone was reached after more than 1.74 million vehicle owners across the country fulfilled their annual obligation, ensuring their legal right to circulate on national roads for the new year.
While the INS is the public face of the collection process, the institute acts primarily as a fiduciary agent, channeling the majority of the funds to various government entities. The largest portion, a substantial 60% of the total, is earmarked for the Ministry of Finance. This translates to an estimated ¢180 billion that directly funds the national budget through the vehicle property tax.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y los posibles cambios que rodean el cobro del Marchamo 2026, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado experto de la prestigiosa firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva clara sobre el panorama actual.
El debate sobre el Marchamo 2026 evidencia una vez más la necesidad de reformar el método de cálculo del valor fiscal de los vehículos. La depreciación aplicada anualmente a menudo no refleja la realidad del mercado, generando una carga tributaria que puede ser percibida como desproporcionada. Para garantizar la seguridad jurídica y la justicia tributaria, es imperativo establecer una fórmula transparente y predecible que elimine la discrecionalidad y evite futuros litigios por parte de los contribuyentes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva del Lic. Arroyo Vargas es fundamental, pues subraya que la predictibilidad en el cálculo del valor fiscal no es un mero tecnicismo, sino un pilar para la confianza del ciudadano en el sistema. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valioso análisis, que aporta claridad a un debate esencial para la economía de miles de familias costarricenses.
Sidney Viales, Director of Mandatory Insurance at the INS, clarified the institute’s role in the complex financial distribution. He emphasized that the INS’s direct ownership is limited to the insurance component of the payment.
The Institute acts as a collector for the different items. The INS only owns the money corresponding to the Mandatory Insurance. When we receive the funds, we transfer them to each of the institutions, and they make use of that money according to the purposes established in the current regulations.
Sidney Viales, Director of Mandatory Insurance at INS
Beyond the Ministry of Finance, other critical state bodies receive a share of the marchamo revenue. These include the Road Safety Council (Cosevi), the Public Transport Council (CTP), and the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP). These funds are essential for road maintenance, public transit oversight, and regulatory functions that impact all citizens.
The INS retains approximately 25% of the total collection, amounting to ¢75 billion. This sum is dedicated entirely to the Mandatory Automobile Insurance (SOA) fund. This critical pool of money provides the financial backbone for responding to the human cost of traffic accidents on Costa Rica’s roads.
This is what we will require to provide care for all those injured and victims of a traffic accident where people are injured or unfortunately pass away, as compensation to the surviving relatives of all these people who are tragically dying on the national roads.
Sidney Viales, Director of Mandatory Insurance at INS
The necessity of the SOA fund is underscored by recent data from the General Superintendence of Insurance (Sugese). As of November 2025, over 42,000 accidents had been reported where the SOA was activated. These incidents resulted in a staggering 47,000 injuries and 125 fatalities, highlighting the daily risks on the nation’s highways.
Regarding compliance, the INS reported a positive trend in payment behavior. The delinquency rate, which stood at 13% (representing 257,000 vehicles) on the payment deadline of December 31, 2025, has already seen a significant decrease. This figure marks a three-percentage-point improvement from the 16% delinquency rate recorded at the same time the previous year. Viales noted that a portion of the non-paying vehicles may simply be out of circulation.
A surge of late payments in the first week of 2026 further improved the outlook. Approximately 50,000 vehicle owners settled their accounts after the deadline, swiftly reducing the delinquency rate to just 10%. Viales anticipates this downward trend will continue throughout the year as more owners get up to date.
Throughout the year, payments for the 2026 circulation permits will be received. Many people have come to complete the process after January 1. There are various situations as to why they didn’t pay before the 31st. Everyone has their own truth, but the important thing is that they are paying and getting up to date. The delinquency rate will have variations and normally drops significantly over the course of the year.
Sidney Viales, Director of Mandatory Insurance at INS
This ongoing collection process ensures that funds continue to flow into the essential public services and safety nets that the marchamo supports, from national tax revenue to critical medical care for accident victims.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The National Insurance Institute is a state-owned Costa Rican entity and the country’s leading insurance provider. It is responsible for administering the Mandatory Automobile Insurance (SOA) and serves as the primary collector of the annual “marchamo” vehicle circulation permit, distributing the funds to various government institutions.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include tax collection, budget management, public debt administration, and formulating fiscal policy to ensure the economic stability and development of the nation.
For further information, visit cosevi.go.cr
About Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi):
The Road Safety Council is a Costa Rican governmental organization dedicated to reducing traffic accidents and fatalities. Cosevi develops and implements national road safety policies, public awareness campaigns, and driver education programs, in addition to managing funds for road infrastructure improvements.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP):
The Public Transport Council is the entity in charge of regulating and planning Costa Rica’s public transportation system. It oversees bus routes, fares, and service quality, as well as the regulation of taxi services, with the goal of ensuring efficient and accessible mobility for the public.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (ARESEP):
The Public Services Regulatory Authority is an autonomous Costa Rican institution that regulates the prices and quality standards for a wide range of public services. This includes electricity, water, fuel, and public transportation, ensuring a balance between the interests of consumers and service providers.
For further information, visit sugese.fi.cr
About Superintendencia General de Seguros (Sugese):
The General Superintendence of Insurance is the official body responsible for the authorization, regulation, and supervision of the insurance market in Costa Rica. Its mission is to protect policyholders and ensure the stability, solvency, and transparency of insurance companies operating within the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a diverse clientele but also by its forward-thinking approach to legal innovation and civic responsibility. Central to its ethos is a powerful dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, driven by the conviction that an informed public is the cornerstone of a just and empowered society.
