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Interested in moving to Costa Rica? Here’s what you need to know:
🇨🇷 Costa Rica at a Glance
- Population: ~5.3 million
- No army: Military abolished in 1949; funds redirected to culture & education
- Life expectancy: ~81.5 years
🏠 Living Essentials
- Currency: Costa Rica Colón (CRC, ₡)
- Languages: Spanish primary; English common in tourist areas & schools
- Largest cities: San Jose (335,000), Puerto Limón (63,081), Liberia (45,380)
- Religions: 70.5% Roman Catholic, 13.8% Evangelical, 11.3% no religion, 4.3% others
🤔 Why Choose Costa Rica
- “Pura Vida” spirit: Friendly locals known as “ticos”
- Universal healthcare: Available for citizens & permanent residents; top in Central America
- Climate: Many temperate zones with minimal need for A/C or heating; hot regions available
- Modern tech: High-speed internet & widespread 4G coverage
- Coastlines: Warm waters, ideal for swimming & surfing year-round
- Food: Affordable fresh organic fruits & veggies; exotic options available
- Expat communities: Established groups in Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo
⚠️ Costa Rica Challenges
Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.
- High import taxes: Imported goods scarce & pricey; groceries & everyday items can cost more
- Slow pace: Everything moves slowly; expect delays and a laid-back lifestyle
🛂 Costa Rica Visa Guide
- Visa Categories: Divided into Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 based on nationality.
- Group 1: Countries like Canada, USA, Australia, Brazil, EU.
- Automatic 90-day temporary visa on entry.
- Must leave for 72 hours after 90 days to renew stay (often no full wait required).
- Group 2: Countries like El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela.
- Entry without visa.
- Stay allowed for up to 30 days.
- Group 3: Countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, India.
- Visa required before entry from Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate.
- Visa grants 30 days stay.
Working in Costa Rica
- Work legally by obtaining permanent residency or a work permit as a highly skilled worker.
- Employers can apply for 1-year work permits if the position is not fillable by locals.
- Work permit steps: provisional visa, fingerprint registration, document submission.
- Highly skilled worker criteria: Bachelor’s degree+, relevant experience, in-demand field, work permit.
- Digital Nomad visa:
- Requires proof of $3,000 USD monthly income from abroad.
- Cost approx. $700 plus translation/fees.
🛬 Residency and Citizenship
- Pensionado Residency:
- Proof of $1,000 USD/month pension.
- Temporary residency for 3 years, then permanent option.
- Must prove income and reside physically in Costa Rica 4 months/year.
- Rentista Residency:
- Show $2,500 USD/month income for 2 years.
- Usually requires $60,000 USD in bank or employer letter guaranteeing income.
- Inversionista Residency:
- Invest $150,000 USD in real estate/business.
- Temporary residency, eligible for permanent after 3 years.
💼 Business in Costa Rica
- Foreigners can own property and businesses without residency.
- Non-residents with businesses can manage and withdraw profits but cannot work in roles locals can.
- Business registration costs approx. $1,000 USD (varies by type and legal fees).
- Additional fees: notary and licensing.
- Lawyer registers business with tax authority.
- Permits required from Ministerio de Salud and Municipality.
- Common business types:
- Sociedad Anónima (SA)
- Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL)
- Know business types for tax and operational implications.
- Corporate taxes are progressive; businesses serving only foreign clients may be tax-exempt.
📚 Helpful Resources
- Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington D.C.: useful information.
- Computrabajo Costa Rica (job site) – widely used by Costa Rican employers and expatriates seeking work.