Want to relocate to a newly beautiful destination in Costa Rica? Moving to another country can be thrilling but quite stressful. Given this, it’s only logical to be well-prepared and that awareness of the whole process should bring ample preparation. Therefore, we have tried to collect relevant information that will guide you through your move to Costa Rica with minimum complications.
Preparation and Planning
Researching and Planning Your Move
Before you set out for Costa Rica, understand the country, geography, climate, and culture. Costa Rica is known for its landscapes, biodiversity, and laid-back lifestyles. Knowing these will better prepare you psychologically for what awaits you.
In addition, look up the cost of living in Costa Rica’s regions. Prices differ from place to place; thus, prepare a realistic budget. Housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare costs will have to be taken into consideration too. All this will be helpful to determine the initial amount needed to settle comfortably in Costa Rica.
Once you have a general idea about the country as well as your cost of living, then it’s time to start planning out the logistics of your move. You can start making a checklist to mark off such tasks like selling, renting out or closing property, cancel subscriptions or services, and inform appropriate authorities about your intention to relocate. A well-planned move will make much less hassle-free and even easier.
Location in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, one of the most important decisions made when considering a move there is choosing the right place to live. You can find villas right on the beach, mountain homes, and apartments in the city. First, you should determine whether you want to rent or buy a property.
Renting is one of the most common alternatives when people first arrive. It may furnish a flexible environment and allow newcomers to settle into different locations before deciding on staying in one location for a long period. Websites and agencies can take you to rental properties within your budget and prefer the locations. It is better to travel to Costa Rica and look around the neighborhoods where you might want to live before deciding.
If you’re considering purchasing real estate in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, look no further than Flamingo Beach Realty, your number one real estate agents who possess a collective experience of over 30 years of invaluable time. When it comes to the Costa Rican real estate market, trust is everything, and our seasoned professionals are here to guide you through every step of the way.
In properties investment, such a decision calls for much deliberation and a partner you can rely on counts a lot. In Flamingo Beach Realty, one will enjoy a vast knowledge within the dynamics of the local market. Being a local or a foreigner, we understand the subtleties of the buying process-legal and property inspections.
Navigating the Legal and Visa/Residency Requirements
You will need an appropriate visa or residency status to be able to live in the country and remain in Costa Rica long term. Certainly, there could be more complicated procedures than this, but for sure, the right preparation will make everything easier to be done. The kind of visa that you will need usually depends on the reason for moving into the country – whether retirement, work, or investment.
This particular scheme, known as “Pensionado“, is super-popular for retirees because of its many incentives; these include reduced transportation, healthcare, and entertainment expenditures. To qualify to be granted this particular type of residency status, you must indicate that you have a stable source of income like pension or retirement in an amount of at least US$1000 monthly.
If you are moving because of work, you need to obtain a work permit from your employer or apply for a temporary residency permit. Requirements may differ from one employment arrangement to the other. It is often wise to get assistance from an immigration lawyer so that this will become easy and without any problems.
In addition, investors who acquire a property or business of at least US$150,000.00 or renters who can guarantee at least an income of a US$2500 /month and also have a long term investment of a minimum of US$60,000.00 to be drawn over 2 years may also consider the “rentista” or the “inversionista”. These can be a route to permanent residency and even in the future, citizenship. It will be necessary to seek a consultation with an immigration specialist so you can determine the best option for residence based upon your situation.
Contact an agent with Flamingo Beach Realty in order to refer you to an attorney that can help to guide you through all of the steps toward acquiring Costa Rican residency.
Transferring Your Belongings to Costa Rica
Now, once you have your accommodation and residency status settled, you might consider how you are going to bring your possessions to Costa Rica. If, for example, you have a lot of furniture and other personal belongings, it would best to hire an international moving company. These companies specialize in shipping goods overseas and will take the hassle out of packing, shipping, and customs clearance.
Or if you have less quantity of items or you want to cut down on expenses, you can instead choose to have shipping by sea container or through a freight forwarding service. In this case, you’ll actually be doing most of the preparation; you would pack and even prepare whatever belongings you have for transport. But it is also your best option as this would really cost less.
However, before you bring your belongings to Costa Rica, do not forget to review the Costa Rica regulations and fees for importing. For example, there could be restrictions on certain items or even additional paper work that needs to be done. You should also count your possessions and photograph valuable items for insurance purposes.
Adjusting to the Costa Rican Culture and Lifestyle
That makes moving to Costa Rica very exciting because you get to enjoy the local culture and lifestyle of the place. The locals, known as Ticos, are warm, friendly, and people with welcoming smiles on their faces. You will be embracing their customs and their way of life.
Learning Spanish is actively encouraged and will make going about your daily activities a breeze. Many Costa Ricans, especially in tourist areas, speak English, but the basic understanding of Spanish will connect you with the locals at a much deeper level. You could take a language class or even use language learning apps. Duolingo is fabulous, so it is fun to learn!
Another unique concept the Costa Ricans have in their tradition is called “Pura Vida,” which translates to “pure life.” It encompasses the good, the appreciation of nature, and the carefree nature of the people. Embracing Pura Vida means slowing down, enjoying simple life, and living in the moment. This inculcation of the mindset into one’s daily practice will allow one to get accustomed to the way of life in Costa Rica.
Healthcare and Education in Costa Rica
Quality healthcare as well as education are very important, especially when moving with a family. There is good healthcare in Costa Rica, and public and private options are available. The CCSS is the public healthcare system, covering the general population, whom one pays a mandatory contribution to cover everyone for access to any sort of medical care needed.
To be able to enjoy this public health care, you enroll in the CCSS and pay regular, monthly contributions according to your income. In addition to the public health care, private health care is also on offer and would give you a better service and shorter waiting lists. It is advisable to consider a full health insurance, which covers public and private health care and even emergency medical evacuation if necessary.
Costa Rica has a respectable education system, both private and public, for parents with children. Public education is free and mandatory to all children aged between 6 and 15 years. Private schools offer education curriculums inclusive of international programs and bilingual education. Research and tour some of the schools in your area of interest for making an informed decision about educating your child. See our page on Guanacaste Schools to learn more about schools in our area. Setting Up Utilities and Services in Your New Home
Once settled into a new house, you will probably want to get the basic services up and running.
The specifics depend on the region as well as the type of property you are going into, but generally speaking, one must seek out the local providers for electricity, water, and internet services. We recommend that you hire your attorney to handle the process as part of closing services. This will make life much easier, as most of the utilities staff only speak Spanish. Electricity Reliable and at 110 volts, same as in North America. Most property prepaid- you pay for electricity credits in advance. Water services: generally provided by the local municipality or private company: your bill varies according to your consumption.
Internet and telecommunication services in Costa Rica have developed dramatically over the past few years. Several companies supply high-speed fiber optics internet connections, so you can choose from different plans according to your requirements. I recommend comparing prices and packages to secure the best service for your money.
If you are planning to move to Costa Rica, it could be an experience like no other-filling your life with adventure, fantastic natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Exploring through everything and making all the necessary research and planning will let you reach the right house, get a better understanding of legal requirements, and immerse in local culture that would prepare you well for this new life in a tropical paradise.
Remember to take time in adjusting to the way of living in Costa Rica, learning the language, and getting exposure to the great sights and activities that this country has in store for you. With these essential tips and a happy attitude, your relocation to Costa Rica is sure to be really smooth and fulfilling. So pack those bags, embrace Pura Vida, and get ready to start off your Costa Rican adventure!
We at Flamingo Beach Realty are here to help guide you through every stop of your new life in Costa Rica! Please contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
