Move To Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular destination for Americans looking to move abroad, with its beautiful natural scenery and laid-back lifestyle attracting many. However, in order to move to Costa Rica, there are a number of requirements that need to be met. In this article, we will take a look at what is required in order to move to Costa Rica, including a comprehensive description of each requirement and document and how to prepare each one.

Passport: The first requirement to move to Costa Rica is a valid passport. This must be valid for at least six months after the planned date of entry into Costa Rica. In order to obtain a passport, you will need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a passport-sized photo. It is also possible to renew a US passport from Costa Rica. US citizens can renew their passports by mail if they meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a passport that is not damaged and was issued within the last 15 years. The process involves filling out the appropriate form, submitting it along with the required documents and fee, and mailing everything to the US Department of State. It is recommended to check the current procedures and requirements on the US Department of State’s website, as they may change over time.

Visa: American citizens do not need to obtain a visa in order to enter Costa Rica. Tourists from the US are legally allowed to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days at a time. If you can work remotely online, a Digital Nomad visa may be of interest. This allows you to live in Costa Rica for a year at a time and can be renewed. However, if you are planning on moving to Costa Rica long-term you may wish to apply for a temporary residency visa. There are several types of residency visas available, including one for investors, pensioners and rentiers. Each of these has unique financial requirements and it is helpful to work with an immigration specialist or notary to fulfill them. 

Proof of Employment: If you are moving to Costa Rica as a Digital Nomad or as a specialized employee for a Costa Rican company, you will need to provide proof of employment, such as a letter from your employer or a contract.

Proof of Income: In order to obtain a pensioner, rentier or Digital Nomad residency visa, you will need to provide proof of income, such as bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents. This will show that you have the means to support yourself while in Costa Rica.

Criminal Background Check: A criminal background check is required for all people moving to Costa Rica. This will need to be obtained from your local police station and translated into Spanish.

Proof of Address: You will need to provide proof of your permanent address in Costa Rica, such as a lease agreement or utility bill.

In order to prepare each of these requirements, it is important to start the process well in advance of your planned move to Costa Rica. You should gather all the necessary documents and make sure that they are all in order before you leave your home country. You should also make sure that you have enough funds to support yourself while in Costa Rica, as well as to cover the costs of obtaining visas and other documents.

Moving to Costa Rica requires a number of important requirements to be met, including a valid passport, a visa, proof of employment, proof of income, a criminal background check and proof of address. By preparing each of these requirements in advance, you can ensure that your move to Costa Rica goes smoothly and without any complications.