How do I move to Costa Rica as an American?

Americans can move to Costa Rica through several residency pathways. The most popular options are the Pensionado (retirement) visa for those with $1,000+ monthly pension income, the Rentista visa for those with $2,500+ monthly passive income, the Inversionista (investor) visa requiring a $150,000 investment, and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Costa Rica offers a stable democracy, excellent healthcare, and a large established expat community.

What is Costa Rica's Pensionado visa?

The Pensionado visa is Costa Rica's retirement visa for individuals receiving at least $1,000 per month in permanent pension income from a government, employer, or private retirement plan. Social Security qualifies. This visa grants temporary residency for two years, renewable indefinitely, and allows a path to permanent residency after three years. Pensionados cannot work for Costa Rican employers but can own businesses.

What is Costa Rica's Rentista visa?

The Rentista visa is for individuals with stable passive income of at least $2,500 per month for a minimum of two years, totaling $60,000. Income can come from investments, rental properties, or other non-employment sources. Alternatively, applicants can deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank and draw $2,500 monthly. This visa grants temporary residency with a path to permanent residency after three years.

Does Costa Rica have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. Costa Rica launched its Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista con Trabajo Remoto) for remote workers employed by companies outside Costa Rica. Applicants must earn at least $3,000 per month ($4,000 for families), have health insurance, and work remotely for a foreign employer or own a foreign company. The visa is valid for one year, renewable for another year, and offers tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income.

How much money do I need to retire in Costa Rica?

For the Pensionado retirement visa, you need $1,000 per month in pension income. For the Rentista visa, you need $2,500 per month in passive income or a $60,000 deposit. The Inversionista visa requires a $150,000 investment. Many American retirees live comfortably in Costa Rica on $2,000-$3,500 per month depending on location and lifestyle, with the Central Valley offering lower costs than beach areas.

What is Costa Rica's Inversionista visa?

The Inversionista (investor) visa requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, businesses, or approved investment projects. Certain priority sectors like tourism, reforestation, or export businesses may qualify with lower investment amounts. This visa grants temporary residency with a path to permanent residency after three years and allows investors to work in their own business.

Can Americans get permanent residency in Costa Rica?

Yes. Americans can obtain permanent residency after three years of temporary residency under any visa category (Pensionado, Rentista, Inversionista, or Digital Nomad). Permanent residents can work for Costa Rican employers and are no longer required to meet the original visa income or investment thresholds. After seven years of residency, individuals may apply for Costa Rican citizenship.

Does Costa Rica allow dual citizenship with the United States?

Yes. Costa Rica allows dual citizenship, and the United States does not require renunciation of U.S. citizenship when naturalizing elsewhere. Americans who become Costa Rican citizens can hold both passports, vote in both countries, and enjoy full rights in each nation. Citizenship requires seven years of legal residency and basic Spanish proficiency.

How is healthcare in Costa Rica for American expats?

Costa Rica has excellent healthcare with both public and private options. Legal residents can join the Caja (public healthcare system) for approximately $100-$150 per month, covering comprehensive care. Private healthcare is high quality and affordable by U.S. standards, with many doctors trained in the United States and Europe. Costa Rica is a popular medical tourism destination, and most expats use a combination of Caja and private insurance.

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MOVING TO COSTA RICA FROM THE UNITED STATES

IT'S TIME!

ARE YOU READY TO LEAVE THE UNITED STATES?

You know you are ready to leave the United States when you feel that your values, goals, and priorities no longer fit the life you are living here. You start to imagine a place that's different. Your thoughts shift from staying comfortable to seeking alignment with a lifestyle that feels better to you and more meaningful. You are not running away; you are choosing to step into a life that better reflects who you are and what you want for your future.

Political climate shift

Financial (saving, investing, and more)

Safety and security

Healthcare accessibiltiy & affordability

Cultural & global perspective

...a change (temporary or permanent)!

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LEAVING IS POSSIBLE

Our approach ensures that your move is not only possible but purposeful, giving you the knowledge and structure to build a sustainable life in Costa Rica. With expert insight and data-driven guidance, we make leaving the United States an informed and empowering decision rather than an uncertain leap. We take the time to make sure you're prepared, whether a temporary or permanent move!

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Legal Pathways

We help you identify the pathway in Costa Rica and how to reside there legally long term.

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Lifestyle Fit

You and the people coming with you matter. What you need and want day to day, can be honored.

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Finances

Your budget is factored in! How much money you have and what you're willing to spend.

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Costa Rica Details

The politics, culture, weather, lifestyle, costs, and overall what to expect.

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U.S. Obligations

What you need to do to remain in good standing, while you're a resident overseas in a new country.

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Long Term Goals

A temporary move or long term...you can still leave and live legally overseas on your own terms.

Pensionado Visa – Retirement Costa Rica's retirement visa requires proof of a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month from a government or private source, such as Social Security or a corporate pension. This visa grants temporary residency renewable every two years and provides a path to permanent residency after three years. Pensionados can own property, open bank accounts, and access Costa Rica's excellent healthcare system—making it a popular choice for American retirees seeking an affordable, tropical lifestyle.

Rentista Visa – Stable Income Designed for those without a pension but with reliable income, this visa requires proof of at least $2,500 per month in income from investments, rental properties, or other stable sources for a minimum of two years. Alternatively, applicants can make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank. It's ideal for early retirees, remote workers with investment income, or those living off savings who want legal residency without employment.

Inversionista Visa – Investment This pathway grants residency through a qualifying investment of at least $150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, business, or other approved projects such as reforestation or tourism. It suits U.S. citizens seeking residency through investment while potentially generating rental income or building equity. Like other temporary residency categories, it leads to permanent residency after three years.

Digital Nomad Visa – Remote Workers Costa Rica's newer visa option allows remote workers employed by companies outside Costa Rica to live in the country for up to two years. Applicants must demonstrate at least $3,000 per month in income and maintain health insurance. While it doesn't lead directly to residency, it offers a legal pathway for location-independent professionals to experience Costa Rica long-term before committing to a formal residency track.

COSTA RICA
VISAS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

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