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Living in Costa Rica: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Costa Rica.

Guide updated byVeedushi Bissessur, on 20 July 2021

Costa Rica is a perfect destination for expats wishing to make a new start abroad while enjoying to be surrendered by amazing natural landscapes. As a pioneer in ecotourism, Costa Rica is a destination offering numerous professional opportunities in the environment protection sector.

The General Directorate of Migration provides many types of visas which afford expats to settle in the country.

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Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats

Formalities and visas in Costa Rica

All you need to know to enter Costa Rica and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.
Get help with administrative formalities to settle in Costa Rica.
Learn more

Working in Costa Rica

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Costa Rica.

Finance and banks in Costa Rica

Tips to manage your money in Costa Rica: from opening a bank account, transferring funds to filling your tax and understanding the fiscal system.
Choose a bank that understands your expat needs.
Learn more

Health care in Costa Rica

Understand the healthcare system in Costa Rica: public and private health system, health insurance options, how to access medical care...
The health care system in Costa Rica

The health care system in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has received international praise for its modern healthcare system, and both citizens and legal residents can enjoy universal healthcare. ...

Protect your health during your expat journey.
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Education and schools in Costa Rica

Discover schooling options in Costa Rica: public, private or international institutions and curricula, enrollment procedures, and costs. Find the right education for your children abroad.
Key facts for international students in Costa Rica

Key facts for international students in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an attractive and affordable country in which to study, with one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America and a strong ...

Accommodation in Costa Rica

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Costa Rica. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Explore housing options and find your home in Costa Rica.
Browse properties

Planning your move to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica? Get advice and tips to planning your relocation, choosing the best company, packing your belongings and managing customs procedures.
Find the right moving service to relocate to Costa Rica.
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Leisure in Costa Rica

Enjoy you free time while living in Costa Rica. Discover sports, leisure, cultural activities and entertainment options to make the most of your expat life.
Leisure in Costa Rica

Leisure in Costa Rica

Whether you fancy ziplining or sunbathing, there are seemingly no limits to the activities that you can do in Costa Rica. Read this article to find ...

Everyday life in Costa Rica

Want to know what life in Costa Rica is really like? Here's a taste: explore the country, find tips to use transportation, to set up internet and phone services, and everything you need to live like a local.
About

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant. Before joining the Expat.com team, I worked as a journalist/reporter in several Mauritian newsrooms. My experience of over six years in the Mauritian press gave me the opportunity to meet many prominent figures and cover a wide range of events across various topics.

Join the Costa Rica expat community
Connect with +3M members
Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats