So you’ve done the vacation, maybe spent a month or two as a digital nomad, and now you’re seriously considering the move. Going from “I love Costa Rica” to actually living here full-time is a process — and while it’s not as complicated as you might fear, it does require real planning. This guide walks through everything step by step, from the initial research phase to your first week on the ground.
Step 1: Do a Scouting Trip (or Two)
Before you sell your stuff and book a one-way ticket, spend extended time in Costa Rica — ideally during rainy season (May–November), not just the sunny vacation months. A two-week vacation in Guanacaste during December feels very different from daily life in August when it rains every afternoon and some roads turn to mud.
Visit multiple areas. The Living in Costa Rica guide covers the major regions, but nothing replaces being there in person. Spend a few days in the Central Valley, a week on the Pacific coast, and a few nights on the Caribbean side. Test the internet, visit the grocery stores, drive the roads, and try working from local coworking spaces. What looks perfect in photos might not match your daily life needs.
Talk to expats who’ve been here at least two years — not just the fresh arrivals still in the honeymoon phase. Ask what surprised them, what they wish they’d known, and whether they’d do it again. Most will say yes, but their caveats are invaluable.
Step 2: Choose Your Visa Path
Your legal status determines everything from how long you can stay to whether you can open a bank account or access public healthcare. Here are the main options for Americans:
Tourist Visa (Perpetual Tourist): US citizens get 90 days on arrival, no visa required. Many expats do “border runs” — leaving to Panama or Nicaragua for 72 hours, then returning for another 90 days. It works, but it’s getting less reliable as Costa Rica tightens enforcement. You can’t legally work in-country, open a local bank account, or access the public healthcare system on a tourist visa.
Digital Nomad Visa: Launched in 2022, this is the best option for remote workers earning at least $3,000/month (or $4,000 for families). It gives you one year of legal residency, renewable for another year, with tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Read our complete Digital Nomad Visa guide for eligibility requirements and the application process.
Pensionado (Retiree Visa): Requires proof of at least $1,000/month in pension or retirement income. Grants temporary residency for two years, renewable indefinitely. You can’t work for a Costa Rican employer but can own and operate a business.
Rentista (Independent Income): Requires proof of $2,500/month in stable income or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank. Similar benefits to the Pensionado. Good for freelancers and business owners who don’t qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Inversionista (Investor): Requires a minimum $150,000 investment in Costa Rican real estate or business. Grants temporary residency with a path to permanence.
For any residency category, hiring a reputable immigration attorney is strongly recommended. Expect to pay $1,500–$3,000 in legal fees, plus government filing costs. The process typically takes 6–12 months. The Costa Rica immigration authority (DGME) website has official requirements, though navigating it in Spanish with an attorney is the practical approach.
Step 3: Sort Out Your Finances
Financial planning for a move to Costa Rica involves a few key decisions:
Keep your US bank account. You’ll want to maintain at least one US checking account and credit card. Many expats use Charles Schwab (no foreign ATM fees) or Wise (formerly TransferWise) for currency conversion and international transfers. Costa Rican ATMs dispense both colones and US dollars, and Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Opening a Costa Rican bank account generally requires legal residency (a cédula de residencia). Some banks like BAC and Scotiabank have worked with Digital Nomad Visa holders, but policies vary by branch. Having a local account simplifies rent payments, utility bills, and day-to-day transactions.
US tax obligations don’t disappear. As a US citizen, you must file federal taxes regardless of where you live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude up to ~$126,000 (2026) of foreign-earned income from US taxes. Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system — you’re only taxed on income earned within Costa Rica. Consult a tax professional experienced with expat situations. The IRS taxpayers living abroad page outlines your filing requirements.
Build a landing fund. Plan for at least three months of expenses in cash or easily accessible savings before you arrive. Between deposits, setup costs, and the inevitable unexpected expenses, $5,000–$10,000 gives you a comfortable cushion for a single person; $10,000–$15,000 for a family.
Step 4: Decide What to Bring (and What to Leave)
The universal advice from long-term expats: bring less than you think. Shipping a container from the US costs $3,000–$7,000 plus customs duties (which can add 30–50% of declared value). For most people, it’s cheaper to sell everything and buy new in Costa Rica.
What to bring: important documents (certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, university degrees — all apostilled), prescription medications with documentation, specialty electronics (laptops, cameras — these are expensive here), specific clothing items you love (selection in CR is limited), and any professional tools or equipment unique to your work.
What to buy locally: furniture (plenty of affordable options, plus Facebook Marketplace has a thriving expat resale scene), kitchen items, linens, basic electronics, and tropical-appropriate clothing. PriceSmart (Costco equivalent) and EPA (Home Depot equivalent) cover most household needs.
Pets: bringing pets requires a health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet issued within two weeks of travel, plus your pet’s vaccination records. No quarantine is required. Most airlines accommodate pets in-cabin (under 20 lbs) or as cargo. Pet-friendly rentals are common, though some require a pet deposit.
Step 5: Find Housing
Don’t sign a long-term lease before you arrive. The best strategy is to book a furnished short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO, or through expat Facebook groups) for your first month, then search for long-term housing once you’re on the ground and can visit places in person.
Long-term rentals are primarily found through Facebook groups (search “Costa Rica Rentals” plus your target town), word of mouth, and local real estate agents. Encuentra24.com is the Costa Rican equivalent of Craigslist for housing. Expect to pay first and last month’s rent as deposit, and be prepared that most rentals come unfurnished unless you’re in a tourist area.
For a detailed breakdown of rental costs by area, see our cost of living guide.
Step 6: Handle the Logistics
Phone: Buy a local SIM card on arrival. Kolbi (ICE), Liberty, and Claro all offer prepaid and postpaid plans. Unlimited data plans run $15–$25/month. Keep your US number active through Google Voice ($20 one-time port fee) for receiving texts and calls from home.
Driving: Your US license is valid for 90 days (aligned with your tourist visa). After that, you’ll need a Costa Rican license, which requires residency. International driving permits are recognized but not strictly required. If you plan to buy a car, budget time and patience — the process involves a lawyer, notarized title transfer, and government registration.
Mail: Costa Rica doesn’t really do home mail delivery the way the US does. Most expats use a PO Box at Correos de Costa Rica ($20–$40/year) or a private mail forwarding service like Aerocasillas or Box Correos, which give you a Miami address that forwards packages to Costa Rica.
Healthcare: If you’re on a Digital Nomad Visa, private health insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements is mandatory. If you have residency, enroll in the Caja (CCSS) for public healthcare — it’s affordable and comprehensive. Most expats maintain both. See the living in Costa Rica guide for a full healthcare breakdown.
Step 7: Your First Month on the Ground
Your first month will be a mix of excitement and logistics. Here’s a practical checklist for those initial weeks:
Week 1: Get your SIM card and phone plan set up. Open a local bank account if your visa allows it. Register with the US Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency notifications. Explore your neighborhood — find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, hardware store, and feria schedule.
Week 2: Start your housing search in earnest if you haven’t secured long-term housing. Set up internet at your new place. Find a coworking space and test your work setup. Join local expat Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities.
Weeks 3–4: Establish routines. Find your go-to soda for lunch, your preferred grocery shopping rhythm, and your regular workout spot. Start Spanish lessons if you haven’t already. Begin the immigration paperwork process if you’re applying for residency. Most importantly: give yourself grace. The adjustment is real, and it’s okay if not everything feels settled right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Selling everything and moving on impulse. Always do at least one extended scouting trip. The people who regret moving to Costa Rica are almost always the ones who didn’t do enough research first.
Underestimating the adjustment period. Culture shock is real, even in a country as welcoming as Costa Rica. The bureaucracy, the different pace, the language barrier — these things add up. Give yourself six months before passing judgment.
Choosing location based on vacation vibes. Where you love to vacation and where you want to live are often very different places. A surf town is amazing for two weeks but might lack the infrastructure you need for daily life with kids.
Skipping legal advice. Immigration and real estate laws in Costa Rica are different from the US. A good attorney (expect $100–$200/hour) saves you money and headaches in the long run.
Ready to Make the Move?
Moving to Costa Rica is one of those life decisions that feels huge in the planning stage and completely natural once you’re here. The infrastructure for expats is strong, the community is welcoming, and the learning curve — while real — is manageable with the right preparation.
Start with our comprehensive living in Costa Rica guide for the big picture, check the cost of living breakdown to build your budget, and explore the Digital Nomad Visa guide if you’re a remote worker. When you’re ready to find your workspace, the Cowork506 directory has you covered.
Pura vida isn’t just a saying here — it’s a lifestyle choice. And it starts with that first step.