How do I move to Costa Rica permanently?

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.

How easy is it to move to Costa Rica?

It is easy because foreigners have all the same rights as local residents when it comes to renting or buying a house. The difficulty comes from competing with all the other expats for your perfect tropical home. There is no limit to the type of house non-residents can rent or buy in Costa Rica.

How much does it cost to immigrate to Costa Rica?

The magazine states that “a single person can live on between $1,400 and $1,700 a month” while “many retired couples live well on $2,000 per month and even better on $2,500 to $3,000.” Of course, the cost of living varies depending on lifestyle choices.

Can a US citizen move to Costa Rica?

The first step in gaining Costa Rican residency is to apply for a temporary residence in Costa Rica. There are a few options for applying for it; one that is most popular among US citizens moving to Costa Rica is to apply based on your willingness to retire in the country.

Is it realistic to move to Costa Rica?

With its gorgeous climate and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, Costa Rica is perfect for maintaining a healthy way of life. And as an expat moving to Costa Rica, you'll be surprised at the high standard of private hospitals. You'll get world-class treatment for a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.

How to move to Costa Rica - Top Tips From A Costa Rica Expat

Can I collect Social Security and live in Costa Rica?

If you are a U.S. citizen and qualify for Social Security retirement, family, survivor or disability benefits, you can receive your payments while living in most other countries.

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.

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.

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).

How long can a US citizen stay in Costa Rica?

US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. As a tourist US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days. For a stay longer than 90 days a residence permit must be established.

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.

How safe is Costa Rica to live?

In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries when it comes to overall peace. It is considered the safest country to live in Central America, however, it is still a Third World country, as the poor outnumber the middle class and the rich.

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.

Do they speak English in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica: it's also the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Other languages spoken are English, Creole, and some Indian languages. All official business and major newspapers are in Spanish, whereas English is widely used in areas frequented by tourists.

Why are expats leaving Costa Rica?

Feeling homesick and missing family while living abroad. The increasing crime rate in Costa Rica. Coping with negativity coming from the expat community. Adjusting to the extreme climate, unstable infrastructure, and cultural/lifestyle differences.

Can I use Medicare 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. Or simply pay in cash for your medical care, which is much less expensive than in the US.

When should I avoid Costa Rica?

Avoid the peak rainy season, September and October, unless you're visiting the Caribbean coast. Avoid the weeks around Christmas, New Years, and Easter, especially if you're on a budget or don't like crowds.

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 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.

Where do most expats live in Costa Rica?

The most popular expat places here would be Playa Herradura, where there is a large upscale development called Los Sueños, Playa Jaco, Esterillos, and down the coast to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The Central Pacific coast is the most established in the country.

What part of Costa Rica do most Americans live?

The Central Pacific Coast stretches from Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio. The most popular expat places here would be Playa Herradura, where there is a large upscale development called Los Sueños, Playa Jaco, Esterillos, and down the coast to Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

Is buying property in Costa Rica a good idea?

Costa Rica is a beautiful country where buying real estate can be a really good investment, usually, property sells for a fraction of what it would cost you in the United States for something similar; property taxes are reasonable and whether you live here permanently or vacation occasionally the country has a lot to ...

Can you live on $1000 a month in 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.