How to Move to Costa Rica from US | 2025 Expat Guide

How to Move to Costa Rica from the U.S. (2025): Residency, Cost & Step-by-Step Checklist

As immigration and corporate counsel at AG Legal, we help families, retirees, and remote professionals relocate to Costa Rica with a bankable plan.
This guide compares residency options, documents, timelines, cost-of-living, healthcare, banking, schools and shipping—and includes a step-by-step checklist to get you from idea to keys-in-hand.

Author: AG Legal • Reviewed by: Immigration, Real Estate & Tax Team •
Published: Apr 3, 2024 • Updated: Oct 3, 2025

At a glance: residency paths compared

Residency options explained

Costa Rica offers multiple legal routes. We help you map the best fit for your income profile, timing, and family needs.
Key variables: proof of income or investment, clean criminal record, translations/apostilles, and whether you want a trial year (digital nomad) or a full residency.

Documents & apostilles

• FBI background check and birth certificate, apostilled in the U.S.; recent issue dates often required.
• Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse), apostilled.
• Proof of income/investment (pension statements, bank letters, property records).
• Notarized translations into Spanish where needed; we arrange official translations.
• Passport validity, consular photos/signatures as requested by authorities.

Note: Requirements and evidence formats evolve. We provide document templates and a checklist so your file passes on the first review.

Cost of living & budgeting

• Housing: Wide range—urban (San José/Valley), beach (Guanacaste/Pacific), cloud forest (Monteverde), etc.
• Healthcare: CCSS contributions for residents + private plans/clinics; medical/dental often excellent value.
• Utilities & Internet: Fiber available in many areas; power varies by region; backup options recommended in beach towns.
• Transport: Car ownership vs. rideshare/public buses; some roads are rural—factor maintenance and insurance.
• Schooling: Public + private bilingual/international schools in the Central Valley and beach hubs.

Healthcare (CCSS + private)

Residents generally enroll with the CCSS (Caja) and often keep a private plan for speed/choice.
Major hospitals and specialty clinics operate in the Central Valley, with private clinics across the country.

Banking, phones & driving

• Banking: Expect standard AML/KYC; most banks prefer a residency card (DIMEX) and proof of address/income.
• Phones: Bring an unlocked phone; local SIM/eSIMs are widely available.
• Driving: U.S. license is typically valid for the period authorized on your entry stamp; exchange to a CR license once resident and after set requirements.

Schools & family logistics

International and bilingual schools cluster around Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia and in select coastal hubs.
For minors, carry apostilled birth certificates; if relocating solo with a child, ensure you meet any parental consent requirements.

Housing: rent vs. buy

• Rent first to test microclimates, commute times and services.
• When you’re ready to purchase, verify registry title, Uso de Suelo, water availability and (if applicable) SETENA before any funds move.
• Use escrow and release funds only after registry recording.

Shipping household goods & pets

Compare freight vs. buy-local; consider warranties, voltage, and service networks. Some programs may offer duty benefits—we’ll advise based on your category and timeframe.
For pets, coordinate vet certificates and airline kennel rules well in advance.

U.S. taxes & Costa Rica’s tax basics

• U.S. citizens keep filing U.S. returns (worldwide obligations may apply; consider FEIE/FTC with your CPA).
• Costa Rica primarily taxes territorial income (income generated in CR). Local registrations and VAT/withholding can apply depending on your activity.
• We coordinate with your U.S./EU tax advisor for cross-border planning.

Step-by-step: move plan & timeline

1. Choose your path: Pensionado, Rentista, Investor, Digital Nomad, or Family-based.
2. Gather documents: FBI check, birth/marriage certificates, proof of income/investment—apostilled; arrange official translations.
3. Submit filings: Prepare immigration forms, fees and appointments; we track statuses and deadlines.
4. Bridge period: Housing search, health coverage, school admissions; set a banking plan.
5. Arrive & register: Entry, biometrics/appointments as required, CCSS enrollment once eligible.
6. Settle in: Phone, utilities, driver’s license process (post-residency), compliance calendar.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter from the U.S.?

Many U.S. passport holders can enter visa-free for a limited period if passport and proof-of-exit meet requirements. Always verify your current eligibility and days authorized.

How long does residency take?

Timelines vary by category and caseload. A well-prepared file shortens reviews; we pre-screen evidence and translations to avoid rejections.

Can I work in Costa Rica?

Work rights depend on your category and authorization. Some paths limit local employment; we’ll map a compliant structure for your case.

Is healthcare good?

Yes. Residents enroll with CCSS and often maintain private care for speed/choice. The Central Valley offers the broadest network of specialists.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

English is common in expat hubs, but learning Spanish improves daily life and admin tasks. We can connect you with language providers.

Talk to our lawyers

From picking the right residency to apostilles, filings, housing and healthcare—our team manages your move end-to-end.

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This article is informational and not legal or tax advice. Confirm current requirements with your attorney.