🌴 How to Prepare for Moving to Costa Rica

Thinking about Costa Rica as your new home? Whether you’re just starting to dream, planning your first scouting trip, or already looking at residency options, preparation makes all the difference. This step-by-step guide will walk you through what to research, what to pack, and what to expect — all the way to applying for residency.

🕵️ Step 1: Do Your Research

Before you even book a flight, take time to learn about Costa Rica:

• Regions & Lifestyle – The Central Valley is cooler with city conveniences, while coastal towns like Tamarindo or Dominical offer surf, sand, and slower living.

• Cost of Living – Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are often cheaper than North America, but imported goods can be pricey.

• Residency Programs – Start familiarizing yourself with the main programs: Pensionado, Rentista, and Investor. (We’ll circle back to these later.)

💡 Tip: Join expat Facebook groups or forums. They’re full of honest, day-to-day experiences that guidebooks miss.

🌎 Want to explore Costa Rica by region? Check out locations by region — click here!

🧳 Step 2: Plan a Scouting Trip

A scouting trip is your chance to “test drive” Costa Rica.

• Spend at least 7–14 days if possible.

• Visit more than one area — beach life feels very different from mountain life.

• Stay in a rental home or Airbnb instead of a resort. This gives you a better feel for everyday living.

👉 What to look for: groceries, transportation options, medical clinics, internet quality, and, of course, how the place feels to you.

🌎 Curious about the best places to travel to in Costa Rica? Click here!

🎒 Step 3: Pack Smart (and Light!)

What to bring (and not bring) can make your trip smoother:
✅ Light, breathable clothes — humidity is real!
✅ A rain jacket or poncho — especially during rainy season.
✅ Good walking shoes or sandals.
✅ Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions).
✅ Important documents (passport, driver’s license, copies of health records).

🚫 What not to bring:

• Too many electronics (import taxes are high if something breaks and needs replacing).

• Large appliances or heavy furniture — better to buy locally.

• Excess cash — ATMs and bank wires are safer.

🤝 Step 4: Learn the Culture

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are warm, welcoming, and proud of their culture. A few tips:

• Pura Vida is more than a phrase — it’s a mindset of gratitude and simplicity.

• Things run on “Tico Time.” Be patient — slower service doesn’t mean bad service.

• Spanish helps a lot, even if just the basics. Locals appreciate the effort.

💡 Common Mistake: Treating Costa Rica like an extension of North America. Come with curiosity, not expectations.

📝 Step 5: Start Preparing for Residency

If you’ve fallen in love and want to stay long-term, residency is your next step. Costa Rica offers a few popular programs:

• 👵 Pensionado Residency – For retirees with a guaranteed monthly income (like Social Security or pension).

• 💼 Rentista Residency – For those with steady income (such as investments, savings, or trust funds).

• 🏡 Investor Residency – For those who purchase property or invest in a local business (minimum investment required).

Temporary residency is usually granted first. After 3 years of maintaining it, you can apply for permanent residency. Later down the road, you may even qualify for citizenship ⭐, which requires more years of living in Costa Rica.

👉 Recommendation: Always consult a local attorney. They’ll help you decide whether to invest as an individual or through a corporation — both have pros and cons.

🌎 Want to learn more about residency and visas? Check out our Residency & Visa Information!

🌟 Step 6: Set Realistic Expectations

Living in Costa Rica is amazing — but it’s not perfect.

• Internet may go down during storms.

• Bureaucracy moves slowly.

• You’ll trade some conveniences for natural beauty and lifestyle.

👉But if you prepare ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the “Pura Vida” way of life, the challenges become part of the adventure.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes only. Immigration laws and residency requirements can change, and personal circumstances vary. Always confirm details with official government sources and consult a qualified Costa Rican attorney before making decisions.