Costa Rica, with its beautiful landscapes, affordable cost of living, and peaceful lifestyle, has become a top choice for foreigners seeking residency. Obtaining residency in Costa Rica offers several benefits, from easy access to the country’s high-quality healthcare system to tax incentives and a relaxed pace of life.

There are three main ways to gain residency in Costa Rica, each designed for different types of expats: retirees, investors, and those with independent income.

Your Three Options for Residency in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers three primary pathways to residency, which cater to a wide range of people based on their financial means and long-term plans.

1. Rentista Visa

The Rentista Visa is perfect for individuals who have a steady income stream but aren’t yet retirees.

Requirements:

• You must show proof of at least USD 2,500 in monthly income for the next 24 months.
• Alternatively, you can deposit USD 60,000 in a Costa Rican bank to guarantee financial solvency over this period.

This visa is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, or entrepreneurs with steady income from foreign sources who wish to live in Costa Rica without taking employment within the country.

2. Pensionado Visa

For retirees, the Pensionado Visa offers a straightforward route to residency in Costa Rica.

Requirements:

• You must have a monthly pension of at least USD 1,000 that is guaranteed for life.
• This can be from government social security, a private pension, or another retirement fund.

This option is particularly popular with retirees from the United States and Europe, offering a low financial entry point to living in Costa Rica’s paradise.

3. Investor Visa

The Investor Visa is geared toward individuals looking to make a significant financial commitment to Costa Rica.

Requirements:

• You must invest a minimum of USD 150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, a business, or shares in a local company. Real estate investment is a common choice, with many expats purchasing vacation homes or rental properties.

This visa is ideal for individuals seeking to profit from Costa Rica’s booming real estate market or entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in its tourism or agriculture sectors.

Residency Application Process

While the requirements for each visa vary, the steps to apply for residency in Costa Rica are generally similar:

1. Gather Required Documentation: You will need to submit proof of income (bank statements, pension certificates, etc.), a criminal background check, passport copies, and marriage or birth certificates, if applicable. At Work, Wealth and Travel, we assist in the documentation collection process, and guide you through the proper documents needed.

2. Submit Your Application: We submit your application swiftly to the proper government offices. Applications are currently being approved within 10 months.

3. Approval and Temporary Residency: Once your residency is approved, you’ll be granted temporary residency for two years After this, your residency can be renewed. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency.

4. Residence Requirements: To maintain residency, you must spend a recommended three to four months per year living in Costa Rica. This flexibility makes Costa Rica a great option for those looking to split their time between multiple countries.

The Benefits of Living in Costa Rica

Gaining residency in Costa Rica not only grants you legal permission to live in the country but also opens the door to a range of lifestyle perks.

1. Natural Beauty and Adventure

Costa Rica’s reputation as an ecological haven is well-deserved. The country is famous for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and a wealth of national parks. Residents can explore Arenal Volcano, surf at world-class beaches like Tamarindo, or take part in wildlife conservation efforts in the Osa Peninsula. Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of things to do in this biodiverse paradise.

2. A Welcoming Expat Community

Costa Rica is known for its warm and friendly local population, the Ticos, who live by the pura vida lifestyle—meaning “pure life” in Spanish. Expats find it easy to settle in Costa Rica, particularly in popular expat-friendly regions like Atenas, Escazú, and the Nicoya Peninsula.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

One of the biggest advantages of living in Costa Rica is the relatively low cost of living. While certain areas such as San José or expat-heavy towns like Jaco may be more expensive, it’s entirely possible to live comfortably on a budget in other regions. On average, a couple can live comfortably on USD 2,000 to USD 3,000 per month, which includes rent, groceries, and entertainment.

Housing Costs: Rent for a basic apartment starts at around USD 500 per month in smaller towns. In rural areas or local neighborhoods, property prices are significantly lower compared to the U.S. or Europe.

Groceries and Services: Food and household items are reasonably priced, particularly if you shop at local markets. Healthcare is also affordable, whether you choose private health insurance or enroll in Caja, the public healthcare system.

4. High-Quality Healthcare

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is well-respected internationally, offering both public and private options. Expats can either use the Caja public healthcare system or opt for private healthcare plans, both of which are much more affordable compared to the U.S. Costa Rican hospitals and clinics provide excellent care, with many doctors trained in the U.S. or Europe.

5. A Pathway to Citizenship

Once you live and spend time in Costa Rica on an annual basis, you can become eligible for citizenship in 7 years time. There are various requirements to qualify, and you can reach out to us for assistance in this process.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Residency?

Costa Rica’s combination of natural beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and low living costs make it one of the top destinations for expats worldwide. The residency options provide flexibility for various types of residents—whether you’re a retiree looking for a peaceful retirement, an entrepreneur, or someone with passive income. Costa Rica’s stable political environment, high quality of life, and friendly culture make it a perfect destination for anyone seeking a change of pace.

Conclusion

Obtaining residency in Costa Rica is an accessible and rewarding process for many expats. Whether you choose the Rentista Visa, Pensionado Visa, or Investor Visa, you’ll be able to enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes, friendly locals, and affordable living.

By taking advantage of one of Costa Rica’s residency programs, you can make this Central American paradise your home and begin a new chapter of life surrounded by nature and adventure.

Reach out to us today to get your residency process underway.