By AG Legal Newsroom · San José, Costa Rica · November 12, 2025
Costa Rica has quietly become one of the best places to move in 2026 — a nation where peace, nature, and legal certainty coexist. For global citizens seeking a secure jurisdiction for residency, investment, or corporate relocation, the country offers something rare: a balance between lifestyle and law.
Ranked among the top seven relocation destinations worldwide, Costa Rica’s rise isn’t accidental. Its enduring democracy, transparent institutions, and structured immigration framework make it both a lifestyle haven and a strategic business hub for international investors.
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Why Costa Rica Tops Global Rankings
In the latest international relocation index, Costa Rica ranked #7 worldwide among the most searched destinations to move to in 2025—standing shoulder to shoulder with countries like Canada, Australia and Portugal. This ranking reflects not only lifestyle appeal but also growing confidence in Costa Rica’s legal stability, investment climate and relocation efficiency.
| Rank | Country | Monthly Searches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 269,220 |
| 2 | Australia | 207,900 |
| 3 | Ireland | 179,400 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 177,700 |
| 5 | Japan | 172,880 |
| 6 | Portugal | 170,030 |
| 7 | Costa Rica | 127,880 |
| 8 | Spain | 127,670 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 127,100 |
Costa Rica’s inclusion reinforces its position as a global favorite for expatriates, entrepreneurs, and families pursuing Costa Rica relocation. In an era where geopolitical uncertainty dominates headlines, the country offers a dependable alternative grounded in peace and progress.
A Legal Framework Built on Trust
Costa Rica’s legal system underpins its appeal. A long-standing democracy with strong constitutional protections, it provides a transparent path for foreign investors and residents. Law No. 8764—the General Immigration Law—establishes clear categories for Costa Rica immigration, while corporate regulations allow full foreign ownership and flexible business structures.
“Clients come here for more than lifestyle,” says AG Legal’s Managing Partner, Andrés Gómez. “They come for certainty. Costa Rica offers what many developed countries have lost: predictability, rule of law, and real institutional integrity.”
Residency & Business Relocation Options
Residency in Costa Rica is accessible through four well-defined routes:
- Digital Nomad Visa — For remote professionals earning from abroad (USD 3,000/month minimum). 12-month stay, renewable once.
- Pensionado Residency — For retirees with a lifetime pension of USD 1,000/month. Access to public healthcare and duty exemptions.
- Rentista Residency — For individuals with guaranteed income (~USD 2,500/month for 24 months) or equivalent deposit in a local bank.
- Investor Residency (Inversionista) — For investors contributing USD 150,000 or more in real estate or business projects—ideal for corporate relocation Costa Rica.
Tax Advantages & Corporate Opportunities
Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system: only locally generated income is taxed. Foreign-sourced income—such as remote earnings or offshore dividends—remains exempt. For corporations, Free Trade Zone incentives provide reduced income tax rates, customs exemptions, and simplified export frameworks.
Living Well: Safety, Healthcare & Lifestyle
Life in Costa Rica means more than relocation—it means renewal. The country’s universal healthcare system (CAJA), bilingual education, and safe urban centers support families and entrepreneurs alike. From San José’s corporate corridors to Guanacaste’s beach towns, balance between work and well-being is part of the national DNA.
Your 2026 Relocation Roadmap
For those planning to move to Costa Rica in 2026, preparation is everything. Begin by gathering apostilled documents, verifying income or investment proof, and consulting a qualified immigration attorney. Most residency approvals take 4–9 months, depending on your category.
“Relocation is no longer just about lifestyle—it’s about legal foresight. The right structure turns moving into investing.”
— AG Legal Editorial Team