Thinking about moving from Puerto Rico to Costa Rica

Joseph jacopelle New member

Member since 22 March 2026

Joseph jacopelleNew member22 March 2026 13:11:44

hello everyone

please you can call me Joey I'm pretty informal

I'm new here so I introduce myself you guys feel free to introduce yourself I could use some expat help that's for sure I'm clueless I know a little bit of Spanish from Puerto Rico just enough to get by

I'm hoping the transition will go smoothly find the cheap apartment in a decent area

I would like to be on the Caribbean side if possible

I'm retired I'm 61 years old I live on SSDI I think I have enough to get by over there it'd be a little tight but not too bad so please give me your input and thoughts on what I'm thinking about it will be greatly appreciated

new friends would be welcome very welcome thanks guys say hello like I said up top

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edwinemora Serial expat

Member since 09 May 2021

edwinemoraSerial expat22 March 2026 15:00:04

511

@Joseph jacopelle..."I'm hoping the transition will go smoothly" ???...What do you think it will be when migration asks to show proof of an 'exit flight out of Costa Rica' before you can put one foot into the country....Costa Rica is not another state to the U.S.and you have to meet governmental administrative requirements before you can make any long term plans here..

daveandmarcia Serial expat

Member since 03 February 2023

daveandmarciaSerial expat25 March 2026 14:51:57

354

My understanding is that your SSDI benefit will expire when you become eligible for your Social Security Old Age benefit. Since your SSDI benefit is not guaranteed for life, I think it will not qualify you for legal residency as a pensionado. Then, your SSOA benefit, which is guaranteed for life, must be at least $1,000 per month. Best to get some firm numbers from Social Security before you make the move.