Entry and visa requirements

U.S, Canadian and citizens of most European countries will be issued a 90 day visa upon arrival in Costa Rica. To extend visitors must leave the country at any official border crossing.  Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days following date of entry and you may be asked to show a return ticket.

There are special programs available for those wishing to retire in Costa Rica.  Review the Costa Rica retirement section below.

Residency

Residency requirements and features change periodically and there can be significant delays in processing new applications.  At the time or writing, the application process under the Rentista program requires proof of US$1,000 per month for a single individual ($2,000 if applying jointly with a spouse), or, under the Inversionista program, an investment of at least US$50,000 in high- priority projects such as tourism, $100,000 in reforestation or $200,000 in any other business.

Applicants are required to supply a police certificate of good conduct from the country of last residence authenticated by the Costa Rican Consular office, an Interpol background check carried out in Costa Rica by the Minsitry of Public Security and a certified birth certificate.

Retirement program

Established in 1964, Costa Rica’s retirement residency program is one of the longest running in the region. Some of the early tax privileges have since been eliminated but the overall approach of the program has been used as a model by other countries, most notably Nicaragua. 

• Benefits of the Costa Rica retirement program include: Certain tax exemptions and benefits apply depending on circumstance.


• Income requirement: US$1,000 per month (previously US$600) from a guaranteed source.  A spouse can be included within this income requirement.


• Other requirements: Applicants need to be aged 45 or over and remain in the country at least 4 months per year.  The application process to retire in Costa Rica requires a certificate of good conduct from police where you last resided authenticated by Costa Rican Consulate, an Interpol background check carried out in Costa Rica by the Minsitry of Public Security; a certified copy of birth certificate and a marriage certificate (if applicable).

Climate

In the Pacific region of Costa Rica, the weather is warm all year and ranges between 82-100˚F (27.7-38˚C). The Caribbean temperatures vary between 84-94˚F (30-34˚C).  In elevated areas the temperatures can drop to as low as 44˚F (7˚C) any time of year.  Given the variation, investors looking at Costa Rica real estate are able to zero in on a climate zone that most suits their needs.  Costa Rica has two distinct seasons, the "green season" which lasts from May to November and the dry season which begins in December and continues through April. During the green season you can expect a daily rain shower.

Health

Medical care in the capital city of San Jose is good, but is limited in areas outside of San Jose.   Most prescription and over-the-counter medications are available throughout Costa Rica. 

Safety

Costa Rica is generally a safe country with low reported crime levels.  Most crime is petty involving theft of electronic items, jewelry, cash or credit cards.   Travellers are encouraged to exercise caution as they would throughout the world.   Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities.  Travelers should minimize driving at night, especially outside urban areas.