FAQs

Yes, foreigners are permitted to own property outright in Costa Rica. Also, foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Ricans. Private property is protected by the Constitution of Costa Rica. It is no different than owning real estate in the US or Europe. Costa Rica is definitely a beautiful country to live, invest and retire.

I want to move to Costa Rica and am wondering if there are any restrictions on bringing pets into the country of Costa Rica?

If you want to bring your dog or cat, you will need to get in touch with the Consulate of Costa Rica in your country, bring a health certificate from a Veterinarian plus all vaccination given to your pet, or a certification of this by the doctor. Once you have all these papers, the Consulate of Costa Rica will seal all your documents; that will allow your pet to come into any country.

When coming to Costa Rica, do I need a passport or/and visa?

As a tourist, you do not need a visa if you are planning to visit less than 90 days. If you are already in Costa Rica and want to stay longer than 90 days, then you’ll have to leave the country for 72 hrs and re-entry legally again for another 90 days. You do not have to go too far. You may go to Panama or Nicaragua. You may also apply to the Directorate of Immigration in La Uruca for permission to stay longer in the country. Regarding the passport, you do need one to enter the country. It should be valid for at least 60 days after the arrival date. You should always carry it. A copy of the passport and stamps may not be enough as proof of legal status. It is a good idea to register with the Consular Section of the US Embassy to let them know how long you would be in the country.

I am to move to Costa Rica and will definitely take my pets along. What do I need to do?

Bringing your dog or cat is not a problem. The SENASA asks for the following requisites:

Import health requirements of Costa Rica for Dogs and Cats exported from The United States.

The dogs or cats must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, and endorsed by a Veterinary Services (VS) veterinarian. Additional information shale include:

Certification Statements

1. The dog/cat was examined and found to be healthy and free of any clinical sings of infectious disease. Note: In general this examination should be conduced within 2 weeks of the departure date.
2. Dogs were vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, Leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies.
3. Cats were vaccinated against rabies.

Vaccination Requirements

1. See Certification Statement No. 2.
2. Animals over 4 months old must be vaccinated against rabies.

Other Information

1. It is recommended that a State or Federal (VS Form 18-1), U.S. Interstate and International Certificate for Small Animals be used.
2. The accompanying health certificate should be made out at teats in duplicate.
3. The health certificate does NOT need to be so Ned by a Notary Public, nor does it need to be stamped by the Costa Rican Consular office.
4. Animals exported in commercial lot numbers must be accompanied by an import permit. Personal pet dogs or cats do need an Import permit.
5. The rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the health documents.

How can I get a job or internship in Costa Rica?

Some Americans can get a job in Costa Rica. They may teach English in one of many private language schools in Costa Rica. The salary is not very attractive for US standards. If you have an elementary or secondary education certification you might get a job in a primary and secondary school as a teacher or office clerk also. You may also try at one of the English Language publications like The Tico Times, The Beach Times, For Sale by Owner, among others. You may get lucky and get a job at a beach hotel and be near the ocean (Wow!) Just remember that these jobs are not legal because only residents and citizens are allowed to work in Costa Rica.

You can also volunteer in Costa Rica. There are some U.S. non-profit programs such as “World Teach” that place volunteers in Costa Rica every now and then. The Costa Rican Embassy in Washington may help you on this topic. There are also volunteer opportunities with the Costa Rican Energy and Environment Ministry.

What documents do I need to get married in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican law permits U.S. citizens to get married here. A lawyer can perform the required legal ceremony. You will need the following documents:

• A valid passport;
• A certified copy of your birth certificate;
• If you have been married before:
  • 1. A certified copy of the divorce decree or
  • 2. A certified copy of your previous spouse's death certificate;
• If you have not been married before, you must come to the Embassy's Consular Section and make a sworn statement to that effect before a consular officer (there is a $30 fee for this service).

If you are marrying a Costa Rican citizen, he/she will need:

• A Costa Rican ID (cédula de identidad)
• A Certificate from the Civil Registry that he/she is single (certificado de soltería del Registro Civil).

In the United States, laws regarding marriage vary from state to state. Please contact the County Clerk's office in the county in which you plan to reside in or in which you are a residentwith any questionsregardingrecognitionof your Costa Rican marriage documents in the United States. (information provided by the US Embassy)

Do I require a specific vaccine to enter Costa Rica?

It depends of where you are from. The Yellow Fever Vaccination is required to people that live in certain countries in South America and Sub-Sahara Africa. People from Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana and Venezuela are the ones that require this vaccine. They will have to present an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever.

What are the restrictions for a foreigner to buy property in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, buying land is almost as “pick and pay”, you pick a property and pay for it. You do not require a Costa Rican partner to buy land in Costa Rica. You may go through our listings and decide which one you like the best. We will help you go through all the paperwork and you will walk out owning a piece of paradise.

Why buying in Costa Rica rather than any other Central American Country?

Costa Rica is, by far, the best place to invest in Central America. Almost 60 years of democratic tradition, an inexistent army, 97% literacy, and a prosperous, fast developing country makes buying and investing here fool proof. Costa Rica is a great place to retire or raise a family. A nature oriented country, Costa Rica offers beautiful national parks, amazing beaches, wonderful adventure sports, and relaxation. Here you will enjoy the advantages of living in the tropics with all the conveniences of a developed country.

When we move to Costa Rica how much will we have to pay in taxes on our household goods?

Age and condition of the imported items determine the import duties. Used computers, appliances and TVs usually pay around 15% of their declared value.

How can I know if a property is legally titled?

All properties are properly registered in the Public Registry. It does not matter if it is a concession or a regular property. If you want to find out if the seller possesses ownership of the property you may ask your attorney to check in the Public Registry. There you may also find out if there are any restrictions, encumbrances and liens. If the property is not registered, DO NOT BUY IT!

Do I need to get a Costa Rican Driver’s license?

Your own driver’s license will work for you here in Costa Rica. Yet, it will be good just for 3 months. Then, you will need either to leave the country for 72 hrs. and return for another 3 months or get a Costa Rican Driver’s License. You may rent a car with your driver’s license and a credit card.

Are dollars accepted in Costa Rica or I have to change currency?

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. Most prices will be in colones but you will find some stores (specially souvenir stores) that have all items marked in dollars. Credit cards and dollars are accepted almost everywhere but not in $50 or $100 bills. Smaller bills will always be accepted. All major credit cards are accepted (Visa, Master Card, AMEX)

For how long can I stay in Costa Rica without a visa?

Tourists from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States and all European countries except from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republics, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Russia Slovakia and Slovenia are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa.

If you are from Australia, Belize, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, The Philippines and Venezuela you may stay for only 30 days without a visa.

All other countries require a visa to come to Costa Rica.

Am I going to be able to get my things through customs?

You are not supposed to pay for any personal luggage. That means that you can enter duty free all your belongings that are for personal and professional use. The only way you would have to pay for them is if you bring many items of the same kind and then the customs’ officer might think that you intend to commercialize them.

Your luggage will be inspected and you must fill out a customs declaration listing all the items that you bought abroad. This includes any alcoholic beverages, electrical appliances, any computer equipment, electronic stuff, and food or biological products. One declaration can be filled out per family.

When is it best to visit Costa Rica?

Well, Costa Rica can be visited anytime of the year. This really depends on individual taste and on the activities you want to do during your stay.

If you are looking for sun, sea, and summer and water activities Dry Season (High Season) may be your best option. From December thru April the weather is sunny and warm (hot at sea level) Beach resorts and water sport tour operators are very busy during this time of the year. Actually, this is the time of the year when most tourists come and visit because they are running away from the cold weather. This kind of weather can be found all over the country making it very pleasant to visit it all.

Inside the Dry Season we find what people at the tourist industry call the Peak Season (Christmas, New Year and Easter) These three weeks are the most expensive and busy of the year. Usually you will be able to rent only for the whole week and not for days or nights. These are the most difficult weeks to book, so, plan ahead if you want to come during those weeks.

But then, there is also the Green Season. This is what is usually called Rainy Season, but we changed the name to Green because it is the most luscious and exuberant part of the year. But with Green we took out the negative aspect of Rainy because it makes it seem like it never stops raining and that is not the case. As a matter of fact, this time of the year is very nice. It is usually sunny and glorious in the mornings and then after lunch it rains for a couple of hours. Some days it may rain for more than that or until next day, but those are the exception. Most of the time, you will be able to do plenty during the morning and also enjoy the weather. This season is very attractive for some people because prices go down making it more affordable to enjoy the country, the landscape is absolutely gorgeous and the temperature is not very hot but always warm. Rain forests are at their best and Turtles come to nest at some beaches during this time of the year.

What is recommended for me to bring along?

You may bring whatever you consider necessary. Every person has different needs and desires. Yet, there are some little things that may become handy:

Medication: if you are allergic to some insect bites or plants or food, pack your medicine FIRST! You may find most prescriptions in site, yet do not take any chances and bring your own.

Get ready to communicate: bring a pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary. This might be handy.

Get ready for adventure: do not forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes for every occasion and place (sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc). Comfortable, loose clothes will allow you to climb. Sunscreen is a must! Even in a cloudy day you may burn. Always wear it!! Insect repellent, sunglasses & hat and a rain jacket may complete the outfit.

Get ready to live, enjoy and remember: if you bring your binoculars, camera and film if you need it, you will be ready to see and remember your trip. Living is enjoying, and living fully is enjoying at the most.

What is the time zone in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time. That is why some part of the year the time is the same as Central time in the US and the other part of the year, the time is the same as Easter time in the US.