How to Obtain a Costa Rica Retirement Visa

Costa Rica remains one of the world’s most popular retirement destinations for foreigners.  In 2022, both International Living magazine and the World Economic Forum ranked Costa Rica second among its top 10 global retirement destinations.  “The secret has long been out about Costa Rica’s popularity,” International Living reported.  “But that does not stop millions of visitors and new foreign residents from discovering its special brand of enhancement, lured by the country’s tropical climate; lower cost of living; friendly locals; affordable medical care; vast real estate options; and, of course, its natural beauty.”  The World Happiness Report also ranks Costa Rica among the 10 “happiest countries in the world.”

Bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Costa Rica is one of the most stable and progressive democracies in Latin America.  The government abolished its army in 1948, earning it the nickname “the Switzerland of Central America.”  Well known for its tranquil environment and warm hospitality, Costa Rica is also the most visited Central American country, averaging more than three million foreign tourists each year.  The capital city of San Jose is less than a four-hour flight from Atlanta, making it easily accessible to the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

Living costs in Costa Rica remain relatively low, despite its status as one of the most prosperous and progressive nations in the region.  Living costs average 39% lower than those in the United States, while rents are 72% less, according to Numbeo (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Costa+Rica).  Retirees are drawn to the country’s healthy lifestyle, biodiversity, and affordable private and public healthcare systems.  While Spanish is the official language, many locals speak English – particularly on the Caribbean coast – and there are large communities of foreign expats.

San Jose, the largest city in Costa Rica, encompasses the nation’s unique blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures.  About 94 percent of its citizens are of primarily European heritage.  San Jose is home to top museums, vibrant city squares, the National Theater, Simon Bolívar Zoo, Parque Diversiones amusement park, and numerous cultural attractions.  The city is also surrounded by natural attractions and activities, such as hiking Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo and exploring the waterfalls, canyons, and rainforests of Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Costa Rica is recognized as a pioneer in the ecotourism industry, preserving vast sections of the country’s mountains, coasts, and rainforests from development.  It contains 30 national parks, plus three natural UNESCO World Heritage sites and one cultural site.  The Camino de Costa Rica trail allows hikers to walk across the country from the Atlantic to Pacific.  Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the best sites to view an active volcano, and is home to about half of Costa Rica’s native animals.  Manuel Antonio National Park is another top wildlife viewing destination, while surfers flock to its sandy beaches.  Other popular seaside hotspots for diving, swimming, surfing, backpacking, and  paddling include Tamarindo Beach, Mal Pais, and Playa Grande on Nicoya Peninsula; Dominical and Jaco on the Pacific Ocean; and Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean.  Dominical and Jaco are also favorite retirement destinations, along with the San Jose metropolitan area; the mountains and valleys of Atenas and Atenas; Montezuma on the Pacific coast; Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean; and San Isidro, known for its strong expat community and one of the largest farmers markets in the region.

Costa Rica Residency Visa Programs

Citizens of the United States and most other countries who hold a valid passport do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for business or leisure trips lasting less than 90 days.  All COVID-19 requirements were discontinued as of April 1, 2022, making travel easier.

Costa Rica offers three temporary residency visas.  The pensionado (pensioner, or retiree) visa is available to applicants of any age who can prove they receive at least $1,000 in monthly income from a permanent pension source such as Social Security, annuity, or retirement funds.  The pension must be deposited in a Costa Rican bank during your residency.  You must visit Costa Rica at least once a year for three days, and live in the country a total of at least four months over a two-year period.  Visa holders cannot work as an employee.  You can also include your spouse and dependents under age 18 under the retiree visa without additional income requirements.

Other options include the rentista (stable unearned income) residency for non-retirees who have at least $2,500 in monthly income over at least the next two years, or who can deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.  Additional temporary residency visas include investor (those who invest at least $150,000 in a business or property) and representatante residency (company directors who meet various requirements).

All residents are required to participate in the government’s CCSS social security and medical benefits plan.  CCCS averages about $65 per month for someone with a $1,000 pension.

Retiree visas must be renewed every two years for an additional fee.  The renewal process includes revalidating your pension income and verifying you spent at least four months in Costa Rica during the visa period.  After living in Costa Rica for at least three years, you can apply for permanent residency.  Permanent residency must be renewed every five years.  After seven years of total residence, you can also apply for citizenship by naturalization.  Costa Rica allows dual citizenship, so you can still retain your U.S. citizenship.

How to Obtain a Costa Rica Retirement Visa

Residents of the United States typically visit Costa Rica’s embassy or one of its nine U.S. consulates to apply for a retirement visa.  Those locations include offices in Atlanta and Miami (http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/136).  Although most applicants apply before leaving the United States, you can also do so while visiting Costa Rica by appearing at the government’s Immigration Office.  It typically takes 90 days for applications to be approved.

To apply in the Atlanta area, contact the local consulate to set up an appointment for a visa interview.  The consulate can also provide access to the visa application form. Several of the forms listed below must be authenticated at the Costa Rican consulate: birth and marriage certificates, proof of income, and police record.  Documents must also be translates into Spanish by the consulate or an official translator.

Required documentation for the retiree visa includes:

  • A request letter that outlines your reasons for applying for temporary residency in Costa Rica. Required information for the letter can be found at http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/147.
  • Photocopies of all pages in your U.S. passport.
  • Two passport-size photos.
  • Completed application form
  • Proof of monthly pension income of at least $1,000 per month.
  • FBI documentation that you have no criminal record over the previous three years.
  • Birth certificate from your home country certified within the past six months
  • Marriage or birth certificate for spouse and/or children (as needed), including medical certificate for children over 25 with disabilities. Dependents also need passport photos.
  • If you use an immigration lawyer, complete a form assigning them power of attorney.

After arriving in Costa Rica, you must also:

  • Register with the U.S. embassy and obtain proof of consular registration that is submitted to the Costa Rican government.
  • Obtain proof of fingerprint registration with the Ministry of Public Safety for applicants and their dependents. Bring each person’s passport and three more passport photos to the fingerprint appointment.

The fee to apply for a permanent retirement visa at the consulate is $50. (If you wait until you enter Costa Rica, there is another $200 fee.)  Additional fees range from $1.25 to $2.50 per page which covers translating and certifying supporting documents.  Payment must be submitted from an account where the applicant is listed as the depositor and payable to the Bank of Costa Rica, as detailed at the link above.

U.S. citizens with questions about obtaining a retirement visa for Costa Rica -- or who would like us to help ensure they have accumulated the necessary documents and paperwork before they visit the consulate -- can schedule a telephone call through our website.