Costa Rica
Republic of Costa Rica · Capital: San José
Costa Rica is Central America's most stable democracy (no standing army), prized for its biodiversity, beaches and laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle. Long-established Pensionado, Rentista and Investor routes, plus a digital-nomad visa, make it a favourite for retirees and remote workers.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Costa Rica.
Policy overview
6 visa routes into Costa Rica
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Pensionado (Retiree) Visa
InvestorPensionado
Temporary residence for retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension above the threshold, a route to permanent residence over time.
Eligibility
- Lifetime pension of $1,000+/month
- Clean record
- Register with the social-security system
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Rentista Visa
InvestorRentista
Residence for those with stable unearned income or a qualifying bank deposit, popular with remote workers and the self-funded.
Eligibility
- Proof of $2,500/month income for 2 years, or a $60K deposit
- Clean record
- Health cover
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Digital Nomad
A one-year (renewable) stay for remote workers earning from abroad, with income-tax exemption on foreign earnings.
Eligibility
- Remote income of $3,000+/month ($4,000 with family)
- Foreign employer/clients
- Health insurance
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Investor Visa
InvestorInversionista
Residence for those investing in Costa Rican real estate, a business or qualifying assets above the threshold. The Law 9996 application window for tax and import incentives closed on 14 July 2026, and the minimum is now disputed: Law 9996 set USD 150,000 while the migration regulation (Decree 37112-GOB) still says USD 200,000. Confirm the figure with the DGME in writing before investing.
Eligibility
- Investment of USD 150,000 (Law 9996) or USD 200,000 (Decree 37112-GOB), disputed since July 2026
- Lawful source of funds
- Clean record
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Student Visa
StudentStudent
Residence to study at a Costa Rican institution, including Spanish-immersion and university programmes.
Eligibility
- Acceptance from a recognised institution
- Proof of funds
- Health cover
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
CR-FAM
Join a spouse, partner or close family member who is a citizen or resident.
Eligibility
- Genuine relationship to a citizen/resident
- Sponsor meets income/housing rules
- Relationship evidence
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Costa Rica, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Costa Rica needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Shared services & tech
A major Latin-American hub for multinational service centres.
Medical devices
One of the world's leading medical-device export clusters.
Tourism & hospitality
Eco-tourism sustains year-round hospitality demand.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
San José
Capital & servicesThe economic centre with the best jobs, healthcare and international schools.
- Cost index
- 55
- 1-bed rent
- $850
- Quality
- 75
Escazú
Upscale suburbAn upscale San José suburb with malls, clinics and a large professional expat base.
- Cost index
- 62
- 1-bed rent
- $1,200
- Quality
- 80
Tamarindo
Pacific surf townA Guanacaste surf town with strong nomad infrastructure and an established expat scene.
- Cost index
- 58
- 1-bed rent
- $1,100
- Quality
- 80
Atenas
'Best climate' townFamed for its mild climate, a long-time favourite for relaxed retirement.
- Cost index
- 50
- 1-bed rent
- $800
- Quality
- 82
Jacó
Lively beach townThe closest beach town to the capital, lively and popular with younger expats.
- Cost index
- 54
- 1-bed rent
- $950
- Quality
- 76
Living essentials
The practical day-to-day of settling in Costa Rica.
Respected public (Caja) and affordable private care; a medical-tourism destination.
Bilingual and international private schools; strong public universities.
Moderate; imported goods and cars are expensive, local produce cheap.
Good in the Central Valley and main towns; fine for remote work.
Tropical with a dry and green season; cooler in the highlands.
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendStable, army-free democracy that is broadly welcoming to retirees and remote workers.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Safer than most of the region; petty theft and opportunistic crime, normal caution applies.
Higher = safer (crime index 48/100).
Where to live
Which Costa Rica city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Tamarindo
Beach + remote work
A Guanacaste surf town with strong nomad infrastructure and an established expat scene.
San José
Central valley hub
The economic centre with the best jobs, healthcare and international schools.
Atenas
Tranquil hill town
Famed for its mild climate, a long-time favourite for relaxed retirement.
Escazú
Polished expat enclave
An upscale San José suburb with malls, clinics and a large professional expat base.
Jacó
Surf and nightlife
The closest beach town to the capital, lively and popular with younger expats.
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