Start your new life in paradise
Clear residency routes, affordable healthcare and welcoming communities make relocating easier than you think.
Find the right visa for you
Most people qualify for at least one of Costa Rica's residency programs.
Pensionado (Retiree)
Requirement: $1,000+/mo lifetime pension income
Best for: Retirees with a pension or social security
Rentista
Requirement: $2,500/mo for 2 years (or $60k deposit)
Best for: Remote workers, entrepreneurs & early retirees
Inversionista (Investor)
Requirement: $150,000+ investment (real estate / business)
Best for: Investors & second-home buyers
Digital Nomad Visa
Requirement: $3,000/mo income ($4,000 with family)
Best for: Remote workers staying up to 2 years
What it really costs to live here
Estimates for a comfortable lifestyle. Costs vary by region — the Central Valley is cheaper than beach towns like Tamarindo or Nosara.
| Monthly expense | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $450 | $900 |
| Rent (2-bed, near beach/center) | $800 | $1,600 |
| Groceries (per person) | $250 | $400 |
| Utilities + internet | $110 | $180 |
| Private health insurance | $70 | $150 |
| Dining & entertainment | $150 | $400 |
| Transport (local + fuel) | $80 | $250 |
Your relocation, step by step
Choose your region
Central Valley for convenience, Guanacaste for beach life, or the Caribbean for laid-back charm.
Pick a visa route
Pensionado, Rentista, Investor or Digital Nomad — based on your income and goals.
Gather documents
Apostilled birth/marriage certificates, police record and proof of income, all translated.
Apply & settle in
Work with a local attorney, open a bank account, join CAJA healthcare and make it home.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need to move to Costa Rica?+
A couple can live comfortably in Costa Rica on $2,000 to $3,000 per month, and a single person on $1,400 to $2,200. Residency routes have their own income requirements — for example, the Pensionado visa requires $1,000/month in pension income.
What are the residency options in Costa Rica?+
The main routes are the Pensionado (for retirees with $1,000+/month pension), the Rentista ($2,500/month for two years or a $60,000 deposit), the Inversionista (a $150,000+ investment), and the Digital Nomad visa ($3,000/month income).
Can US citizens move to Costa Rica?+
Yes. US, Canadian, EU and most other citizens can relocate to Costa Rica by qualifying for one of its residency programs. You can also stay up to 90 days as a tourist while you prepare your application with a local immigration attorney.
Is healthcare good in Costa Rica?+
Costa Rica has excellent, affordable healthcare. Legal residents join the public CAJA system for a percentage of income (often $60–$150/month), and private care is a fraction of US prices — a specialist visit typically costs $50–$80.
Let our partners handle the hard parts
We connect you with vetted immigration attorneys, relocation consultants and movers who do this every day.
- Personalized visa-route assessment
- Trusted local attorney introductions
- Banking, housing & healthcare setup
- Ongoing support after you arrive