How to Move to Costa Rica from the U.S. or Canada in 2025
- Sabina Rivas
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Step-by-Step Guide to Relocation, Residency, Shipping & Settling In
When Sarah and David packed their lives into 12 boxes and boarded a plane to Costa Rica, they weren’t just chasing sunshine - they were chasing a lifestyle. “We wanted more freedom, nature, and time with our kids,” Sarah says. “And Costa Rica just made sense.”
If you're considering the same leap in 2025, this step-by-step relocation guide will help you go from dreaming to landing - with legal clarity, logistical confidence, and peace of mind.
🇨🇷 Why So Many Are Moving to Costa Rica in 2025
Costa Rica continues to rank as a top destination for:
Remote workers seeking better work-life balance
Families desiring a nature-rich, bilingual upbringing
Retirees escaping high costs and cold weather
Investors capitalizing on tourism and rental demand
With its stable democracy, strong expat infrastructure, modern amenities, and famously welcoming vibe, relocating to Costa Rica has never been more doable - or more rewarding.
🧭 Step 1: Define Your “Why” and Ideal Lifestyle
Before diving into logistics, get clear on your personal goals:
Do you want to buy or rent long-term?
Are you retiring, working remotely, or starting a business?
What climate do you prefer - beach, mountain, valley?
Are private schools or bilingual communities a priority?
This shapes where you'll live, what visa you need, and how much you’ll budget.
📍 Step 2: Choose Your Location Wisely
Costa Rica offers many “microclimates” and lifestyles:
Region | Ideal For |
Playas del Coco | Expats, investors, airport access |
Tamarindo | Surf, tourism, nightlife |
Santa Ana / Escazú | Urban luxury, schools, hospitals |
Nosara / Samara | Wellness, families, nature |
Dominical / Uvita | Eco-living, remote workers |
Santa Teresa | Surf culture, high-end retreats |
✈️ Pro Tip: Visit for 2–4 weeks before choosing your final destination.
📄 Step 3: Understand Residency Options in 2025
There are several ways to legally live in Costa Rica as a foreigner:
1. Digital Nomad Visa
1-year visa (renewable for 1 year)
Proof of $3,000+/month income
Tax exemptions on foreign income
2. Pensionado (Retiree Visa)
Permanent income of $1,000/month from pension or retirement fund
Access to CAJA (public healthcare)
3. Rentista Visa
$2,500/month income or $60,000 deposited in a CR bank
2-year renewable
4. Investor Visa
Minimum $150,000 investment (real estate, business, etc.)
Eligible for residency + path to citizenship
⚖️ Always use a local attorney for immigration - it’s worth every cent.
📦 Step 4: Plan the Move - Shipping, Pets & Storage
What to Bring
Clothes for warm and rainy seasons
Tech gear (more expensive locally)
Essential documents
Favorite nonperishables or health products
What to Leave Behind
Most furniture (unless you're shipping a container)
High-maintenance appliances (different voltage)
Anything replaceable - Costa Rica has growing options!
Shipping Options
Air cargo for small, urgent items
Ocean freight for full home containers (8–10 weeks transit)
Courier/moving companies like DHL, Aeropost, or ShipToCR
Pets
Costa Rica is pet-friendly!
Health certificate and rabies vaccination required
No quarantine for dogs/cats
🏠 Step 5: Find Your First Home
Many expats rent first for 6–12 months before buying.
Rental Tips:
Use a trusted local realtor (avoid scams)
Look for gated communities, strong expat reviews, or proximity to amenities
Ask about Wi-Fi speed, power outages, and HOA rules
Buying Property:
Foreigners can buy titled land in their own name
Properties in “Maritime Zone” require extra legal due diligence
Always get a property registered with a Costa Rican notary
💡 Use a reputable firm like Palm Real Estate or Distrito Selva for local insights and safe transactions.
🏥 Step 6: Get Healthcare & Insurance
You’ll want access to both private and public healthcare:
Apply for CAJA once your residency is approved
Private insurance options: Blue Cross, INS, BMI, and more
Clinics and hospitals available even in smaller beach towns
🏥 CIMA (Escazú), Clinica Biblica, and Metropolitano are top private hospitals.
👨👩👧 Step 7: Schools, Driving & Day-to-Day Setup
If you’re relocating with family or long-term:
Driving: U.S. and Canadian licenses valid for 90 days. After residency, you’ll need a CR license.
Banking: Open a local bank account once you have residency. Until then, use Wise, Revolut, or international accounts.
Schooling: Top private schools in Tamarindo, Liberia, Escazú, and Nosara. Expect $400–$800/month tuition.
Phone Plans: Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar all offer prepaid SIMs for $20–$40/month with data.
🌎 Step 8: Join the Community
One of the best parts of relocating to Costa Rica is the instant expat community:
Facebook groups (e.g., Expats in Guanacaste, Women of Coco)
Language exchanges & beach clean-ups
Yoga studios, farmers markets, and volunteer events
🌱 Costa Rica thrives on “Pura Vida” - embrace the slow, community-driven lifestyle.
📊 Monthly Budget Snapshot (New Arrival – 2025)
Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Rent (2BR condo) | $1,500 |
Utilities & Internet | $200 |
Food & groceries | $400 |
Transportation | $150 |
Healthcare | $200 |
Fun & dining | $300 |
Total: | $2,750–$3,000 |
✨ Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Costa Rica Right for You?
If you’re craving sunshine, simplicity, safety, and a slower pace of life - the answer is likely yes.
Costa Rica isn’t perfect. Bureaucracy can be slow. Roads may be bumpy. And you’ll need to learn a bit of Spanish.
But for tens of thousands of foreigners, the benefits outweigh the challenges - and 2025 is shaping up to be the best time yet to make the move.
Let your relocation be intentional, informed, and exciting. And when you’re ready to explore homes in your dream destination, let’s talk.
Want help finding the best condo deals in Playa del Coco?
Contact me directly for personalized listings, video walkthroughs, or a free consultation.
sabina@palmrealetsatecr.com| WhatsApp Me +506 8713 8080 | Based in Guanacaste, CR