Costa Rica Relocation Checklist

Your Complete Relocation Timeline

Moving to Costa Rica requires careful planning — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This checklist breaks the entire process into four clear phases, from your first research trip to settling into your new community. Follow each step in order and you’ll arrive in Costa Rica prepared, legal, and ready to enjoy the Pura Vida life.

6–12 Months Before Moving

• Explore Costa Rica in person: Spend at least 2–4 weeks visiting your top candidate regions — the Central Valley (San José, Escazú, Atenas), the Gold Coast (Tamarindo, Nosara, Sámara), and the Southern Zone (Dominical, Uvita). Don’t commit until you’ve experienced daily life, not just tourism.
• Research residency options: Determine which category fits you: Pensionado (requires ~$1,000/month pension income), Rentista (requires ~$2,500/month income or a $60,000 deposit), or Inversionista (requires $150,000+ investment in Costa Rica). Most retirees qualify for Pensionado.
• Verify financial requirements: Gather proof of income — pension award letters, bank statements, or investment statements. Requirements are strict, so ensure your documents are current and apostilled.
• Hire an immigration attorney: A qualified Costa Rican immigration lawyer costs $1,500–$3,000 USD and is worth every colón. They navigate the paperwork and ensure your application is correct the first time.
• Research healthcare options: Understand the CAJA (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social — Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, mandatory for all residents) and private insurance options (INS, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna Global).
• Start learning Spanish: Even basic conversational Spanish will dramatically improve your daily life and help you integrate into the community. Apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur are a good start.
• Research pet import requirements: If bringing pets, you’ll need an International Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001 for U.S. residents) and proof of rabies vaccination issued within 30 days of travel.

3–6 Months Before Moving

• Gather and apostille your documents: Your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and a federal police background check must all be apostilled in your home country. This process can take 4–8 weeks.
• Begin the residency application: Send My Question → your application through your immigration attorney. The process typically takes 6–18 months, but you can live in Costa Rica on a tourist visa while it is pending.
• Secure housing in Costa Rica: Renting for the first 6–12 months is strongly recommended so you can explore neighbourhoods before committing to a purchase. Furnished rentals are widely available.
• Decide what to bring: Shipping a full container to Costa Rica is expensive and subject to import taxes. Many expats ship only sentimental items and buy furniture locally — Costa Rica has excellent furniture and home goods at reasonable prices.
• Notify your financial institutions: Inform your bank, credit card companies, pension providers, and investment accounts of your upcoming move. Set up online access for all accounts.
• Consult a cross-border tax advisor: U.S. and Canadian citizens must continue filing taxes at home even while living abroad. A tax advisor familiar with expat rules will save you headaches and money.
• Obtain copies of all medical records: Request complete records from your doctor, dentist, and any specialists. Bring prescriptions with both brand and generic names, as medications may be sold under different names in Costa Rica.

1–3 Months Before Moving

• Book your flights: Book your one-way ticket to Costa Rica. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José is the main hub; Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) serves the Gold Coast.
• Cancel or transfer services: Cancel utilities, subscriptions, gym memberships, and any services tied to your home address. Set up mail forwarding or a virtual mailbox service.
• Sell or donate belongings: Host a garage sale, sell items online, or donate to charity. The lighter you travel, the easier and cheaper your move will be.
• Arrange travel insurance: Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the first few months until your CAJA enrollment is complete.
• Set up a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is useful for accessing streaming services and banking sites that may block foreign IP addresses.
• Notify government agencies: If you receive Social Security, notify the SSA of your new address. Canadian residents should notify Service Canada for CPP/OAS. Notify the IRS or CRA of your change in residency status.

Your First Month in Costa Rica

• Receive your DIMEX card: Complete your residency process at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) to receive your DIMEX — your official Costa Rican residency card.
• Enroll in the CAJA: Once you receive your DIMEX card, you must register with the CAJA. Monthly premiums are income-based and typically range from $50–$150/month for retirees.
• Open a Costa Rican bank account: With your DIMEX card, you can open a local bank account at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) or Banco Nacional. A local account makes paying bills and receiving transfers much easier.
• Set up utilities: Arrange internet (ICE/Kölbi, Liberty), electricity (ICE), water (AyA or local ASADA), and a Costa Rican cell phone plan. Kölbi and Claro offer good coverage nationwide.
• Explore and connect: Find your nearest grocery stores (Mas x Menos, Auto Mercado, PriceSmart), pharmacies, and medical clinics. Join local expat Facebook groups and attend community events.
• Register with your embassy or consulate: Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate in San José. This ensures you can be contacted in case of emergencies.

Important Documents to Bring

Common Mistakes to Avoid