Visa & Residency

For retirees: the Pensionado visa requires just $1,000/month in pension income - among the world's lowest requirements for permanent residency. For digital nomads: the Digital Nomad Visa ($3,000/month) gives 2 years. Both have slow processing (6–12 months typical) - hire a Costa Rican immigration lawyer ($1,500–$3,000) to manage the process. Many expats start on tourist extensions (90 days, renewable with border runs to Panama/Nicaragua) while the visa processes.

Costa Rica's Dirección General de Migración is notoriously slow. For the Pensionado visa, expect 6–12 months from complete application submission. The Digital Nomad Visa is slightly faster (consulate processing can be 3–6 months). During the wait, you can enter on tourist entry (90 days for most nationalities) and do 'border runs' to Panama or Nicaragua to restart the clock, though this is a gray area legally. Hiring an immigration lawyer significantly reduces errors.

Yes. Legal residents (Pensionado, Rentista, or permanent) can enroll in the CAJA voluntarily for $75–$150/month. This gives access to the same healthcare system that covers all Costa Ricans - ranked in the global top 30. Enrollment is required within 3 months of receiving residency. Digital Nomad Visa holders must show private health insurance (not CAJA) as part of their application.

The Pensionado (retiree) visa requires proof of at least $1,000/month in lifetime pension income from Social Security, a private pension, or an annuity. There is no age limit - younger people with qualifying pension income can apply. After 3 years as a Pensionado, you can apply for permanent residency. Benefits include CAJA health insurance access (~9–10% of stated income) and special tax/customs incentives valid through June 2026 (tax-free import of household goods + 2 vehicles).

Costa Rica launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2022. Requirements: minimum income of $3,000/month ($4,000/month for families), long-term residency health insurance (travel insurance NOT accepted), $100 application fee, and application via the Trámite Ya online portal. Grants a 1-year stay renewable once for a second year. Foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt in Costa Rica. It was one of the first formal digital nomad programs in Latin America.