Costa Rica is a true tropical haven, famous for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, rich cuisine, and a vibrant mix of indigenous and immigrant cultures. The relaxed lifestyle of the locals, known as “Ticos,” makes this Central American gem a popular destination for tourists, expatriates, and digital nomads alike.
Every year, millions of people visit Costa Rica, and in 2022, an estimated 120,000 Americans made it their home. Around 9% of the population is foreign-born, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a place to live.
Whether you’re considering a permanent move to Costa Rica or planning a temporary stay as a digital nomad or expat, being well-prepared is crucial. This guide outlines key information you should know to make your transition to Costa Rica as seamless as possible.
Getting Ready for Your Move to Costa Rica
Before packing your bags or saying goodbye to friends and family, here’s what you need to do to prepare for your move to Costa Rica.
Choose the Right Visa
To move to Costa Rica, you’ll need a valid passport and the appropriate visa.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa allows foreigners to stay in Costa Rica for a specific duration, typically between 30 to 90 days. Depending on your nationality, you may not need to apply for a visa beforehand as long as you don’t overstay. For instance, U.S. citizens can visit for up to six months without a visa.
Check your specific visa requirements and stay limits on the Embassy of Costa Rica’s website, which offers information in both Spanish and English.
Even without a tourist visa, you’ll generally need to present additional documents, such as your itinerary, the purpose of your visit, a return or exit ticket, and a passport valid for at least one day beyond your entry date. Vaccinations might also be required; for example, travelers from certain African or South American countries need proof of yellow fever vaccination.
If you wish to stay longer, you might be able to extend your visa while in Costa Rica. Otherwise, you may need to leave and return after a brief period.
Provisional Visa
Costa Rica offers provisional visas that permit longer stays. You may qualify if you are a:
– Student, academic, researcher, or volunteer
– Retiree
– Rentier
You could also obtain a provisional visa if you have close family ties to a Costa Rican national. Requirements include:
– A completed application
– An apostilled federal criminal background certificate and birth certificate
– A valid passport and several passport-size color photos
– Payment of visa fees
Each provisional visa has its own specific conditions. For example, retirees must verify a permanent pension income of at least $1,000 per month.
Temporary or Permanent Residency
For longer stays, you’ll need a residence permit. Costa Rica provides two options:
– Temporary Residency: Available to expats who are retirees, students, executives, rentiers, or spouses of Costa Rican citizens. Applications require documentation and fee payments, with additional information sometimes needed. You can apply at the Immigration Office of Costa Rica.
– Permanent Residency: After three years of holding a temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. Review the full list of requirements and fees for U.S. citizens online. Applications are also processed at the Immigration Office of Costa Rica.
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomads can benefit from Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa program, allowing a one-year stay that can be renewed if you’ve been in the country for at least 80 days. You must earn at least $3,000 per month, or $4,000 if you have dependents. Requirements include:
– Employment with a foreign company, business ownership, or freelance work
– Health insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 for each family member
– Legalized documents such as your application form, valid passport, housing contract, employment contract, travel insurance, bank statements, proof of income, and an official declaration of intent to work remotely in Costa Rica (all foreign documents must be translated into Spanish)
Learn Some Spanish
Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language. Although many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing some Spanish will greatly enhance your experience and help you integrate more smoothly.
Financial Preparation
Costa Rica’s cost of living is relatively low, ranking 42nd worldwide. Excluding rent, a single person can live comfortably on about $853 a month.
While this is less than the cost of living in many Western countries, the expenses of relocating to Costa Rica can add up. Budget for:
– Round-trip airfare
– Pet travel (including vaccinations, microchips, and paperwork)
– Passport and visa fees
– Ground transportation
– Short-term accommodation (e.g., hotels or hostels)
– Long-term housing (e.g., apartments or houses)
– Food
– Health care and/or travel insurance
Additionally, some visas have financial requirements, such as proof of income or sufficient funds to cover your stay. Having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved up is advisable for emergencies, like unexpected medical costs or a sudden need to return home.
If you find yourself needing more funds while abroad, international remittance services like Ria can help your loved ones send you money quickly and securely.
Things to Do When You Arrive
Once in Costa Rica, here’s what you should focus on.
Find a Place to Stay
Even on a tourist visa, you can buy property in Costa Rica without needing residency or citizenship. However, renting might be more practical initially. Sites like Encuentra 24 or Properties in Costa Rica offer many rental options, although they are often in Spanish.
If you struggle to find a place, consider working with a local real estate agent or connecting with other expats through Facebook groups to explore housing opportunities.
Find Employment
Most jobs in Costa Rica require a residence permit, and not all permits allow you to work for a local company. You’ll need an employer willing to sponsor you.
Alternatively, you can:
– Work remotely for a non-Costa Rican company or as a freelancer using a digital nomad visa.
– Invest in a business or real estate if you have $100,000 or more, which provides temporary residency but doesn’t permit employment with a Costa Rican company.
Make sure to review the legal requirements carefully before job hunting. If eligible, websites like Buscojobs and Indeed are good places to start.
Set Up Finances
Foreign nationals can open bank accounts in Costa Rica, though proof of residency is required by some institutions. Non-resident banks typically require a passport, visa, and proof of a local address, such as an apartment lease or utility bill.
Choose an insured bank to protect your money and be mindful of minimum deposit requirements and other fees. Services like Ria are available if you need to transfer money quickly and securely from over 190 countries.
Connect with the Expat Community
Even with Costa Rica’s many attractions, it’s natural to miss home. Social media groups, online forums, and organizations like InterNations Costa Rica can help you connect with fellow expats, digital nomads, and immigrants. You might also meet other expats in cafes or at local events — don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.
Health Care in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s health care system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), is universal and mandatory for citizens and permanent residents, covering preventive care, hospitalization, and emergencies. The cost is based on your income.
As an immigrant or expat, you’ll need international health insurance, with options like GeoBlue Xplorer and Pan-American Insurance. Review coverage limits and premiums carefully.
Top Cities for Expats and Digital Nomads
Deciding where to live in Costa Rica is personal, but here are some popular spots:
– San José: The capital offers many attractions, modern amenities, and a strong expat community.
– Playa Hermosa: Located in Guanacaste Province, this beach town is great for outdoor activities like scuba diving and sailing.
– Puerto Viejo: This Caribbean town offers beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife scene.
– Alajuela: Near San José, this mid-sized city is known for its architecture, diverse cuisine, and historical sites.
Starting Your New Life in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica, whether from the U.S. or elsewhere, can be an exciting adventure. Proper preparation, from securing the right visa to setting up your finances, will help ensure a smooth transition and allow you to start living your dream in this tropical paradise.
And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With resources like international remittance services and expat communities, plenty of support is available to help you navigate your new life abroad.
FAQs
– How much does it cost to move to Costa Rica?
The cost varies based on your location and lifestyle needs. Budget for airfare, accommodation, health insurance, and visa fees. The cost of living in Costa Rica is lower than in many countries, with an index of 53.6. You can live comfortably on about $853 per month, excluding rent.
– What is Costa Rica’s currency?
The official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), symbolized as ₡.
– What are taxes like in Costa Rica?
Even non-residents must pay taxes on income earned within the country, with rates ranging from 0% to 25%. There’s no local income tax, and the standard VAT rate is 13%.
– How can I become a Costa Rican citizen?
After seven years of residency (five years if you’re from another Central American country), you can apply for citizenship. Requirements include passing a citizenship test, demonstrating financial stability, having a clean record, and proficiency in Spanish.
– How safe is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s crime rate is 53.7 per 100,000 residents, with an overall criminality score of 5.53. While higher than in the U.S. or Canada, it’s safer than many Central American countries.
If you’re considering relocating to Costa Rica and need expert guidance to make your transition smooth and stress-free, we’re here to help! Whether you need assistance with visas, finding the perfect home, or understanding the local culture, our team of relocation specialists has the knowledge and experience to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out—contact us today and let’s start planning your new life in this tropical paradise!