Costa Rica offers prospective residents a whole range of residency options. The three main visa types are the pensionado, rentista or inversionista and each comes with its own host of benefits. Your choice of visa will, of course, depend on how long you are considering living in Costa Rica, whether it’s full time or for part of the year, if you intend to work or if you would prefer to invest in the country. We will outline each of these options for you here.
You don’t have to make an immediate decision on your residency status. Most foreigners can remain in Costa Rica for up to three months without a visa. After that time, they must then leave the country for at least 72 hours before returning-again, for a period of up to three months.
Many expats have lived for years in Costa Rica without a visa. Every three months they simply re-enter the country after taking long weekends elsewhere, usually in Panama or Nicaragua. And if they’re late in doing this, the fine is less than $40 (though it could easily rise). Many travel agents can help you with a quick round-trip as well as with payment of the fine. But regardless of where you enter Costa Rica, you need a passport that’s valid for at least 30 days plus a round-trip ticket.
Keep in mind that Costa Rica’s residency laws periodically change. Back in 1992, for example, the country eliminated most of the privileges resident expats had enjoyed for nearly 30 years. But even with those changes, retirees and other foreign residents still have plenty of incentives to live in Costa Rica-they’re just not as generous as they once were.