The 2025 Expat Guide for Moving to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and relaxed spirit of “pura vida.” It’s no surprise people are moving there for adventure, remote work, business opportunities, or retirement. This paradise offers a safe, affordable, and comfortable environment for anyone seeking a fresh start.

Costa Rica’s friendly people and love for nature and wellness make newcomers feel right at home. If you’re thinking of moving to Costa Rica in 2025, this Remitly guide covers updated visa requirements, housing, living costs, and day-to-day life.

Why move to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is known for its tropical beaches, volcanoes, and mountains.

Beyond its natural beauty, the country is famous for its welcoming locals, called Ticos. They live their lives by the deeply ingrained motto of “pura vida,” which translates to “pure life” or “simple life.” Ticos prioritize a positive, stress-free, and simple way of living.

This positive culture helps Costa Rica rank as the sixth happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.

Benefits for expats

Lower cost of living: Many expats find that life in Costa Rica is more affordable than in the US or Canada, particularly when it comes to things like healthcare and daily expenses.
Healthcare: Costa Rica has a good public healthcare system called the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Private clinics are also available for faster service and specialized care.
Safe and peaceful: The country is politically stable and generally safe, making it a good choice for families and retirees.
Outdoor fun: You can engage in outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring forests. Over 25% of the country’s land is protected.

Visa and residency options for moving to Costa Rica

Temporary residency

Temporary residency permits are for people who want to live in Costa Rica long-term, with the option to apply for permanent residency later. Common types include:

Retiree (“Pensionado”) visa: For individuals with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month
Person of independent means (“Rentista”) visa: For people who can demonstrate a stable income of at least $2,500 USD per month for two years, or make a $60,000 USD deposit in a Costa Rican bank to be withdrawn over two years.
Investor (“Inversionista”) visa: For individuals investing a minimum of $150,000 USD in a Costa Rican business or property
Spouse of a Costa Rican citizen: If you’re married to a Costa Rican citizen, you can apply for temporary residency. You’ll need to show proof of marriage and other documents.

To apply, gather the required documents and submit a visa request letter with your:

Background check clearance
Proof of income
Application fee (currently $50 USD) payment receipt

Application process:

Once your documents are ready, make an appointment through Costa Rica’s immigration office (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). If approved, you’ll receive a temporary resident ID that lasts up to two years and can be renewed annually.

Permanent residency

You can apply for permanent residency after maintaining temporary residency for at least three consecutive years without interruptions.

Steps to apply:

Gather the required documents:

Valid passport and copies of all pages
Valid temporary residency permit and proof of continuous renewal
Police clearance certificate from Costa Rica and your country of origin, if not already submitted
Three recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of income or investment, depending on your situation
Applicable government fee payment receipt

Submit your application:

Submit your application to the Costa Rican immigration office. Bear in mind that processing times can vary. After seven years of legal residency, you can apply for Costa Rican citizenship through naturalization.

Digital nomad visa

This is a relatively new visa for remote workers and freelancers moving to Costa Rica to live and work. Key requirements include:

Proof of income: Bank statements or an employment contract showing that you earn at least $3,000 per month, or $4,000 if you’re bringing your family. This must have been consistent for the past 12 months.
Remote job proof: A letter confirming that you work remotely for a company or client outside Costa Rica
Health insurance: This must include medical emergencies and other health needs

Valid passport
Clean criminal record
Proof of relationship (for dependents)
Proof of accommodation
$125 visa deposit

Application process:

Apply online and upload your documents. If your nationality requires a visa to enter Costa Rica, you need to apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country after submitting the online application.

Review of your application can take 14 days. If approved, you’ll have three months to complete the process in Costa Rica:

Book an appointment for your residence permit with biometric data.
Bring the same application documents to the appointment.
Pay the residence and immigration fees to get your temporary permit.

Cost of living in Costa Rica

The cost of living in Costa Rica as an expat can be more affordable than in the US or Canada, but it varies by location and lifestyle.

Housing costs

These approximate prices give you an idea of what you can expect in different locations

Location	1-bedroom apartment	2-bedroom apartment
San Jose	$360-740 USD/month	$800-2,000 USD/month
Tamarindo	$900-1,100 USD/month	$800-2,000 USD/month
Nosara	$700-1,500 USD/month	$1,000-2,500 USD/month

Tips for affordable housing:

Engage with local Costa Rica real estate agents who can help you find suitable rental properties in smaller towns or rural areas.
Join Facebook groups and expat forums, where members regularly share housing leads.
Consider short-term rentals initially to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.

Monthly expenses

The total approximate estimates in USD for monthly expenses include:

Expense category	Single person (urban)	Single person (small town)	Family of four (urban)	Family of four (small town)
Utilities and internet	$165	$80-120	$150-250	$120-180
Groceries (milk, bread, rice, eggs, apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and water)	$25	$15-25	$50-100	$40-80
Transportation (monthly pass)	$50	$30-50	$100-150	$100-200
Healthcare	$60-75	$40-60	$80-100	$60-80
Dining and leisure (mid-range meal)	$10	$7-9	$20-40	$15-30

Note: These numbers are estimates. Actual costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending choices.

Relocation costs

When figuring out how to move to Costa Rica in 2025, there will be various relocation costs to take into account:

Shipping household goods from the US to Costa Rica could cost about $2,300 to $4,800 USD for a 20-foot container and $3,600 to $6,700 USD for a 40-foot container, depending on where you’re shipping from.
The price of shipping a vehicle to Costa Rica could cost between $1,000 and $3,500 USD, depending on several variables such as vehicle size, weight, and shipping method. Vehicle import taxes vary, but can range between 50-80% of the car’s value.
You can import up to $500 USD worth of certain personal items every six months. However, goods shipped as part of a relocation are subject to duties. Consult licensed customs brokers to estimate taxes and ensure your shipment meets local regulations.
Companies like Allied or Sirelo offer packing, shipping, and customs for door-to-door moves. Prices vary, so it’s wise to compare quotes.

Setting up life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a variety of expat-friendly locales:

Heredia: Heredia is located in the central valley and has a pleasant climate. It offers a good mix of city conveniences and a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for families and retirees.
Escazu: Escazu is an upscale suburb of San Jose, popular among expats for its modern infrastructure, shopping centers, and international schools.
Manuel Antonio: This area offers stunning beaches and a vibrant expat community, offering a blend of natural beauty and social engagement.

Banking made easy

Both residents and non-residents can open a bank account in Costa Rica:

Residents: Provide a valid passport or residency card, proof of address, and an initial deposit, which differs depending on the bank.
Non-residents: Banks like Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) allow non-residents to open accounts with a valid passport and a local phone number. These accounts may have restrictions on monthly transactions or transfers.

For international money transfers, use services like Remitly for secure and low transfer fees to Costa Rica.

Navigating transportation

Foreigners are permitted to drive in Costa Rica for up to 90 days with a valid driver’s license from their home country and their passport. After that, you must have legal residency to obtain a Costa Rican license, which requires a medical exam.

Public transportation:

Buses: The primary mode of public transport, connecting cities and rural areas. Buses are an affordable way to get around.
Taxis: Red taxis are government-authorized and metered. They provide reliable service in urban areas.
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber operate in certain regions, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. They are not formally regulated.

Life in Costa Rica

Healthcare

Costa Rica offers a dual healthcare system:

Public healthcare offers low-cost healthcare through its Social Security Fund, funded by payroll taxes. Expats with legal residency are required to join by paying a monthly fee based on income.
Many expats choose private healthcare for faster service and greater comfort.

Education options:

Public schools: Public schools are free for residents. They teach primarily in Spanish and follow the national curriculum.
Private schools: Many offer classes in English and Spanish and teach a wide range of subjects. Tuition costs may be lower compared to international standards, ranging from $300 USD to $1200 USD per month.
International schools: Popular in San Jose and other expat hubs. They follow American, British, and international education programs.

Private and international schools often have waitlists, so plan ahead.

Community and culture:

There are various local customs and a community-oriented lifestyle to embrace in Costa Rica:

La Feria: Weekly farmers markets held in various towns, where you can buy handmade goods, fresh produce, and connect with locals.
Sodas: Small family-owned restaurants offering traditional dishes at low prices.
Popular traditions and holidays: Costa Ricans celebrate Independence Day on September 15. There are also national festivals like Fiestas Palmares.

Things to do in Costa Rica

Tamarindo beach is great for surfing, while Samara offers a quiet, family-friendly vibe. On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo blends culture with coral reefs. Guanacaste has white sand beaches and luxury resorts.

Costa Rica’s national parks highlight its incredible wildlife and scenery. Manuel Antonio Park has beaches, wildlife, and jungle trails. Tortuguero is a spot for sea turtle nesting, and Arenal Volcano National Park offers great hikes and natural hot springs.

Cultural experiences:

Teatro Nacional Costa Rica: This theater, located in San Jose, hosts ballets, opera, and concerts in a grand, old building.
Local festivals: Enjoy lively events like the Fiesta de Palmares in January, with music, food, and traditional dancing. Other holidays include Oxcart Drivers Day (Día de los Boyeros) and carnival festivities.

Outdoor activities and adventure:

Take coffee tours in the cloud forest of Monteverde to learn about the country’s coffee production.
Explore breathtaking waterfalls such as La Fortuna Falls.
Enjoy ziplining through rainforest canopies.
Surf world-class waves along the Pacific Coast.

Common challenges for expats in Costa Rica

Language barrier:

Many Costa Ricans speak English, but learning basic Spanish makes daily life easier. Learning simple phrases can help you with shopping, healthcare, and making friends.

Safety tips:

Costa Rica is safe, but petty crime can happen. To stay safe:

Live in secure neighborhoods.
Don’t display valuable belongings in public.
Use trusted transportation options and avoid isolated areas at night.

Employment for expats

Finding a job could be more challenging if you don’t speak fluent Spanish or lack a resident permit. Many expats work remotely or start a business:

Remote work: You can work online for companies outside Costa Rica with a digital nomad visa
Starting a business: There are good business opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and tech.

Bureaucracy

Paperwork can be time-consuming, and delays may occur. Try to ensure you have all the documents you need.

Tips for a smooth transition in Costa Rica

Prepare essential documents:

Before moving to Costa Rica, gather all essential documents like a valid passport, medical records, and any birth or marriage certificates. Keep digital and paper copies for backup.

Join expat communities:

Join Facebook groups like Expats in Costa Rica or visit online forums to ask questions and get tips. These groups offer invaluable advice that can help you adapt to life in Costa Rica.

Visit before moving:

If possible, consider taking a short trip to Costa Rica to explore different areas and check out housing before moving permanently.

Final takeaway

Moving to Costa Rica offers the chance to enjoy beautiful nature, a lower cost of living, and a relaxed lifestyle. This guide can get you started, from visas and healthcare to finding a home and adjusting to local life.

One of the first steps in settling comfortably is managing your finances. With Remitly, you can securely and affordably send money to Costa Rica to cover initial housing and daily expenses, and even help loved ones back home.

FAQs

Is it easy for US and Canadian citizens to find a job in Costa Rica?

Not always. Finding a local job can be challenging for those without specialized skills and who cannot speak Spanish fluently. Many expats work remotely for companies outside Costa Rica, or start their own business.

Is it necessary to learn Spanish before moving to Costa Rica?

While many people speak English in the country, learning basic Spanish is very helpful for daily life. This makes it easier to communicate and connect with locals.

Can I buy property in Costa Rica as a foreigner?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Costa Rica. Legal foreign nationals usually have similar rights to locals, making owning land or a home straightforward.