Moving to Costa Rica from the US — complete residency guide
How to obtain legal residency in Costa Rica if living in the US: visa types, requirements, costs, rights, and step-by-step process via Costa Rica consulate in US.
Moving to Costa Rica from the United States — complete guide
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for retired American expats. Quality healthcare (public CAJA + private), relative safety, democratic stability, and tropical climate without hurricanes.
Residency types
- Pensionado — For retirees with minimum $1,000/month pension
- Rentista — For those with passive income $2,500+/month
- Investor — Investment in CR of $150,000+ USD
Why Costa Rica
- Public healthcare (CAJA) accessible to legal residents for ~$50-$150/month
- Pura vida — political stability, no military
- Pacific coast (Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Nosara, Santa Teresa) and Caribbean
- Large expat community (especially Central Valley, Atenas, Grecia, Escazú)
- English widely spoken in tourist zones
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation
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Costa Rica Pensionado Visa — guide for American retirees
Temporary residency for retirees with minimum pension of $1,000 USD/month. Requirements, process, costs, CAJA rights, and work restrictions.
Costa Rica Rentista Visa — guide for professionals with passive income
Costa Rica temporary residency with $2,500/month passive income OR $60,000 USD deposit. Requirements, process, costs, rights, and comparison with Pensionado.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.