How to Move to Costa Rica: Full Guide (2025)


Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

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

↑ Back to Top


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *