Increasingly individuals from the U.S. and Canada are buying and selling winter boots for sandy toes and sunshine. The turquoise water and luxurious mountains of Costa Rica have a magical impact on foreigners seeking to begin a brand new life. It might begin as simply visiting Costa Rica, however many determine to make it extra everlasting. If you happen to’re contemplating shifting to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica from a overseas nation, this information has every part you could know.
The Fundamentals
Costa Rica has over 5 million individuals, with almost half one million expats. The nation is break up into seven areas, referred to as provinces, and most of the people reside within the Central Valley surrounding the capital, San Jose.
In contrast to another Central American nations, Costa Rica has a really excessive literacy price of 97.8%. The nation has an glorious training system, no military, and secure democracy that makes it the peaceable nation that it’s.
The unbelievable biodiversity of Costa Rica is one thing we by no means get sick of. Each space has its personal distinctive panorama and life-style to go along with it. The nation goals to guard this as a lot as attainable with its give attention to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Costa Rica is on a path to changing into carbon-neutral and exhibits different nations {that a} greener future is feasible.
Vacationers, retirees, and households all agree that Costa Rica is somewhat piece of paradise, and we positively concur! We love the laid-back life-style and might see why it’s one of many happiest locations on the earth.
Aerial View of Jaco, Costa Rica
The Climate
The temperate local weather in Costa Rica makes it one of many most snug year-round locations on the earth. Residents of the Central Valley not often have to fret about heating or air con, due to the excessive altitude of the Costa Rican mountains.
The golden seashores of Guanacaste, the Central Pacific, and the Southern Zone are at all times scorching with a definite wet season. Costa Ricans don’t name the wet season their “winter” as a result of it’s a far cry from what most American and Canadian expats are used to!
On the west coast, the nice and cozy and calm waters off the Pacific Coast imply that hurricanes aren’t a problem. The Caribbean coast is extra inclined to hurricanes, however they’re nonetheless unusual—the nation has solely had 18 recorded hurricanes up to now.
San Juanillo Seaside, Guanacaste
Value of Dwelling
How a lot does it price to reside in Costa Rica long run? Whereas the price of residing in Costa Rica is reasonably priced, it’s not the most affordable nation in Latin America. Relying in your life-style, you’ll be able to reside comfortably on US$2,000 monthly. Issues like meat and particular merchandise are fairly similar to prices in the USA. However, you’ll be able to at all times hold your grocery invoice low by shopping for contemporary native produce and fish from a market.
Lease costs differ from the capital metropolis to smaller communities however are typically a lot decrease than within the U.S. As an example, you’ll be able to lease a small condo in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, equivalent to in San Jose, for US$500 (US$119,000 to purchase it outright) or land a fairly good home on the seaside for US$700 (or US$165,000 to purchase it).
One factor is for positive, healthcare and dental work are considerably inexpensive. Getting access to reasonably priced healthcare is a most important driving issue for a lot of American expats in Costa Rica. Mixed with the secure authorities, the tropical climate, and the comparatively hassle-free residence packages for different expats, it’s no surprise the nation is as well-liked as it’s.
On the lookout for extra info on Costa Rica funds planning? Take a look at our full breakdown of the price of residing in Costa Rica
Engaged on the porch of our home in Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Security
An essential query is, ‘is Costa Rica protected to reside?’ In our travels, we’ve been to many locations the place security is consistently on the thoughts when exploring a metropolis or landmark. In Costa Rica, with a little bit of frequent sense and consciousness, issues are impressively protected. Outdoors of the capital metropolis of San José, crime is uncommon and is normally petty, even in well-liked vacationer locations. In truth, Costa Rica is taken into account to be the most peaceable nation in all of Central America.
Costa Rica has no military and focuses its federal funding on healthcare and training. Regardless of being a growing nation, Costa Rica is an inspiring instance of a forward-thinking and politically secure nation.
Nevertheless, if you’re in San Jose, you could be extra cautious. Crime has elevated in recent times, and U.S. residents and expats are frequent targets. Many of the crime has been associated to theft or different petty crime, and little of it has been violent, but it surely by no means hurts to be sensible. Keep away from leaving valuables in your automobile, don’t go strolling at evening when you don’t must, and solely change cash in monetary establishments.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tradition
If you happen to’ve ever learn something about Costa Rica, you’ve encountered the time period pura vida, or ‘pure life.’ It’s exhausting to explain precisely what the pura vida life-style means till you come right here and expertise it for your self. We’ve executed our greatest to sum it up, however what you really want to understand is that the native tradition could be very laid again. Issues transfer slowly right here and fairly frankly, that tempo is what makes Costa Rica so particular.
Pura Vida isn’t only a relaxed life-style, although. It means having fun with life, discovering pleasure and wonder within the small issues, and staying optimistic about what the longer term holds. It’s an expression, but it surely’s additionally an perspective and a lifestyle. Costa Rica’s persons are heat, welcoming, and pleasant.
Connectedness and Web
Like different facilities, web speeds differ throughout the nation and might vary from sloth-speed to 100mbps. Total, Costa Rica is a well-connected place with accessible web and 4G cell networks that many expats depend on for work.
Naturally, there are extra choices—together with fiber web—round main cities like San José and huge seaside cities like Jaco and Tamarindo. Some mountain and distant cities by the ocean nonetheless wrestle, however issues are progressing, and secure web is changing into extra frequent, whether or not you’re in a metropolis or a seaside city.
Oxana and Max engaged on a laptop computer.
Healthcare System
Costa Rica’s healthcare system is taken into account to be the most effective low-cost techniques on the earth. The common healthcare system (Caja or CCSS) is accessible to all everlasting residents with small month-to-month Caja funds based mostly on earnings. This offers residents entry to medical care at any of the 30 hospitals and 250 clinics all through Costa Rica. Nevertheless, the general public healthcare system is stretched fairly skinny, so lengthy wait instances and understaffed clinics are frequent.
Contemplating that, in our opinion, non-public well being care remains to be a lot better. We realized this primary hand after breaking my leg in a freak browsing accident (don’t fear, no sharks or riptides have been concerned). My expertise on the non-public hospital was far more snug than on the public one. After all, non-public services come at a worth so it’s essential to not make the error we did and have non-public medical insurance whereas in Costa Rica! Many expats go along with corporations like Blue Cross, however we suggest Security Wing!
As an expat residing in Costa Rica, you’ll discover that dental care is excellent right here too. Costs are affordable, and dentists are very properly skilled. If you happen to do determine to relocate to Costa Rica, you should purchase non-public insurance coverage particularly for expats that embrace medical and dental care.
Costa Rica can also be typically up-to-date on vaccinations. There are a number of which can be strongly really helpful, however not many which can be strictly required. If you happen to’re coming from South America or sub-Saharan Africa, then you definitely’ll be required to have a yellow fever vaccine. In any other case, vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, influenza, typhoid, rabies, measles, mumps, and rubella are all strongly inspired.
Oksana’s damaged leg in a solid. Nicoya Hospital, Costa Rica
High quality of Life
Dwelling in Costa Rica boasts a life expectancy of 80 years, one of many highest on the earth! The Nicoya Peninsula specifically is among the world’s 5 Blue Zones (and the one one in Central America) and is residence to 44 centenarians. A balanced weight loss program, lively life-style, and powerful relationships are attributed to this revered high quality of life.
A Blue Zone is an space the place the residents reside uncommonly lengthy lives, so individuals reside previous the age of 100 extra regularly. In Costa Rica, the Blue Zone consists of the cantons of Hojancho, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz, and Nicoya. These embrace many well-known seaside cities, equivalent to Tamarindo and Samara on the Pacific coast, however a lot of the oldest residents are from rural or mountain communities.
The weight loss program is usually pure and unprocessed, with excessive quantities of calcium and magnesium within the water. The life-style is one which encourages exhausting work, train, time open air, and spending time with family and friends.
Highway to Mal Pais, Nicoya Peninsula. Costa Rica
Visas
The necessities to maneuver to Costa Rica make for numerous methods for expats to get a visa. Most individuals begin with a vacationer visa and apply for residency as soon as they’ve settled on the place they need to reside.
Vacationer Visas
With vacationer visas, expats must do border runs each 90 days to exit the nation and re-enter Costa Rica. Despite the fact that hundreds of individuals have made this a part of their routine, it may be a bit inconvenient, in order that they’re extra handy when you solely plan to go to Costa Rica. If you happen to transfer to Costa Rica and determine you need to keep greater than 90 days, take into account changing into a authorized resident by means of one of many following methods.
Everlasting Residency
Pensionado
Expats who retire to Costa Rica can acquire non permanent residency with a pension of at the very least US$1000 monthly. The cash have to be transformed to Costa Rican Colones and your non permanent residency will final three years. After 3 years, you’ll be able to apply for everlasting residency.
Rentista
With a Rentista visa, expats should show that they’ll have US$2,500 monthly in earnings for two years. Typically, an expat will deposit the lump sum of US$60,000 right into a Costa Rican checking account. The financial institution will then write a letter stating that this whole covers the $2,500 for all 24 months. Alternatively, you’ll be able to submit a letter out of your employer stating that you just’ll earn at the very least US$2,500 month-to-month for the subsequent 2 years.
Inversionista
If you happen to plan to purchase a property or a enterprise while you transfer to Costa Rica, the Inversioista visa is likely to be the best choice. Expats who make investments US$200,000 in a enterprise or in actual property will get non permanent residency for 3 years. After 3 years, you’ll be able to apply to be a everlasting resident.
Digital Nomad
A Digital Nomad visa enables you to prolong a 90-day vacationer visa as much as a full 12 months, with the choice to resume it yearly, so long as you’ll be able to present proof of a secure web month-to-month earnings of US$3,000. Sturdy, dependable fiber optic web is even changing into extra frequent in smaller communities and seaside cities like Playa Avellanas. Even when you reside off the crushed path, it’s attainable so that you can have high-speed web with a secure connection. Due to this rising connectedness, Costa Rica is changing into a increasingly viable vacation spot for digital nomads.
Having a Youngster in Costa Rica
Along with the above strategies, having a baby in Costa Rica can also be an avenue for residency. Because of this when you obtain a start certificates, the dad and mom can turn into residents together with the kid. It’s one of many best and most cost-effective technique to acquire Costa Rican residency and a VERY well-liked alternative with expat households residing within the nation.
Shopping for Property in Costa Rica
After shifting to Costa Rica, you’ll in all probability fall in love with the tropical seashores and rainforests like we did and need to purchase property. The excellent news is that foreigners and locals have the identical property rights so you’ll be able to even purchase land with a vacationer visa, whether or not you intend being a short lived resident or a everlasting one.
Individuals of Costa Rica
As a result of there are such a lot of Europeans and People residing in Costa Rica, there’s a distinctive combine of individuals. In truth, solely 2.4% of the inhabitants are Indigenous Costa Ricans. There are plenty of expats, predominantly from North America, who name Costa Rica residence alongside the native ticos. Most Canadians and People shifting to Costa Rica are retirees, however the worldwide faculties appeal to many households too.
And, in fact, the wholesome life-style and world-class browsing invite younger adventurous varieties from throughout the globe.
Outdated publish workplace in San Jose, Costa Rica. Photograph courtesy of Pace of Life Excursions through Flickr CC
Faculties
In contrast to different vacationer locations, the training system in Costa Rica makes it a pretty alternative for expat households. The nation has a number of the greatest faculties in Latin America and places a big give attention to training and human growth. The most important focus of personal and worldwide faculties is within the Central Valley round San Jose.
If you happen to’re shifting to Costa Rica with household, the proximity to varsities might be an essential issue when selecting the place to reside. The American Worldwide Faculty and Nation Day Faculty are two well-liked worldwide faculties for youngsters north of San Jose. Outdoors of the Central Valley, there are numerous English-speaking non-public faculties scattered across the nation.
Language
Due to all of the expats and the sturdy tourism trade, Costa Rica has tons of English audio system. In most larger cities, you don’t want to know Spanish, however it’s best to nonetheless attempt to be taught. Talking Spanish is a good way to combine into the area people and make life simpler.
Studying Spanish with Duolingo
Getting a Job as an Expat
Jobs in Costa Rica for expats aren’t plentiful. Don’t count on to reach and choose up an expat job straight away. There’s loads of native expertise and it’s greatest to depart the roles for them. So, if you’re questioning, can I transfer to Costa Rica and nonetheless become profitable? After all!
Expats shifting to Costa Rica ought to discover methods to earn cash on-line, reside off retirement, or begin a enterprise right here. One of many causes that Costa Rica is such an expat hotspot is as a result of you’ll be able to begin a enterprise on a vacationer visa. This opens up the potential for loads of non-residential Costa Rica professionals to work in tourism or open a resort or restaurant.
Once we opened up our resort in Guanacaste in 2018, we bought first-hand expertise of what it’s prefer to open a enterprise outdoors of your private home nation. Even with the numerous challenges and complications, it’s been an incredible journey!
Lastly, it’s essential to notice that work permits may be exhausting to qualify for. Foreigners should show that they’re filling a place {that a} Costa Rican just isn’t certified for or is incapable of doing. To obtain the work allow, your employer should sponsor you, and the method is sluggish and full of paperwork!
Instructors and college students from Surf the Jungle Surf Camp. Photograph courtesy of Surf the Jungle Costa Rica
Shopping for a Automotive
Whereas public transportation is an choice in San José and different large cities within the nation, it’s not at all times dependable. Plus, you’ll absolutely need to discover all the wild locations the place buses don’t go. So, when you determine to maneuver to Costa Rica, you’ll in all probability need to purchase a automobile.
Shopping for a used automobile right here might be costly and never an incredible deal. Import duties are excessive. For instance, autos introduced in from the U.S. are taxed at 50-80% of the automobile’s worth. Most expats purchase a used, undervalued automobile within the US and ship it right down to Costa Rica. Older automobiles in good situation have a decrease “black e-book” worth and thus pay decrease import tax.
Importing an electrical automobile is a win-win. There are not any import taxes, there’s a country-wide community of charging stations, and you’ll be serving to to contribute to Costa Rica’s carbon-free imaginative and prescient for the longer term!
Deciding The place to Dwell in Costa Rica
The great thing about shifting to Costa Rica from Canada or the U.S. is that you just don’t must determine the place to reside straight away. You can also make your means across the nation by staying in several areas for a number of months at a time. Why not check out seaside city residing or see if a mountain city is asking your title.
An effective way to begin your relocation is with a analysis journey. You’ll be able to go to plenty of totally different areas, from cities to seashores—and seaside cities too. See the place you are feeling most snug and use this as a information to planning your transfer. Primarily based in your funds, the actions you love to do, and which conveniences are essential to you, every space will make its personal impression.
There’s nobody greatest place for expats to reside in Costa Rica as a result of there are such a lot of superb choices! However, remember that each location has its personal vibe and distinctive housing market. Some cities have booming expat communities whereas others are additional off the crushed path.
To assist slim down the alternatives, we put collectively a information to the perfect locations to reside in Costa Rica. It’s full of useful info for expats searching for some steerage on what Costa Rica’s cities are all about.
Shifting with Your Pets
It’s fairly probably that you just and your loved ones have a pet, and naturally you need to convey them with you while you transfer. Don’t you are concerned. It should take some preparation, however you gained’t have to depart them behind. For pets apart from canines and cats, they’ll must be thought of on a case by case foundation, and an import allow might be required.
For cats and canines, you’ll be able to journey with as much as 5 of them with out an import allow, as long as they aren’t unaccompanied. Unaccompanied pets require import permits regardless. Inside two weeks of arrival, any pets would require an examination by a licensed veterinarian, who will fill out the Veterinary Certificates for Costa Rica.
Canine and cats will have to be vaccinated for rabies. Canine will even want vaccines for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Cats require vaccines for viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, feline leukemia, and panleukopenia.
Shifting to Costa Rica
Shifting doesn’t must be sophisticated. You’ll be able to simply pack a number of luggage and fly down! Let’s face it, all you’ll actually need is a number of bathing fits and a few private objects anyway. Simply lease a home or an Airbnb and begin residing. You actually don’t want all of the furnishings and family items from again residence to begin your new Latin American life.
There are many outlets and different metropolis facilities the place you could find every part you’d want on your condo or home. Purchasing on the town is a good way to combine the kinds and supplies of Costa Rica into your residing house whereas supporting native companies. However, when you do determine to convey issues down, you’ll be able to load a container from your private home nation and ship it. Simply remember that import taxes for some objects may be fairly excessive.
If you happen to’re touring with furry buddies, there’s no want to fret about quarantine durations for pets. Canine and cats simply want a sound rabies vaccine inside 30 days of your departure. Likewise, getting a journey letter out of your vet stating that your pet is in good well being is at all times a good suggestion.
Recommendation on Methods to Transfer to Costa Rica
If you happen to’ve determined, “I need to transfer to Costa Rica!” and aren’t positive how one can go about it, simply begin with a visit. When you spend time within the native communities, you’ll get a really feel for the pura vida life-style and see if it’s for you. Vacationers flock to Costa Rica from everywhere in the world however residing here’s a choice that solely you can also make. Issues transfer slowly right here and also you’ll quickly discover out that pura vida is not only a saying!
Have unanswered questions on shifting to Costa Rica? Tell us within the feedback and we’ll fill you in