How to Move to Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and other countries is becoming more common. For one thing, Costa Rica’s cost of living is very affordable compared to other locations. Costa Rica also offers fantastic weather and an environment that ranges from mountains to beaches to rainforests.
If you’re a self-employed digital nomad, moving to Costa Rica has added advantages thanks to the country’s digital nomad visa, which has existed since 2021. Now fully established, the visa makes it easier for remote workers to live and work legally in Costa Rica. Retirees and other long-term visitors also find a warm welcome.
Given all of the above, you may be wondering how to move to Costa Rica and become one of its more than 5 million residents yourself. Before booking any plane tickets, review the information on this page. It will help you understand everything from visas and temporary residency to your options for living situations.
Costa Rica’s Visa Requirements
Wondering how to move to Costa Rica from the U.S., the U.K., European nations, Canada, or Australia? Citizens of these countries do not need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. Upon arrival, you can remain in the country for 90 days. If you exit and then re-enter Costa Rica, which you can do by making a quick trip to the neighboring country of Nicaragua, you will be granted a new 90-day stay.
You may want to know how to move to Costa Rica without exiting and re-entering the country every 90 days. Recent changes give you a new option. In 2021, Costa Rica passed a new law to create a digital nomad visa. Moving to Costa Rica will therefore be much easier for remote workers.
To qualify for Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa, you must show a steady monthly income of at least $3,000—or $5,000 if you’re applying with a spouse or family. The visa offers valuable benefits, including exemption from local income tax, permission to open a Costa Rican bank account, and recognition of your foreign driver’s license. It’s initially valid for one year and can be extended for another year. Applicants are also required to carry private health insurance. As of 2025, the application process is efficient and well-established, typically requiring just a few key documents—such as recent bank statements and proof of income—to get started.
If you are a Canadian citizen between 18 and 35, you have access to a Youth Mobility program that allows you to work legally in Costa Rica. You can apply for this visa once you have a job offer or internship lined up.
Costa Rican Residency Requirements
Establishing residency in Costa Rica is not easy, but several options exist. A special temporary Costa Rican residency exists for students, volunteers, academics, researchers, and retirees. To apply for residency, be prepared to provide your birth certificate, a certificate of civil status, a copy of your criminal record, and bank statements certified by a public accountant.
Where to Live in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica provides you with the opportunity to live in paradise. The country has beautiful beaches, forests bursting with biodiversity, and cities like San José, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants, and other highlights of urban life.
Beaches on either coast are always popular, but the other best places to live in Costa Rica include Monteverde, which offers cooler weather and lush plant life, and the Central Valley, which is close to the capital of San José. As you consider where to live, remember that Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José.
Housing in Costa Rica
You’ll find many options for housing if you’re moving to Costa Rica. Some digital nomads prefer to live in hotels that offer activities and a place to sleep. Some hotels provide private rooms for $1,000 per month. You’ll pay even less if you’re willing to share a dormitory.
For those seeking more privacy, numerous house and apartment rentals are available. Rent starts at about $800 per month, though you can pay much more and live in true luxury. And should you develop such a fondness for Costa Rica that you want to purchase your own home there, you’ll be glad to know you do not have to be a Costa Rican citizen to buy property.
Healthcare in Costa Rica
Healthcare in Costa Rica is of such high quality that medical tourists come from around the globe to access services. The standard of care is excellent, and if you’re moving to Costa Rica from the U.S., you’ll find that the costs to obtain care are much lower.
As an expat, you should purchase an international health insurance plan or acquire private insurance in Costa Rica to access the healthcare system.
The Language and Culture of Costa Rica
Costa Ricans primarily speak Spanish, with some communities still using indigenous languages. Many Costa Rican citizens are proficient in English, mostly in tourist areas. If you plan to move to Costa Rica from the U.S. or another English-speaking country, evaluate your Spanish skills. If you’re not confident yet, start taking classes or studying online before your move to make daily life easier and more rewarding.
Catholicism is the official religion in Costa Rica, though there are substantial numbers of Protestants and Buddhists. The Costa Rican Constitution provides for freedom of religion.
Costa Rica is known for its motto, “Pura Vida,” which means a simple, pure life. The country stays true to this motto with its laidback and relaxing atmosphere, which makes it a welcoming spot for people from various backgrounds.
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