Relocating to Costa Rica? FAQs and Answers

Consistently ranked one of the happiest, greenest and healthiest places on Earth, it’s no wonder Costa Rica has evolved into one of the world’s top vacation and retirement destinations. Drawn by the country’s verdant landscapes, low cost of living, pleasant weather and first-rate health care system, expatriates (expats) have settled in droves, embracing the pura vida lifestyle.  If you’re thinking about permanently relocating to paradise, it’s wise to test out your potential home first. As they say, it’s wise to try before you buy, and there’s no shortage of vacation rentals in desirable spots like Jaco, Tamarindo, and the San Jose metropolitan area.  The following are some frequently asked questions about living in Costa Rica; we hope you find them helpful!

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1. What are Costa Rica’s most popular retirement locations? Thanks to its enviable Spring-like weather, which eliminates the need for air conditioning, the Central Valley is the definite winner. Atenas, situated on the western edge of the valley, has one of the largest enclaves of American and Canadian retirees, and is praised for its blissful climate (the world’s best, says National Geographic!). Grecia, slightly cooler than Atenas, is another popular town, as are Escazu and Santa Ana – both suburbs of San Jose. Beach lovers typically beeline for Tamarindo and Jaco, renowned for their epic surf, modern amenities and wide range of housing options.

2. How easy is it to get residency? These days, with the help of a skilled immigration lawyer, most folks can qualify for one of four categories of residency in Costa Rica: pensionado (retiree), rentista (annuity), inversionista (investor), or those given to executives and scientists who possess special work-related skills. Additionally, temporary residency can be secured through marriage to a Costa Rican national, or having a child in the country.

3. Is there access to quality health care? Costa Rica has a model health care system, rated one of the best in Latin America and among the world’s top 20.  Residents have access to both the public hospitals and private facilities, which are staffed with highly-trained, bilingual specialists. Clinica Catolica, CIMA and Clinica Biblica are some of the nation’s best private hospitals and are affiliated with U.S. facilities. And costs for medical care are generally 1/3 to 1/2 less than that in the States.

   

4. Can I stay as a tourist? If you hail from the United States or Canada, you’re welcome to stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days, at which time you can leave the country for 2-3 days and return for another 3 months. Since perpetual tourism is largely frowned upon, prospective residents should invest the time and money into securing temporary residency, which eliminates this hassle. After three years as a temporary resident, you’ll then qualify for permanent residency.

5. Should I ship my stuff down or buy new? That is largely a personal decision, depending on the sentimental value placed on your belongings. Rest assured, you can furnish an entire household with flair in Costa Rica, though the selection of furniture, appliances and finishes may not be as expansive. Plenty of companies will ship your entire household for you, but this may prove a lengthy and somewhat expensive undertaking.