Costa Rica
Central America • Central America
Overview
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa requires just $1,000/month guaranteed lifetime pension - one of the world's lowest thresholds for retirees. The visa starts as a 2-year temporary permit with a path to permanent residency after 3 years. US Social Security qualifies, and the embassy in San José provides Spanish-certified benefit letters. The country uses a territorial tax system, meaning foreign income remains untaxed. Healthcare through the public CCSS system requires 9-11% of reported income but provides comprehensive coverage. Physical presence of only 4 months per year is required to maintain residency status.
Visa Options
Pensionado (Retiree) Visa
For those with guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month.
Rentista Visa
For those with $2,500/month passive income from investments or property.
Highlights
- ✓Pensionado visa requires only $1,000/month pension
- ✓No minimum age requirement for retirement visa
- ✓Territorial tax system - foreign income untaxed
- ✓Only 4 months/year physical presence required
- ✓Path to citizenship after 7 years
- ✓US Social Security qualifies for pension requirement
Considerations
- !Cannot work as employee on Pensionado visa
- !Must register with CCSS healthcare (9-11% of income)
- !Higher cost of living than other Central American countries
- !Rainy season June-November can be intense
- !Import costs make electronics/vehicles expensive