Everything You Need to Know about
Living in Costa Rica

Who doesn’t dream of living in a tropical paradise, where the weather is fine and life is easy? For many, Costa Rica is becoming that place. Living in Costa Rica is now a consideration for many retirees as well as those who are not yet past retirement age.

Why Choose Costa Rica?

What’s so attractive about living in Costa Rica? One consideration is certainly the fact that this Central American country is one of the world’s most stable democracies and has the highest standard of living in that part of the world. Other factors include ideal weather and a country that’s eager to welcome foreigners to their soil. Talk about benefits!


Buying Real Estate

Most experts note that buying real estate in Costa Rica is actually quite simple. The country’s constitution guarantees to its citizens the right to own real estate in Costa Rica and extends that guarantee to foreign investors as well.

Retirees and others who are interested in residency in Costa Rica will be attracted by the buying power they’ll possess here. With a little research, you’ll find that most regions in Costa Rica offer homes that are much more affordable than those in the U.S. and Canada, with housing prices for nice homes in good neighborhoods starting as low as $50,000 USD.

The beauty of Living in Costa Rica

Once you’ve purchased a home, you’ll continue to save money. The tropical climate and comfortable average temperature of about 24 degrees C (75 degrees F) eliminates the need to either heat or air-condition your home, so utility bills are much less costly than in Canada or the United States. Ceiling fans are usually sufficient for cooling your home and tradewinds make the days quite comfortable.

With rare exceptions, your investment in Costa Rica can be considered safe. Studies site Costa Rica as one of the least corrupt countries in the world and rank it among the best and safest places to make an investment, be it real estate or otherwise.

Those considering living in Costa Rica may buy pre-existing homes or choose a lot for new construction. The new construction process is, however, a bit difficult given language and cultural barriers, so those who choose this option should proceed carefully.


Making a Living

Highly-regarded business magazine, Fortune, has named Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose as one of the top 25 cities in the world in which to do business. That may come as a comfort to business owners or pre-retirees who are considering a move to this lovely Central American country.

To work in Costa Rica, you must obtain a work permit. For some professions, notes the country’s permit guidelines, this is fairly simple. For example, scientists, artists (including actors), clergy, and immigrant workers (for the harvest of a particular crop) find it easy to secure a work permit. Owners and stockholders of registered Costa Rican companies can also obtain a permit with little or no hassle.

Remember, however, that you can’t come to Costa Rica as a tourist and decide to stay and get a job in this enticing paradise. That’s illegal.


Enjoying Retirement in Costa Rica

You’ll face a lot of tough questions upon considering Costa Rica as a retirement destination. For example, “Should I live on the beautiful Caribbean coast or the equally stunning Pacific Coast? Or how about, “Will I go fishing today or just lay around in my hammock under the tropical trees?”
Seriously, the options for retired folks who are living in Costa Rica are endless. In a country so diverse, there’s so much to do that most retirees note that they never get bored with life in this welcoming Central American country.

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