Managing retirement savings in Costa Rica

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator20 August 2025 07:31:12

15108

Hello everyone,

Saving for retirement as an expat in Costa Rica can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats manage or plan their retirement savings in Costa Rica.

How do you handle retirement savings in Costa Rica?

Have you faced any challenges accessing pension funds from your home country (or from other countries)? How do you deal with taxation or the currency exchange rates?

What local options are available to expats, either public or private, to help you save for retirement?

What are the most popular private pension or investment plans popular among expats in Costa Rica?

What do you wish you had known earlier about saving for retirement as an expat?

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

Claus Elsner Member

Member since 28 August 2025

Claus ElsnerMember28 August 2025 17:37:16

Retirement Savings in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, retirement savings depend on how long somebody works and contributes locally. For the government pension system, approximately 20 years of contributions are required to qualify.

In addition, there are two private pension plans:

ROP (Régimen Obligatorio de Pensiones): Mandatory. Funds can only be withdrawn at official retirement age.

FCL (Fondo de Capitalización Laboral): More flexible. Funds can be withdrawn after 5 years or when changing employers.

Beyond the local system, there are also international savings plans with access to global markets.