How can I move to Costa Rica legally?

Unless you're a first degree relative to a Costa Rican (through marriage or by having a baby in Costa Rica), you can't get permanent residency without first being a temporary resident for three years. After that period, you can apply to be a permanent resident and can work legally for Costa Rican companies.

Can a foreigner live in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica allows foreigners to buy real estate there, which is a rarity. Since property prices in the country are lower than in the US, many expats who plan to move to Costa Rica long-term chose to purchase a place of their own.

How much money do I need to move to Costa Rica?

Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. Most expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month.

How hard is it for a US citizen to move to Costa Rica?

Unless you secure your digital-nomad status foreigners cannot legally hold a job in Costa Rica without obtaining a work permit. This typically requires a lot of paperwork and a long wait time. Most people who relocate have money in the bank, a pension or other steady outside income.

How can I legally live in Costa Rica?

Moving To Costa Rica: An Attorney's Advice

How long does it take to become a legal resident of Costa Rica?

Permanent Residency Status

After two years of pensionado, rentista, or inversionista status, application can be made for permanent residency in Costa Rica. This is usually unrestricted, and working is permitted.

How do I become a Costa Rican citizen?

After 7 years living legally with a temporary or permanent residency visa, a foreigner may apply for citizenship by naturalization. Citizenship by naturalization gives the right to obtain the Costa Rican passport.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Costa Rica?

Moving to Costa Rica

To qualify, you need to prove that you receive at least $1,000 per month from Social Security or a pension. Another residency visa option is the rentista program, which requires you to show an income of $2,500 per month for two years or to make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank.

Why you shouldn't go to Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

What are the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica?

Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world, the roads are not among them. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.

Is it cheaper to live in Mexico or Costa Rica?

Both Costa Rica and Mexico will allow you enjoy a far lower cost of living. Mexico is a fairly clear winner in the cost of living category, though. Your social security check will allow you to live comfortably whatever lifestyle you're looking for. Eating out at restaurants and cafes is extremely affordable.

Can US citizens own property in Costa Rica?

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica? Yes. Non-residents of Costa Rica have the same rights as local citizens. You (or a corporation) can own property in Costa Rica.

Is healthcare free in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does have free public healthcare, but only for Costa Rican citizens who are most financially in need. This means that residents with a job and expats will have to pay for use of the public healthcare system (expats must provide proof of sufficient financial means in order to live in Costa Rica).

Can I open a bank account in Costa Rica?

Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in Costa Rica? Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Costa Rica, but it is not as easy as you may think. For starters, some banks allow non-residents to open an account, but with limitations. Other banks may not allow this until you can show proof of residency.

Can I buy a house in Costa Rica?

Can Americans buy property in Costa Rica? Absolutely! The great part about Costa Rica is that foreigners and locals have the same ownership rights when buying property. Foreigners can purchase property on a tourist visa without the need for residency or citizenship.

Are there drug cartels in Costa Rica?

Colombian and Mexican drug cartels, which have been using Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador as drug-trafficking transit points, have added Costa Rica, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Is Costa Rica safer than USA?

Central America (and Costa Rica) still have far higher homicide rates than the U.S., which itself has a far higher rate than Spain.

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

What are the dangers in Costa Rica?

Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Can I get health insurance in Costa Rica?

Private Healthcare in Costa Rica

Under Costa Rica's private healthcare system, it is also possible to pay in cash for treatment at private facilities. Private healthcare insurance plans are available through the government-owned insurance company INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros).

Is Medicare used in Costa Rica?

No, Medicare's coverage does not extend abroad. Coverage is provided only in the US. Only option is to purchase an international insurance plan or a travel insurance policy that covers medical care in Costa Rica.

Do you have to speak Spanish to live in Costa Rica?

Do I need to be able to speak Spanish to get by in Costa Rica? Speaking Spanish is definitely a plus when you are conversing with Ticos, but it is not required. Many Ticos speak English.

How do I get a long term visa for Costa Rica?