What do I need to know before retiring in Costa Rica?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Costa Rica, they said...
"We (US/UK retired couple) are in the process of settling in Escazu. We will be applying for the rentista visa, having ruled out the pensionista because of how the Caja charge is calculated. We have chosen the central location in preference to the coast for reasons of climate (warm days, slightly less warm evenings, need for little, if any a/c). Also, San Jose/Central Valley offers accessibility to the variety of experiences Costa Rica has to offer. Proximity to the airport is also important for us. The downsides experienced so far have been the heavy traffic and the serious sticker shock in the supermarkets and restaurants. Nowhere is perfect and we are happy to adjust our daily routines to these local realities. We will be happy to share our experiences as we go through the retirement process here," explained one expat living in Escazu, Costa Rica.
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"Before retiring in Costa Rica, expats should make sure to research residency options, learn about the country's healthcare and education system, and familiarize themselves with Costa Rica's culture and customs. It is important to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language. Knowing the local laws and the best ways to finance and protect assets is also essential for a smooth transition into retirement. Expats should also investigate what kind of activities and attractions are available in the region where they plan to settle. It is also a good idea to look into visa restrictions, as some retirees may need to acquire special documentation to stay in the country. Additionally, expats should be aware of the cost of living in Costa Rica and how much they need to budget for their retirement," said another expat in Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
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What do I need to know before retiring in Costa Rica?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.