Out of America

At a glance

Cost of living: 53; US = 100
Safety: 62; 0–100
Healthcare: 74; 0–100
English: Moderate

Official languages

Spanish

Climate

Tropical with two seasons: dry (December–April) and green (May–November). The Central Valley around San José is famously spring-like year-round at 1,100m elevation. Pacific and Caribbean coasts are hot and humid. Guanacaste is the driest and sunniest region.

Entry paths

Visa types available to foreign nationals. Not all will fit every profile — log in for a personalised shortlist.

Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista Temporal)

Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa (introduced 2022) allows remote workers to live in Costa Rica for one year, extendable for a further year. Applicants must earn at least $3,000/month from foreign sources. Costa Rica offers excellent healthcare, natural beauty, political stability, and a well-established expat community — it's consistently rated among the world's happiest countries.

Initial: 12 mo From $3,000/mo income
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa is one of the world's most attractive retirement visas, requiring just $1,000/month in pension or Social Security income. It grants 2-year renewable residency with access to the public healthcare system (CAJA) after enrollment. Costa Rica is a top American retirement destination with no requirements to spend a minimum number of days in-country.

Initial: 24 mo
Student Temporary Residence

Americans enrolled in a Costa Rican university or accredited language school can obtain a student temporary residence permit valid for one year, renewable annually. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) and UNED offer affordable programs, while private institutions like ULACIT and Universidad Veritas cater to international students with some English-medium options. Costa Rica's exceptional biodiversity, stable democracy, and strong expat community make it one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for Americans studying Spanish or environmental science.

Initial: 12 mo
Family Reunification Temporary Residence

Americans legally residing in Costa Rica on a temporary residence category can apply to bring a spouse and dependent children through the family reunification (vínculos familiares) temporary residence category. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income and adequate housing, and the application is processed through the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration. Family members receive work authorization with their permit and can apply for permanent residency after three years of continuous legal residence in Costa Rica.

Initial: 12 mo

Path to citizenship

Permanent residency: 3 years; earliest after legal residency
Citizenship: 7 years; earliest after legal residency

Americans abroad here

Estimated US population: ~65,000
Overall expat scene: Large

International schools

Adequate

San José and the Central Valley have a good selection of American-curriculum and bilingual schools. Quality varies significantly outside the capital. The Country Day School and Lincoln School are the most established American options.

Getting there

From NYC: ~5.5h
From LAX: ~6.0h

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