Costa Rica
Rentista & Pensionado visas
Costa Rica's Pura Vida lifestyle, territorial tax system, and straightforward residency programs make it a top destination for retirees and remote workers seeking a tropical base in the Americas.
Our framework evaluates Costa Rica across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
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Immigration Overview
Costa Rica has been attracting American and Canadian expats for decades, and for good reason. The country abolished its military in 1948 and redirected those funds to education and healthcare, resulting in a stable democracy with excellent public services. Add in tropical beaches, cloud forests, and a culture that genuinely values "Pura Vida" (the good life), and you have a compelling package.
The immigration system is designed to welcome retirees, remote workers, and investors. With a territorial tax system (foreign income is not taxed), affordable private healthcare, and an established expat infrastructure, Costa Rica offers a proven path for those looking to relocate to Central America.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Pensionado Visa
For retirees with pension or retirement income
- $1,000/month minimum pension income
- 2 year temporary residence (renewable)
- After 3 years, apply for permanent residence
- Includes spouse and dependents under 25
Rentista Visa
For those with stable passive or investment income
- $2,500/month proven income for 2 years
- Or $60,000 deposited in Costa Rican bank
- 2 year temporary residence (renewable)
- Path to permanent residence after 3 years
Inversionista Visa
For investors in Costa Rican businesses or real estate
- $150,000 minimum investment
- Can be real estate, business, or securities
- 2 year temporary residence
- Direct path to permanent residence
Costa Rican Nationality
After 7 years of legal residence (5 for some nationalities)
- 7 years standard (5 years for Spaniards, Latin Americans)
- Basic Spanish language proficiency
- Civics and history exam
- Costa Rica allows dual citizenship
Why Costa Rica?
Pura Vida Lifestyle
A genuine culture of happiness, community, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. It's not just marketing.
Territorial Taxation
Only Costa Rican-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income, including remote work for US clients, is tax-free.
Quality Healthcare
Excellent public healthcare (CAJA) for residents, plus affordable private options. Medical tourism destination.
Eco-Paradise
99% renewable energy. 5% of world's biodiversity. Cloud forests, beaches, and volcanoes in a Connecticut-sized country.
Proximity to US
2-4 hour flights to major US cities. Same timezone as Central US. Easy to maintain US ties.
Established Expat Community
Large American expat communities in Central Valley, Guanacaste, and Southern Zone. English widely spoken in expat areas.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Costa Rican residence:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Authenticated and apostilled police clearance from home country
- Proof of income (pension statements, bank letters, or deposit confirmation)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- Consular registration in Costa Rica
- Application filed with Costa Rican immigration (DGME)
All documents must be translated to Spanish by an official translator. The process typically takes 3-6 months. Many expats use an immigration attorney (tramitador) to navigate the paperwork.
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