Living in Costa Rica: Relocation, Residency & Real Estate
Everything Vamos Overseas covers for Costa Rica — residency and citizenship options, property, business and day-to-day life — in one place.

Residence Overview
Costa Rica offers several well-established residency programs for investors, retirees, and remote workers. The country's stable democracy, excellent healthcare, and natural beauty make it one of the most popular expat destinations in the world.
EnquiryMinimum Investment
From USD 150,000
Processing Time
4-8 months for residency; 5-7 years to citizenship
Residency Programs
Investor Visa
USD 150,000
Minimum USD 150,000 investment in a Costa Rican project or business.
Rentista Visa
USD 2,500/month
Proof of USD 2,500/month stable income for at least 2 years.
Pensionado Visa
USD 1,000/month
Lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month from a recognized source.
Digital Nomad Visa
USD 3,000/month income
For remote workers earning USD 3,000+/month. 1-year visa, renewable once.
Residence Benefits
- Access to CAJA universal healthcare
- Dependents included
- Stable and safe country
- No minimum stay requirements
- Path to citizenship after 5-7 years
Path to Citizenship in Costa Rica
After 5 years of legal residency (7 for some categories), applicants can apply for naturalization. Costa Rica allows dual citizenship.
Citizenship Benefits
- Visa-free access to ~150 destinations with Costa Rican passport
- Dual citizenship allowed since 2024
- Access to universal healthcare system
- Right to live and work in Costa Rica
- Dependents included in residency applications
- Excellent quality of life and safety
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record (apostilled)
- Proof of investment or income
- Health insurance (CAJA or private)
- Registration with local authorities
- Biometric registration
Interested in Costa Rica?
Schedule a private consultation with our Costa Rica specialists.
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