Your life in Costa Rica starts here
Make your move to Costa Rica
Rainforests, volcanoes and two coastlines come with a territorial tax system that leaves foreign income alone. A dedicated retirement route offers a way in, and living costs stay manageable.
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Photo: Isabelle Currie / Pexels
At a glance
Costa Rica, in brief.
How Costa Rica compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Costa Rica ranks among the best for visa ease (5th of 81) and property affordability (22nd of 75) and tax friendliness (27th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Higher risk
- Climate
- Warm (~22°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Established
Pensionado ($1,000/mo pension)
Territorial: foreign income untaxed
Life in Costa Rica
Mike White, Founder of The Happy Rollers (helping people move to Costa Rica so they can experience the same incredible country as I do every day).Where, when and…
Health insurance in Costa Rica
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Costa Rica, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Costa Rica into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Costa Rica.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Costa Rica moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Costa Rica
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Costa Rica share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Costa Rica stories
- Grecia
Doron Nadivi
Doron Nadivi, Chief Commercial Officer of Pruvo.Where, when and why did you move abroad?In October 2013, U moved to Costa Rica because…
- Grecia
Debbie Rudd
I am Debbie Rudd and I am about to turn 70 in a few weeks. I came here at age 63 from…
- San Jose
Sarah
Hi! My name is Sarah. I am originally from Boston. I run a Costa Rica budget travel blog for a living.When I’m…
Fresh from Costa Rica
Latest articles.
Eco-Living in Paradise: Why Retiree Expats are Flocking to Costa Rica
Costa Rica, with its spectacular natural landscapes and renowned commitment to sustainability, has become a highly sought-after destination for retiree expats. From its conservation…
How To Open A Bank Account In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is regularly voted as one of the world’s happiest countries, so it’s no surprise that many expats are choosing to settle down…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In Costa Rica
Famous for its relaxed way of life and smiling locals, Costa Rica is a popular destination for expats. It regularly ranks as one of…
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