Costa Rica Archives - Expat Focus

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 efforts to eco-friendly living options, Costa Rica offers a quality of life that aligns with a

Costa Rica – Eye Care

Eye care in Costa Rica is provided by a combination of public and private services. The public Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) offers coverage to contributing residents, but the majority of routine optical services are handled through private providers.

Costa Rica – End of Life Issues

Among Latin American nations, Costa Rica stands out for the maturity of its end-of-life care infrastructure, having woven palliative care into the fabric of its public health insurance system — the CCSS — since the early 1990s. When a death

Costa Rica – Air Travel

Costa Rica’s air travel landscape centres on two international gateways — Juan Santamaría (SJO) outside San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia — both offering solid connections to destinations across North America and Europe. On the domestic side,

Costa Rica – Landlines and Mobile Phones

Costa Rica boasts a telecommunications infrastructure that stands out as one of the most developed in the region. The country operates under a single national code (+506), uses eight-digit phone numbers throughout, and has no regional area codes. Three principal

Costa Rica – Visas

Costa Rica opens its doors to visitors from around the globe, with nationals of many countries permitted to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 or 180 days. For those planning to settle permanently, the country provides

Costa Rica – Selling Property

For foreign nationals looking to sell property in Costa Rica, the legal process is accessible and places them on equal standing with local citizens. Every sale must be formalised through a licensed Notary Public and entered into the National Registry.

Costa Rica – Buying Property

Foreign nationals are entitled to purchase and hold property in Costa Rica on essentially the same basis as local citizens — no special permit, residency status, or visa category is required. The primary restriction concerns beachfront land falling within the

Costa Rica – Work Permits and Working Legally

Foreign nationals wishing to work in Costa Rica must generally hold both a valid work permit and an appropriate temporary residence status. The employer bears primary responsibility for driving the permit application forward, although the employee must contribute essential personal

Costa Rica – Veterinary Care

Costa Rica boasts a veterinary sector that is among the most developed in Central America, featuring a recognised licensing body, accredited university programmes, and facilities ranging from neighbourhood clinics to advanced specialist centres. Pet owners settling in the country will