Relocating
to Costa Rica
Why Move to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica consistently ranks among the happiest and most expat-friendly countries in the world. With pristine beaches, lush jungles, strong infrastructure, and excellent healthcare, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. The local culture values family, nature, and simplicity, a “Pura Vida” lifestyle that attracts people of all ages looking for balance and quality of life. Families enjoy a safe environment and great schools, retirees benefit from affordable living and world-class medical care, and digital nomads find fast internet, co-working spaces, and a welcoming international community.Top Questions Our Clients Ask About Moving to Costa Rica
We know the process firsthand and have helped dozens of families, retirees, and remote professionals do the same. Here are the questions we hear most, with straightforward, practical answers to help you plan with confidence.
Costa Rica offers several pathways, each with its own requirements:
- Pensionado. Lifetime pension of at least 1,000 USD per month.
- Rentista. Stable income of about 2,500 USD per month or a 60,000 USD deposit with a local bank.
- Inversionista. Minimum investment of 150,000 USD in real estate, a business, or approved projects.
- Digital Nomad Visa. Remote income from outside Costa Rica. Typically 3,000 USD per month for an individual or 4,000 USD for a family, plus health insurance.
- Officially: Working for a Costa Rican company requires the correct visa or work authorization. Many newcomers earn independently through remote work for foreign clients, investments, or owning a local business, while pursuing residency.
- In practice: Short-term, community-based projects are common, but once you have residency, you can pursue local work.
- Bottom line: You can work from Costa Rica; working for a local employer requires authorization.
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens, whether you live here full-time or not. Property can be purchased under your personal name or through a corporation (often an S.R.L. or S.A.) for easier management.
Costa Rica’s annual property tax rate is 0.25% of the registered value of the property — among the lowest in the world.
For example, a home valued at $400,000 pays about $1,000 per year. Property owners also pay a small municipal services fee (usually $100–$300 annually) for garbage and local maintenance.
Yes, your foreign license is valid for the length of your tourist visa (up to 180 days). Your drivers license renews every time your visa does. Once you have residency, you can easily exchange it for a Costa Rican license
Popular areas include Guanacaste’s beach towns (Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Nosara), the Central Valley (Atenas, Escazú, Santa Ana), and coastal regions like the Southern Zone (Jaco, Dominical, and Quepos).
Yes. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, with no army and a stable democracy. Petty theft can happen, so basic precautions apply.
Yes, but you’ll need to meet vaccination requirements, micro-chipping in some cases, and adhere to import rules.
Yes. Costa Rica is known for being family-oriented, safe, and nature-rich, with plenty of outdoor activities. In expat hubs you’ll find quality bilingual/international schools and affordable, reliable healthcare, making it an easy place for kids to thrive.
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