A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Costa Rica

Jump right in:

• Living in Costa Rica
• All you need to know about relocating to Costa Rica
• The guide to visa types & work permit requirements
• Working in Costa Rica
• Banks & Taxes in Costa Rica
• How to find a new home in Costa Rica
• Health insurance & the healthcare system of Costa Rica explained
• Education in Costa Rica

For many expats, life in this Costa Rica feels like a dream come true. Driving and public transportation options allows to spend their weekdays in rainforests and weekends on the beach. But there are still some pros and cons to living in the country. While Costa Rica is a tropical country the high temperature of 12-27°C (70-81°F) year-round, can feel oppressive at times.

In this practical guide we cover all the information about life in Costa Rica, such as pros & cons, practical information like emergency numbers and national holidays, we also discuss culture and social etiquette you should follow when living in the country. You should know locals do know some English, but showing that you have tried to learn Spanish will go a long way to helping you adapt to the community and showing locals that you are making an effort to fit in.

Furthermore, if you are planning to drive in Costa Rica you should be aware about their driving rules and know that you can only drive with your foreign license for a specific period of time. If you are staying longer that 180 days you will need to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license.

If you don't drive there are a lot of public transportation options in Costa Rica. You can use public buses, taxis, shuttles, and even domestic flights to navigate around the country.

Read our complete guide on life in Costa Rica

The process of relocating to Costa Rica is easy, but there are a few unique challenges that may catch expats off guard if they are not prepared.

For example, coming to this country with pets does not require a microchip or quarantine for your furry friend, but they will need vaccinations other than the standard rabies one. People, too, are also required to receive standard vaccinations before arriving in Costa Rica. This includes a rabies shot if you are from a country deemed as high-risk.

Other challenges expats should be aware of are that you will need to provide several forms of receipts and documents in order to claim items from customs. This includes documentation on the value of your car, should you wish to import it into the country.

Of course, you have a lot more questions as you begin your adventure abroad. Read on to help prepare for expat life in Costa Rica.

How do you get a Costa Rican visa or work permit? Depending on your circumstances, it may be difficult. If you’re a retiree looking to spend your Golden Years here, you should have no problem getting a visa as long as you plan to live only off your pension. If you are a working expat, you may have a harder time. In this country, most work opportunities for foreigners require a specific work permit, which can be granted under certain categories such as specialized skills or employer sponsorship.

Our visa & work permits guide will walk you through all you need to know about the Costa Rican visa application process. We cover the requirements for different visas, whether you are relocating to open a business, as a freelancer, or to buy a house. The country offers several types of visas foreigners can apply for, and the official application fees typically range from 30 to 50 USD. We also talk about the steps you can take towards permanent residency, and even citizenship, if you want.

Want to know more about finding a job in Costa Rica? This guide is the one for you.

Some tough news are that Costa Rican law dictates that local residents must be considered for jobs before foreigners. If a company makes an offer to an expat, they will have to prove that the foreigner was more qualified than any local candidate. Also keep in mind that if you are offered a job in Costa Rica, but not a work permit, it is do not accept the position. While working illegally does happen in Costa Rica, you risk considerable fines, deportation, and blacklisting if you are caught.

One way to get a job and a work permit in Costa Rica is by being a highly skilled worker. You should ideally have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; a master’s or higher is preferred for specialized roles.

In this guide we also cover information about minimum wages, self-employment, how to start a business in the country, social security and benefits you get while working in Costa Rica as well as details about maternity and paternity leave.

Read our complete guide about working in Costa Rica

If you’re planning to move to Costa Rica, you’ll want to learn about the banking and tax system here. You’ll find both private and state-run banks in Costa Rica. Each has pros and cons, and the choice comes down to your own personal preference.

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. If you choose a bank that does not permit non-residents to open an account, you can ask about opening a savings or basic account. These accounts typically do not come with an ATM or debit card.

When it comes to taxes expats do not pay taxes on foreign revenue. They’re only subject to income tax if they earn money from Costa Rican sources. Because it’s so difficult for foreigners to work in this country, many expats are either freelancers or retirees. The main taxes you will come across as a foreigner are property, sales, import, corporate, and income.

Read our complete guide about banks & taxes in Costa Rica

Finding accommodation in Costa Rica is a mixed picture for expats. It’s 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. Housing here varies widely in price; on average, you can expect to pay between 700 and 1,500 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city, and between 800 and 2,000 USD for a two-bedroom unit. The average price to purchase a house in Costa Rica is around 227,435 USD — with square meter costs averaging 1,777 USD in urban areas, depending on location and property type. The main document most foreigners will have to produce to secure a place is a valid passport.

Whether you want to know how to rent a house in Costa Rica for the short-term or you are looking for a second home in which to spend your retirement, our housing guide is the perfect reference to get you going. We cover such information as how to pay for utilities and even which countries can easily access their favorite TV shows.

The healthcare system and public health insurance in Costa Rica are considered among the best in Latin America.

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is frequently ranked among the best globally; the World Health Organization placed it 36th worldwide, and InterNations ranked it 29th in 2024.

Public health insurance in Costa Rica is available for residents and required for residency applicants, while tourists can access healthcare services but usually must pay for them out of pocket. In 2010, the government made it mandatory that all foreigners register with the public scheme in order to obtain residency. In turn, expats who contribute to the public system can access healthcare services at public facilities without additional cost at the point of care.

Many residents opt for private healthcare in addition to public coverage. This allows greater access to private facilities and the option to visit more specialists if needed.

Want to learn more? For more details, check out our full guide Costa Rica healthcare guide, will explain Costa Rica’s healthcare system and all you need to know to join either the public or private sector. We include what it is like giving birth in this country, how to find a doctor, and whether myths about Tico medical providers are true or not.

Expats who are moving here with children, or plan to start a family, will be happy with the level of schooling students receive starting from an early age. Public schools in the country are free; families only need to buy materials such as school supplies, books, and uniforms. Private schools are not free and the government does not offer scholarships to help subsidize costs. Both public and private schools must meet certain education standards set by the Ministerio de Educacion (Ministry of Education).

While sending your child to a local school may help them integrate to their new country, it can also have the adverse effect and make them feel like an outsider. This is especially true of older kids, who have a greater understanding of the friends and community they left behind, that's why considering an international school might be a good option.

Expats will also find plenty of childcare options in Costa Rica that are the equivalent of preschool and kindergarten. Costa Rica is one of the few countries around the world that requires two years of preschool in order for children to attend primary school.

We also cover information on higher education options in the country as well as language schools and their fees.

Read our complete guide about education in Costa Rica