Comprehensive Costa Rica moving checklist guide — verified 2026 procedures.
Overview
Costa Rica is among Latin America's most popular destinations for retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads. Population approximately 5 million. San José (capital) is Central Valley commercial + cultural center. Other significant areas: Heredia + Cartago (Central Valley), Guanacaste Pacific Coast (Tamarindo + Liberia + Nicoya), Limón (Caribbean Coast), Manuel Antonio + Quepos (Pacific). Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is currency, USD widely accepted in tourist + expat contexts. Major expat communities concentrated in Central Valley (international families + business), Guanacaste (HNW + retirees + lifestyle), Atenas + Grecia (mature Central Valley expat communities), Tamarindo + Nosara (Pacific beach), Manuel Antonio (coastal). Strong infrastructure for expats: international schools (CDS, Lincoln, Country Day, others), excellent private hospitals (CIMA, Clinica Biblica, Hospital Metropolitano), banks (Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, Scotiabank Costa Rica), good internet infrastructure throughout.
Costa Rica Setup for New Residents
| Step | Authority | Cost | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMEX (residence ID) | DGME | USD 250 | After residence approval |
| CCSS healthcare enrollment | CCSS | Contributions based on income | Ongoing |
| Bank account | Major banks | USD 100-500 initial | 1-3 weeks |
| Driver's licence | COSEVI | USD 50 | After 90 days on foreign |
| Schools (international) | Various | USD 5k-25k/year | Apply ahead |
| Tax registration | Hacienda | Free | If becoming tax resident |
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Best Costa Rica expat destinations?
Central Valley (San José area), Atenas + Grecia (mature expat communities), Tamarindo + Nosara + Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste beach), Manuel Antonio + Quepos (Pacific coastal), Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo + Cahuita), Arenal area, Dominical + Uvita.
Cost of living?
Significantly lower than US/Canada/Western Europe. Comfortable lifestyle USD 1,500-3,500/month most areas. Central Valley USD 1,500-2,500/month. Beach areas USD 2,000-4,000/month. Quality rentals USD 800-3,000/month most areas.
Healthcare?
CCSS universal for residents + private excellent. Hospital CIMA + Clinica Biblica + Hospital Metropolitano. Costa Rica significant medical tourism destination. Costs 30-60% of US for similar quality.
Banking?
1-3 weeks at Banco Nacional + BAC Credomatic + Scotiabank + Banco de Costa Rica. USD often accepted alongside Colón.
USD vs Colón?
USD widely accepted in tourist + expat areas. Many businesses dual-price. Colón currency relatively stable but variable.
Schools for international families?
Strong international schools in Central Valley. Country Day School (CDS) + Lincoln School + others. USD 5,000-25,000+/year.
Tax considerations?
Territorial tax - only Costa Rican-source income taxed. Foreign-source income NOT taxed. Major attractor.
Property as foreigner?
Most freehold ownership permitted. Coastal land (maritime zone) + border areas have restrictions. Many expats own property comfortably.