Costa Rica Relocation Checklist

Important Planning Note: This page is for educational and planning purposes only and does not constitute immigration, legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Laws, requirements, and costs change frequently. Always verify current details with qualified Costa Rican professionals before making irreversible decisions.

TL;DR: Moving to Costa Rica requires careful planning across several phases. This checklist provides a step-by-step roadmap for North Americans aged 50 to 70, covering everything from early research to your first year in the country. Use this page as your working checklist—bookmark it or print it before your exploratory trip.

Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting adventure, but the logistics can feel overwhelming. The key to a smooth transition is breaking the process into manageable phases rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

This checklist is designed specifically for retirees, semi-retirees, snowbirds, long-stay visitors, and North Americans comparing Costa Rica with other Latin America options. It provides a practical, realistic roadmap to guide you from your initial research all the way through your first year on the ground.

Still early in your research? Explore the free Costa Rica Relocation Starter Guide for a broader overview of the country before diving into the detailed checklist below.

Your Costa Rica Relocation Timeline

A. 12–18 Months Before Moving

The earliest phase of your relocation is about research, goal-setting, and financial reality checks.

Clarify your goals: Decide what kind of lifestyle you want—beachfront, temperate mountains, or a bustling expat community.
Compare options: Compare Costa Rica with other countries you might be considering in Latin America.
Estimate your income: Look closely at your retirement income and ensure it will support your plans.
Compare regions: Research the differences between the Central Valley, Guanacaste, and the Southern Zone to see which region fits you best.
Review costs: Read a realistic Cost of Living guide to align your expectations with reality.
Understand residency: Review the requirements for Pensionado, Rentista, or Digital Nomad visa options.
Consult professionals: Discuss tax, estate, and healthcare issues with qualified professionals in your home country.
Plan an exploratory trip: Visit during both the dry and rainy seasons before making any permanent decisions.

B. 6–12 Months Before Moving

Once you have decided to move, it is time to start gathering the documentation that takes the longest to process.

Gather birth certificates: Order fresh copies of your birth certificates, as Costa Rica requires recently issued documents for residency.
Gather marital documents: Obtain fresh copies of marriage or divorce documents if relevant to your application.
Review background checks: Understand the federal police or FBI background check requirements for your jurisdiction.
Confirm income documentation: Gather the necessary proof of pension or income required for your specific residency category.
Review healthcare options: Compare the public Caja system with private care, and review health insurance options for expats over 60.
Build a first-year budget: Factor in one-time setup costs, import taxes, and emergency funds.
Downsize: Decide what to sell, what to store, and what to bring with you.
Research pet requirements: If bringing pets, research the strict import requirements and begin the vaccination and endorsement timeline.

C. 3–6 Months Before Moving

This phase involves legal preparation and finalizing your on-the-ground logistics.

Speak with an attorney: Start conversations with a Costa Rica immigration attorney if you are applying for residency, and understand the realistic timelines involved.
Check document validity: Ensure your passport and background checks will be valid within the required windows for your entry and application.
Arrange apostilles: Have all foreign documents apostilled or authenticated by the issuing jurisdiction.
Arrange translations: Coordinate official Spanish translations (traducción oficial) in Costa Rica.
Research temporary housing: Decide whether renting or buying makes the most sense (renting first is highly recommended).
Prepare banking documents: Research the steps and required documents for opening a bank account.
Gather medical records: Collect your medical history and secure a sufficient supply of essential prescription medications.
Plan communications: Arrange mail forwarding, phone unlocking, and address changes in your home country.

D. Final 30–90 Days

The final countdown is focused on travel logistics and immediate arrival needs.

Book flights: Secure your travel arrangements (tourists must have proof of onward travel).
Confirm temporary housing: Book a short-term rental or Airbnb for your first few weeks.
Confirm insurance: Ensure you have travel or health insurance coverage active from day one.
Prepare a document folder: Keep physical and digital copies of your passport, apostilled documents, prescriptions, and emergency contacts.
Set up mail forwarding: Finalize your virtual mailbox service.
Notify financial institutions: Inform your banks and credit card companies of your move.
Prepare medication supply: Pack an adequate supply of your essential medications.
Pack appropriately: Review what to pack for the climate and the rainy/dry seasons.
Arrange transport: Book your airport transport to your temporary housing.

E. First 30 Days in Costa Rica

Your priority upon arrival is establishing your daily routine and legal presence.

Get connected: Get a local SIM card or mobile plan (Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty) and set up WhatsApp.
Learn transportation: Figure out how to get around using buses, shuttles, or a rental car.
Test neighborhoods: Explore local neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.
Identify medical facilities: Locate the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Learn emergency numbers: Save local emergency numbers (911) and your embassy contact info.
Start banking process: Begin the bank account process if you are eligible and have the required documentation.
Document spending: Track your actual spending against your budget.
Avoid major purchases: Wait before buying a car or property until you are certain of your long-term plans.

F. First Year

The first year is a trial period to confirm that the Costa Rican lifestyle suits you.

Rent before buying: Give yourself at least a year to experience all seasons before committing to real estate.
Compare regions: Re-evaluate your chosen region after living there—you may prefer a different climate or community.
Monitor your budget: Keep a close eye on your budget against your expectations.
Complete residency steps: Work closely with your attorney to complete any remaining residency steps if applicable.
Decide your status: Decide whether you want to stay full-time, part-time, or seasonally. If you are unsure, return to the Start Here guide.
Build relationships: Invest time in building local relationships with both expats and Costa Ricans.
Review healthcare access: Reassess your healthcare access and insurance needs based on your first year’s experience.
Revisit housing: Revisit your long-term housing decision once you are fully settled.

Critical Details Often Overlooked

Even the most organized expats can miss a few crucial details. The table below highlights the most common oversights and how to handle them.

Item	Why it matters	What to do
Passport validity	You can be denied entry or residency processing.	Confirm passport-validity requirements for your nationality before travel. Keep your passport accessible and carry a copy when appropriate.
Apostilles / authentication	Foreign documents may not be accepted for residency or official processes without proper authentication.	Have birth certificates and background checks apostilled by the issuing jurisdiction before arriving.
Official translations	DGME only accepts Spanish documents translated by approved professionals.	Use a certified traductor oficial in Costa Rica for all English legal documents.
Document expiry windows	Residency documents are time-sensitive, and validity windows can be short.	Ask your attorney when to order each document so it remains valid when filed.
Medication refills	Some specific brand-name drugs are unavailable locally.	Bring an adequate supply and research local generic equivalents before moving.
Emergency fund	Unexpected costs (deposits, import fees, legal hurdles) happen often.	Maintain a liquid emergency fund in your home country account.
Emergency flights to North America	Family emergencies or specialized medical needs may require sudden travel.	Budget for last-minute, full-fare flights back to the U.S. or Canada.
Tax residency / reporting	Moving abroad does not automatically sever home-country tax obligations.	U.S. citizens often have continuing tax filing and foreign-account reporting obligations. Canadians and other residents should also get country-specific cross-border tax advice.
Healthcare cost escalation	Private insurance premiums rise with age, and out-of-pocket costs can accumulate.	Plan for healthcare inflation in your long-term budget, especially after age 70.
Car purchase / import costs	Vehicles are significantly more expensive in Costa Rica due to taxes.	Taxes, import costs, and market conditions often make vehicles significantly more expensive than comparable North American prices; many expats report 30–50% premiums on common used vehicles. Consider renting or using public transit initially.
Pet import documents	Costa Rica has strict agricultural entry requirements for animals.	If bringing pets from the U.S. or Canada, start the USDA/CFIA endorsement and vaccination timeline months in advance. If coming from another country, verify the equivalent export process.
Spanish-language basics	Bureaucracy, banking, and local integration require basic Spanish.	Start learning before you arrive; do not rely entirely on English-speaking facilitators.

Use this page as your working checklist. Bookmark it or print it before your exploratory trip to keep your relocation on track.