23/03/2025
Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting adventure, but one of the most important steps in the transition is understanding the residency and visa process. While many expats live in Costa Rica on a tourist visa, securing legal residency comes with major benefits, including access to public healthcare (Caja), the ability to open a local bank account, and no more visa renewal border runs!
If you’re considering making Costa Rica your permanent home, here’s a clear breakdown of the different residency options, requirements, and how to navigate the process smoothly.
1. The Tourist Visa: A Temporary Option
Before applying for residency, most expats enter Costa Rica on a 90-day tourist visa, which is automatically granted to citizens of the U.S., Canada, and many European countries upon arrival.
✈️ What You Need to Know:
- The 90-day rule: After 90 days, you must leave the country for at least a few hours (usually by crossing into Nicaragua or Panama) before re-entering for another 90 days.
Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting adventure, but one of the most important steps in the transition is understanding the residency and visa process. While many
