Relocating to Costa Rica: A Legal and Lifestyle Guide by Simple Legal Consulting - Costa Rica Immigration Lawyers
About the Author
Herman Duarte, founder of Simple Legal Consulting, is an immigrant from El Salvador who, after living in Costa Rica for 13 years, is now a proud Costa Rican. He holds master's degrees from Stockholm University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Passionate about writing and research, Herman is widely recognized as one of the top lawyers in the region and a leading expert in investment and immigration law in Costa Rica.Drawing from his personal experience as an immigrant, Herman uniquely understands the challenges of navigating the immigration system and is dedicated to helping others successfully transition to life in Costa Rica.
If you are moving to Costa Rica, you are not just changing countries. You are stepping into a different legal system, different banking compliance rules, different rental customs, and a very specific way of doing business. Most people searching online for “immigration lawyer in Costa Rica” are not only looking for residency help, they also want a reliable roadmap for daily life.
We are immigration lawyers in Costa Rica. Our core work is residency strategy, filings, and long-term compliance. Still, because we work with international clients every day, we constantly see what helps (and what backfires) when someone is relocating to Costa Rica.
This guide is designed to be practical, specific, and searchable.
Legal note and limitation of responsibility
This article is general information. It is not legal, tax, financial, medical, or real estate advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Requirements and institutional criteria can change. Your situation may require formal legal review before you sign a lease, buy a vehicle, open a bank account, or structure a corporation.
By reading this, you understand you remain responsible for decisions you make and for verifying current requirements with qualified professionals.
Index
Immigration first: why status impacts everything
Renting a home in Costa Rica
Buying property and due diligence basics
Banking and opening accounts
Schools and international education
Healthcare and hospitals
Health insurance and medical access programs
Accounting and corporate compliance
Property taxes and “luxury home” tax
Central Valley areas to live
Beach towns and lifestyle fit
Buying a car and avoiding expensive mistakes
Shopping malls and everyday convenience
Furniture and setting up a home
Restaurants and dining culture
Museums, galleries, and art
Domestic help: maid service expectations
Three extra sections: internet and utilities, safety mindset, pets and service animals
1. Immigration first: why status impacts everything
If you want to move to Costa Rica, immigration is not a separate box you check. It affects almost everything that comes after:
Banking: many banks ask for a residency approval, a filed process, or a consistent local profile.
Healthcare: public enrollment and long-term access often depend on your category and documentation path.
Renting and contracts: landlords and service providers may request proof of legal stay or a local guarantor.
Business and investment: structuring a corporation and registering beneficial ownership is easier when your legal presence is stable.
If your goal is residency, start with a plan. People lose months by moving first and figuring out immigration later, and then discovering that banking, leases, or business structures become harder. If you are looking for immigration information you can take a look at this link where you can read about the different immigration categories we work with: Visas and Residencies.
2. Renting a home in Costa Rica
For many newcomers, renting is the smartest first move. It lets you test climate, traffic, and neighborhood fit before committing long-term.
Typical market practice is:
One month rent + one month deposit (two months total upfront)
If a landlord asks for significantly more than that, treat it as a red flag and ask why. Sometimes there is a reason (high-end furnished, short-term demand, unusual risk profile), but often it’s simply an attempt to shift risk onto the tenant.
A practical pattern for people relocating:
Rent one to two months in a central area first (to explore). Platforms like Airbnb are widely use in the country so you can find options very easily.
Then sign a longer lease once you know commute times and microclimates
Legal reality worth knowing: even when a lease is informal, Costa Rican tenant protections can still apply in many cases. That said, enforcement and conflict are the part you want to avoid. A clean contract, clear payment terms, and a professional inventory list prevent most disputes.
3. Buying property and due diligence basics
Foreigners can own property in Costa Rica, but the process rewards caution.
A safe purchase usually includes:
Title and lien verification
Confirmation of municipal taxes and condominium fees (if applicable)
Review of boundaries, access rights, and any easements
Verification of corporate ownership history (if the property is owned by a company)
Never buy based only on a broker’s summary, photos, or “it’s clean, don’t worry.” If you want the transaction to be defensible later, do formal due diligence with a notary or lawyer. You can read our in depth A Practical Guide for Property Buyers in Costa Rica .
4. Banking and opening accounts
Costa Rican banking is compliance-heavy. The bank’s job is not to make you comfortable, it’s to satisfy internal controls.
A commonly used option for international clients are private banks. In many cases, an account can be opened quickly when documents are complete and the profile is clear.
With the right documents and a clear source-of-funds profile, opening can be possible in as little as 2 business days, subject to the bank’s internal review and compliance criteria. We have helped dozens of clients open bank accounts in the country working closely with our internal accounting team that help us deliver fast and serving as a one stop office for our clients.
Typical items banks request:
Passport and entry status
Proof of income and source of funds
Explanation of expected transactions (amounts, origin, frequency)
Sometimes residency proof, filing receipt, or local ties
If your profile is complex (business owners, multiple countries, crypto, large incoming wires), plan for deeper review. But in any case we are here to help.
5. Schools and international education
Costa Rica has a strong network of private and international schools, especially in the Central Valley (Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia, and surrounding areas) and in the Guanacaste region (Nosara, Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Liberia). These schools serve both Costa Rican and expatriate families and offer a variety of academic systems, including International Baccalaureate (IB), American, German, French, British, and alternative education models.
Families relocating to Costa Rica often search for “international schools in Costa Rica” or “best schools for expats in Costa Rica.” The most important factors when choosing a school are language, academic rigor, cultural environment, and long-term university plans.
International Baccalaureate and American-Oriented Schools (Central Valley)
Lincoln School
Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) options and emphasizes academic depth and breadth, with a strong high school program and IB pathways. It is a good fit for families prioritizing rigorous academics, structured learning, and university preparation in the United States and Europe.
Blue Valley School
Highlights a global approach and offers the IB Diploma. Often appealing to families seeking a modern, internationally oriented environment with strong extracurricular programs in sports, arts, and leadership.
Pan-American School
Known as an IB Continuum school offering PYP, MYP, and DP. This is a strong choice for families committed to the IB track from early childhood through graduation, with an international curriculum taught primarily in English.
American International School of Costa Rica
Provides an American-style curriculum in English with preparation for U.S. universities and a bilingual academic environment. Frequently chosen by families seeking continuity with the U.S. education system.
Costa Rica International Academy
Offers an international curriculum with a strong emphasis on English-language instruction and multicultural integration. Serves a broad expatriate and binational student population.
European and Multilingual Schools (Central Valley)
Colegio Humboldt-Schule
A German international school with a trilingual emphasis (German and Spanish in early years, English later). It has a strong European academic culture and is often perceived as more structured and traditional, which many families value for discipline and academic rigor.
Liceo Franco-Costaricien
A French-oriented pathway connected to the French baccalauréat system and widely recognized as a platform for higher education in France and other European countries. It tends to feel academically traditional and culturally European.
European School of Costa Rica
Offers a multilingual and multicultural academic environment inspired by European education models. Often chosen by families seeking a balance between international and continental European styles of education.
Country Day School
Based on a British-style academic model with English instruction and preparation for international examinations. Frequently selected by families who want a structured system with emphasis on language proficiency and traditional benchmarks.
Alternative and Holistic Education (Central Valley)
Tree of Life International School
Known for a holistic and creative educational approach, combining academic learning with arts, emotional development, and alternative teaching methods. Often chosen by families looking for a less rigid and more personalized learning environment.
Saint Mary School
A long-established private school offering bilingual education and strong academic performance, serving both Costa Rican and international families.
International Schools in the Guanacaste Region
The Guanacaste province (Nosara, Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Flamingo, and Liberia) has developed a growing network of international and bilingual schools. These schools are particularly relevant for families relocating to Costa Rica who wish to live near the beach while maintaining access to English-language or international education.
Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)
Located in Nosara, this is one of the best-known international schools in Guanacaste. It offers an English-language international curriculum with a strong focus on academic development, community values, and environmental awareness. CRIA is frequently chosen by families seeking a balance between structured education and the Nosara lifestyle.
Del Mar Academy
Located in the Playas del Coco area, Del Mar Academy provides an English-based international curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. It is often selected by families living in the northern Guanacaste corridor who want proximity to Liberia and the international airport.
La Paz Community School
A bilingual and community-focused school serving families in Guanacaste. It combines academic instruction with cultural integration and local engagement, appealing to families who want children to develop strong Spanish and English skills.
Pacific Waldorf School
Located in the Nosara area, this school follows Waldorf-inspired educational principles, emphasizing creativity, emotional development, and nature-based learning. It is commonly chosen by families looking for a holistic and less conventional academic structure.
Costa Rica School Guanacaste
Based near Liberia, this school offers an international-style curriculum and serves families who want to live near Guanacaste’s main urban center and international airport while maintaining English-language education.
6. Healthcare and hospitals
Costa Rica has strong private healthcare options. Newcomers often choose private hospitals for speed, bilingual service, and convenience.
Commonly used private hospitals include:
Hospital CIMA
Known for private, full-service hospital care and relationships with multiple insurers for direct billing depending on the plan.Hospital Clínica Bíblica
Long-standing institution with multiple locations and broad specialties, frequently used by expats seeking an established private hospital network.Hospital Metropolitano
Often positioned as a strong value option: private care with a focus on accessible pricing relative to some premium competitors.
When people move to Costa Rica, the biggest mistake is assuming “I’ll figure healthcare out later.” If you have kids, pregnancy plans, chronic conditions, or high travel frequency, define a plan early.
7. Health insurance and medical access programs
There are three typical strategies for expats relocating to Costa Rica:
Public system enrollment where applicable (depending on immigration path and requirements you can enroll in CCSS)
Private insurance (local or international)
Discount medical programs for routine care and predictable pricing
For local insurance, the national insurer is Instituto Nacional de Seguros, which offers health products such as INS Medical.
For a discount-style plan that many people use to reduce out-of-pocket costs, MediSmart is commonly marketed as a low monthly fee program with broad access features, depending on the provider network.
The best setup depends on your risk profile. If you want to market this section well: don’t sell “cheap healthcare.” Sell “smart access and a plan that fits your immigration timeline.”
8. Accounting and corporate compliance for expats in Costa Rica
If you have a corporation in Costa Rica, the corporation has obligations even if it is “inactive.” This is where many expats get surprised: ignoring compliance can trigger penalties, banking friction, and complications when selling property or reorganizing.
Typical annual compliance for Costarican corporations (LLCs) topics include:
Annual corporate tax
Annual filings and registries (including final shareholder ownership)
Proper accounting records when there is activity
Inactive declaration of corporations explaining the tax authority what expenses does the corporation incurs, what assets owns and who pays for it.
Annual payment of the education and culture taxes (Timbre de Educación y Cultura)
9. Property taxes and “luxury home” tax
Two frequent surprises for property owners:
Municipal property taxes: paid locally based on municipal rules and declared values of the property which are usually around 0,25% annually.
“Luxury home” tax: formally the Solidarity Tax for Strengthening Housing Programs, applicable to high-value residential properties under the legal framework.
It is advisable that owners verify thresholds annually. You can contact us to help you do this.
10. Central Valley areas to live
If you want to relocate successfully, choose your daily life first, then choose your house.
Santa Ana
A favorite for expats because it mixes residential communities, office parks, and quick access to Escazú and key services. It’s convenient, modern, and practical for families who want predictable infrastructure.Escazú
Often chosen for proximity to malls, private healthcare, and international lifestyle services. It can feel more urban-luxury and higher-cost, but it’s efficient for people who value convenience.La Sabana
Central, city-based living near the capital’s business rhythm. Good for people who want walkable access to parts of San José and don’t want suburban life.Ciudad Colón
Popular for a greener feel and a calmer pace while staying within reach of San José. Many people choose it for lifestyle, not status.Barrio Escalante
A culture-and-food neighborhood that attracts people who want cafés, dining, and a more “city neighborhood” feel rather than gated community life.
11. Beach towns and lifestyle fit
Beach towns are not interchangeable. They attract different communities and different risk profiles.
Puerto Viejo/Playa Negra/Cocles
Incredible location that mixes African-Caribbean culture with a mix of crystalline beaches and black sand spaces. Playa Negra Heights is a up and coming trending upscale neighborhood where you can design a very unique Caribbean style house. Check it out
Santa Teresa
Stylish, surf-forward, boutique hospitality, and high demand. “Chic” is a fair description, but it also means higher cost and sometimes logistical friction.Uvita
Often chosen by people seeking nature, wellness, and an eco-oriented lifestyle. It can feel more “hippie,” but in the good sense: slower pace, greener priorities.Jacó
High energy, party tourism, and more nightlife. Many families and long-term residents avoid it because the vibe and the risk tolerance required are not for everyone.Tamarindo
Very popular with expats and short-term visitors because it’s developed and service-friendly. Popularity is both strength and weakness: more convenience, more crowds.Nosara
Wellness and yoga culture, strong international community, premium pricing, and a specific lifestyle identity. Think organic CEOs walking around next to some billionaires who just finished surfing lessons.Sámara
Often seen as more family-friendly and calmer, with an approachable beach-town rhythm.Playa Conchal
Known for resort-style development and a more luxury-oriented experience. W hotel here is great.Flamingo
Marina and high-end residential interest, frequently chosen for lifestyle plus boating access.
Three additional beach areas that many relocators also consider:
Dominical: surf and expat community, more rugged feel
Montezuma: artistic, alternative, small-town vibe, more hippy vibe.
Manuel Antonio: nature and tourism, higher visitor density and considered to be the LGBT beach of CR.
12. Buying a car and avoiding expensive mistakes
Cars in Costa Rica are expensive compared to many countries, and used-car transactions can hide legal or mechanical issues if you don’t do proper checks.
New cars are purchased through official dealers (Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Maserati). If you want, we can add dealer names once you confirm which specific dealer brands you want highlighted.
For used cars, common platforms people browse include:
Encuentra24
Facebook Marketplace
Club de los Artesanos
CR Autos
Non-negotiable rule: never buy a vehicle without a lawyer or notary reviewing title, liens, and transfer mechanics. “It’s fine” is not a legal standard. And it might sound obvious, but do not give any payment if you are not getting the car. q
13. Shopping malls and everyday convenience
Malls in Costa Rica are not only shopping. They are where people do banking errands, meet friends, eat, and solve day-to-day life.
Multiplaza Escazú
A modern flagship mall with a large brand mix, restaurants, cinema, and strong convenience infrastructure; often considered the most upscale mall environments in the country, you can find luxury brands like Tiffany, Cartier, Ferragamo, Rolex, Omega, among others.Multiplaza Curridabat
Similar concept with strong access from the east side; useful for families living in Curridabat, Tres Ríos, and surrounding areas.Lincoln Plaza
A major Moravia mall with broad services, food, and entertainment, often described as a comfortable, family-friendly option with variety.City Place
A Santa Ana urban center concept integrating commerce, restaurants, and entertainment, frequently used as a practical local hub.City Mall Alajuela
A large-scale mall near the airport corridor that serves Alajuela and travelers, with extensive retail and household options.Oxígeno
Known for experience design, green areas, and a lifestyle concept that blends shopping, food, and outdoor space; also noted as pet-friendly and sustainability-oriented.
14. Furniture and setting up a home
Setting up a home is where people realize they need local references fast: appliances, furniture lead times, delivery reliability, and warranty reality.
Crate & Barrel Costa Rica
Popular for modern, consistent design and home basics that feel familiar to North American buyers.Kare / Altea
Practical for décor pieces and contemporary home styling.La Artística
Often used for home furnishings and design-oriented items.Avenida Escazú
Not only shopping: it’s a lifestyle complex where many people solve errands, dining, and certain home-related purchases in one place.
15. Restaurants and dining culture
For many expats, food is how Costa Rica becomes “home.” These are strong, recognizable places people actually search.
Capital Grille
Steakhouse-style dining, business-friendly, and consistent for client meetings when you want something safe and polished.Furca / Nunc
Upscale atmosphere with a social scene; good for date nights and celebratory dinners.Esquina de Buenos Aires
A well-known Argentine steakhouse experience that many expats treat as a classic reference point.Isolina
A more refined dining option with a “special night out” feel.Shibuya
Japanese-inspired dining that tends to attract people looking for a more modern, city-night vibe. Best sushi in town.The Market
Hotel fine-dining style, often chosen for a polished environment and predictable execution.Picnic
Comfort food style, popular for casual meetups and straightforward dining.Franco
Contemporary Costa Rican cuisine with specialty coffee culture, strongly tied to the Barrio Escalante /Sabana vibe.Bulali
Café and artisanal bakery style, known for “detail-driven” presentation and a strong breakfast and coffee culture; locations include Avenida Escazú and Plaza Futura.Doris Metropolitan
Premium steakhouse experience, typically positioned for meat-forward dining and special occasions.Bacchus
Known as a fine-dining reference, usually chosen for formal dinners.Gusto Lindora
A reliable Lindora-area option for casual Italian-style dining, with the best meatballs in town.
16. Museums, galleries, and art
Costa Rica’s cultural center is San José. If someone is relocating, art is one of the fastest ways to connect to local identity.
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
Located in the historic Cuartel Bellavista, it’s a cornerstone museum for understanding Costa Rican history and identity.Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo
The contemporary art and design museum with rotating exhibitions and multiple exhibition spaces, located in the CENAC complex area.Museo del Jade
Known for one of the largest pre-Columbian jade collections; it’s a strong cultural visit in central San José.FN Art Gallery
A leading contemporary art gallery with presence in Costa Rica, often referenced by collectors seeking curated local and international contemporary work.
17. Domestic help: maid service expectations
Many households pay domestic help either:
By the hour, or
Per visit
A typical range for a standard cleaning visit is often around USD $20 to $25, depending on area, size, frequency, and whether laundry or deep cleaning is included.
The key is clarity: agree in advance on scope, supplies, schedule, and expectations. Misunderstandings here can create unnecessary tension in your first months in the country.
18. Three extra sections that relocation clients always ask about
A. Internet and utilities setup
Utility and internet setups can be fast, but the speed depends on address history, building infrastructure, and whether the contract needs a local ID. A common workaround is to start service under a landlord’s existing account and transfer later once your local profile is stronger.
B. Safety mindset and “relocation realism”
Costa Rica is not a war zone and it’s not a utopia. Most people do well by adopting simple rules: avoid leaving valuables visible, be cautious with late-night ATM use, and don’t assume “tourist zones” are automatically safe.
C. Pets and service animals
Costa Rica is pet-friendly culturally, but policies vary by airline, condo, and restaurant. If you have a service animal, carry documentation and be prepared for inconsistent enforcement across private businesses. For long-term stability, the smartest approach is calm insistence plus documentation, not confrontation. If you need help on this matter, let me know, I can help you introduce you some professionals in the field.
Kasper, my beautiful Border Collie. One of the benefits of hiring my law firm is that you will get to meet him as he is always around me.
19. Costa Rica’s Tax System: Territorial Principle
One of the most searched topics by people relocating is “Costa Rica taxes for expats.” Costa Rica operates under a territorial tax system (beware that this article is from February 2026), meaning that in general terms only income generated inside Costa Rica is subject to Costa Rican income tax.
This system is administered by the tax authority, Ministerio de Hacienda.
What is normally considered Costa Rican-source income? Income is usually considered taxable in Costa Rica when it comes from:
• Work physically performed in Costa Rica
• Services rendered in Costa Rica
• Business activities located in Costa Rica
• Rental income from Costa Rican property
• Commercial operations based in Costa Rica
What is generally considered foreign-source income? Foreign-source income usually includes:
• Salaries for work performed entirely outside Costa Rica
• Foreign pensions
• Dividends from foreign companies
• Interest from foreign bank accounts
• Capital gains on assets located abroad
Under the territorial system, this type of income is generally not taxed locally merely because a person lives in Costa Rica.
Why this matters when moving to Costa Rica This system is particularly relevant for:
• Retirees
• Remote workers - digital nomads.
• Investors
• Individuals living from foreign income
However, territorial does not mean tax-free. The key legal question is: Where is the income produced? Not where the bank account is located.
Your immigration category and your economic reality should be aligned. Mismatches can create compliance risks. That is why digital nomad visa is so attractive for so many people since it gives complete clarity that the income you produce will not be subject to any income tax. We have helped A LOT of digital nomads in case you want to get a consultation about it.
Closing: how an immigration lawyer helps you move to Costa Rica
If you are relocating, the legal plan should lead the lifestyle plan. A good immigration lawyer in Costa Rica helps you choose the right residency category, file correctly, avoid compliance traps, and structure your move so that banking, housing, and long-term stability are not constantly fighting your timeline. I personally help so many people in finding information of a multiple set of things outside immigration matters. Just book an appointment with me and I will be very happy to help.