Move To Costa Rica

How to Move to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a thriving expat community, attracting people from all over the world for its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and friendly people. Costa Rica considers tourism a major economic driver and the country has made it attractive for visitors to come as both vacationers and as immigrants for the longer term. Despite the ease of moving to Costa Rica compared to moving into other countries, there are still some legal guidelines and key processes to undertake if you are thinking about moving there. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the legal requirements of relocating.

Visas and Residency

Before you can move to Costa Rica, you need to determine what type of visa you will require. The most common visas are tourist visas, which allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days, and temporary residency visas, which allow you to stay for up to two years. If you are planning on staying in Costa Rica long-term, you will need to apply for permanent residency.

Tourist Visa: To enter Costa Rica as a tourist, you will need a valid passport and a return ticket. No advance visa is required for most nationalities. This option is the simplest. Many expats remain in Costa Rica as tourists long-term. However, in order to stay in the country legally you must physically leave and re-enter the country every 90 days, so for those who wish to build a life there, this becomes a tedious inconvenience. For others, who prefer to come and go, this is a suitable approach to move to Costa Rica.

Temporary Residency: There are a number of different temporary residency options to consider depending on your financial situation and life stage. These include residency as an investor, a pensioner, a rentier or a digital nomad. Each of these requires different levels of investment into the country and/or minimum monthly incomes. Temporary residents are not permitted employment in Costa Rica so it is important to establish income from your country of origin. Temporary residents are, however, permitted to own and operate  businesses in Costa Rica, so that may be another route to generating income. To apply for a temporary residency visa, you will need to provide at least the following documents (additional documents may be required depending on the residency you choose):

• A completed application form
• A passport-sized photo
• A valid passport
• Proof of income
• A police clearance certificate
• Proof of health insurance

Permanent Residency: To apply for permanent residency, you will need to have lived in Costa Rica for at least three years on a temporary residency visa. Permanent residents are allowed to seek employment in Costa Rica. Becoming a permanent resident is the next step to becoming a Costa Rican citizen. You will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form
• A passport-sized photo
• A valid passport
• Proof of income
• A police clearance certificate
• Proof of health insurance

Work Permits

Acquiring a work permit is another way to move to Costa Rica. This path is the most arduous as it requires a lot of paperwork and you must have a job offer from a Costa Rican company. People with highly specialized skills may be candidates for this approach. There are also some student work programs in Costa Rica that provide work permits. To apply for a work permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form
• A passport-sized photo
• A valid passport
• Proof of income
• A police clearance certificate
• Proof of health insurance
• A job offer letter from your employer in Costa Rica

Taxes

In Costa Rica, all residents are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income. This includes both income earned in the country and income earned abroad. The tax year in Costa Rica runs from December 1st to November 30th. If you earn more than $12,000 per year, you will need to file a tax return.

Drivers License

If you plan to drive in Costa Rica, you will need to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license. To obtain a driver’s license, you will need to pass a written test and a road test. If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you may be able to exchange it for a Costa Rican license.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Costa Rica. You can either purchase private health insurance or enroll in the public health insurance program known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).

In conclusion, moving to Costa Rica can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to understand the legal requirements before you go. Be sure to research the visa requirements, work permit requirements, tax laws, driver’s license requirements, and health insurance requirements before you make the move. Lastly, it is always recommended to work with a reputable law firm or notary when undertaking immigration to Costa Rica. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your transition to Costa Rica is smooth and stress-free.