Costa Rica
Eco-tourism hub with stable democracy and popular retiree visas.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for Costa Rica
Tax resident with residence or economic center
2024
March 15th of following year
Yes - only domestic income
Income Tax
Only Costa Rican income taxed
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €1,694 | 0% |
| €1,694 | €2,529 | 10% |
| €2,529 | €4,180 | 15% |
| €4,180 | €8,334 | 20% |
| €8,334 | Unlimited | 25% |
Foreign pensions and investment income tax-free
Pension Tax
Foreign pensions tax-free
Pensionado program offers additional benefits
Capital Gains Tax
15% on gains from Costa Rican assets
Dividend Tax
15% withholding on Costa Rican dividends
Wealth Tax
No wealth tax, but solidarity tax on property above €184,000
VAT
13%Important Notice
This is not tax advice. Costa Rica uses territorial taxation. Consult a Costa Rican tax advisor.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in Costa Rica for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Costa Rica
CCSS universal (Caja)
Caja contribution or private
Expat Access
Good but wait times
Excellent, English-speaking
€60-150/month optional
Education & Childcare
Education system in Costa Rica
Good public education system (leading in Latin America) and numerous excellent international private schools. Compulsory education from age 4. Popular with expat families.
Childcare
Public daycare (CEN-CINAI) often has waiting lists. Private daycare and kindergartens widely available, especially in the Central Valley.
Primary & Secondary School
International schools
Higher Education
Public universities (UCR, UNA) very affordable but in Spanish. Many private universities offer English courses. Student visa required.
For Expat Families
Very family-friendly. Large expat communities in the Central Valley and Gold Coast (Guanacaste). Many international schools.
Spanish is the main language. International schools teach in English/German/French. Spanish courses widely available.
Contact international schools early. Spanish proficiency mandatory for public schools. School year starts in February!
Pros
- •Best education system in Central America
- •High literacy rate
- •Many international schools
- •Friendly, child-loving environment
Cons
- •Public schools often have limited resources
- •International schools relatively expensive
- •School year differs (February-December)
Notes
Costa Rica invests heavily in education (approx. 8% of GDP). The school year runs from February to December (long break over Christmas/January).
Language & Communication
Communication in Costa Rica
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and business environments. Ticos (locals) are very helpful with language barriers.
English Proficiency
Good English skills in tourism and business (San José, coasts). Less widespread in rural areas. Younger generation often good.
San José and coastal towns (Tamarindo, Jacó, Puerto Viejo) very good. Rural areas (Guanacaste inland, Osa) mostly Spanish only.
Government Services
Authorities (Migración, Caja) almost exclusively in Spanish. Interpreter or lawyer recommended.
Websites mostly only in Spanish. Some tourism info in English.
Daily Life & Communication
English widely spoken in tourist spots. Supermarkets/markets inland Spanish. Menus often bilingual.
Bus drivers usually speak only Spanish. Uber/taxi in cities often English.
Private clinics (CIMA, Biblica) in San José excellent English. Public hospitals (Caja) mostly Spanish.
Major banks (BAC, Banco Nacional) often have English-speaking staff in expat areas. Online banking partly English.
Work Environment
Corporate language in international firms (Intel, Amazon, HP). Local firms Spanish.
Many US firms in Free Trade Zones. Call centers and tech sector strongly English-speaking.
Expat Community
Large community from USA/Canada/Europe. Especially in Central Valley and coasts.
Facebook groups ('Expats in Costa Rica'), community events. Very active and helpful.
Learning the Local Language
Many language schools throughout the country. 'Spanish Immersion' programs popular.
High for integration and daily life off the beaten path. Ticos appreciate the effort.
Tips
- 💡Learn 'Tico' slang (Pura Vida, Mae, Tuanis) for sympathy points
- 💡ALWAYS take someone fluent in Spanish for bureaucratic matters
- 💡English is enough for the start, but Spanish opens the culture
Pros
- •High English prevalence in tourism/business
- •Spanish is relatively easy to learn
- •Very friendly locals who forgive mistakes
Cons
- •Authorities almost only in Spanish
- •Rural areas require Spanish
- •Contracts (rent, purchase) always in Spanish (legally binding)
Notes
Costa Rica is very accessible for English speakers, but Spanish skills are the key to the real 'Pura Vida'.
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Biodiversity hotspot (26% protected land!) with good adaptive capacity (ND-GAIN #73 readiness), but fundamental challenges. Dry Corridor (Guanacaste, Nicoya) drought-critical. Caribbean/Pacific coasts threatened. Tourism dependency (3M visitors/year) risky. Corals dying. Coffee/banana production endangered. +2.6°C projected. Carbon-neutral 2050 goal ambitious. NASA documents massive plant stress Guanacaste. Water crisis despite 'rainforest paradise' image: Geography separates rain-rich (Caribbean) from drought-prone (Pacific). Extreme contrasts on small area.
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
City-level climate outlook
Localized projections for the key expat metros in Costa Rica.
San José enjoys an 'eternal spring' climate, but Urban Heat Island effects are increasing. The city is vulnerable to ash fall from nearby volcanoes (Turrialba, Poás) and flash floods during the rainy season.
IMN Costa Rica data
October is peak month
- •Bio-corridors: Greening of riverbanks (Río Torres, Río María Aguilar)
- •Electrification of public transport (e-buses) to reduce smog
- •Volcanic ash can affect respiratory systems and close airport
- •Traffic collapse during heavy rain (drains overloaded)
Tamarindo is located in the 'Dry Corridor'. Extreme dryness in the dry season (Dec-Apr) and water scarcity are main issues. El Niño intensifies droughts massively.
Groundwater salinization threat
- •Desalination plants planned for hotels
- •Water rationing common in dry season already
- •Wildfire risk extremely high in dry season
- •Dengue fever risk rises in rainy season
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: Very High
Priority risks
Water & Drought
Base 88 → Personal 88
Economic Impact
Base 86 → Personal 86
What to prioritize
- •Check long-term water security and avoid regions with frequent restrictions.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
- •Look for reliable shelter options and emergency communication plans.
Adaptation Measures
- •Carbon-neutral 2050 goal: 99% renewable energy, reforestation program
- •€1.5B Dry Corridor Program: Water infrastructure Guanacaste, drought-resistant crops
- •National Biodiversity Strategy: 26% protected land, biological corridors
- •Climate Change Directorate: Early warning systems, disaster preparedness
- •Tourism adaptation plan: Diversification, season extension, inland focus
- •AVOID Guanacaste/Nicoya Dry Corridor! Water scarcity chronic.
- •Caribbean (Limón, Puerto Viejo) humid but safer than Pacific coast
- •Central Valley highlands (Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia) best option
- •Dengue/Zika protection ESSENTIAL: Mosquito nets, repellent, eliminate standing water
- •Tourism: Avoid June-November (rainy season more intense), December-April too hot
Climate Resilience
ND-GAIN #73 readiness (good!), #122 vulnerability (moderate). Costa Rica has solid adaptive capacity: Carbon-neutral 2050 goal, 99% renewable energy, 26% protected land, functional governance. BUT: Fundamental geographic vulnerability - Dry Corridor (Guanacaste) existentially threatened, tourism monoculture risky, small area = limited escape options. Water crisis paradox: Caribbean rain vs Pacific drought, no transfer possible. Coffee industry forced higher, limited area. Biodiversity hotspot (5% global biodiversity!) itself threatened by 'de-clouding', coral death, habitat shift. Despite good readiness: Long-term outlook for Dry Corridor critical. Central Valley highlands relatively safe.
Tips
- 💡Guanacaste Dry Corridor = NOT sustainable! Water scarcity chronic.
- 💡Central Valley highlands (Escazú, Heredia) BEST option: Moderate climate, water OK
- 💡Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal = tourism hotspots but vulnerable
- 💡Coffee zones transforming: Traditional areas no longer viable 2050
- 💡Caribbean coast humid but safer than Pacific (except Hurricane Otto repeat!)
- 💡Eco-tourism paradox: Climate change destroying what you want to see!
Pros
- •Carbon-neutral 2050 goal, 99% renewable energy already!
- •26% protected land = biodiversity hotspot (5% global biodiversity!)
- •ND-GAIN #73 readiness = solid adaptive capacity
- •Central Valley highlands relatively safe, moderate climate
- •Functional governance, politically stable
- •Pura Vida culture: Strong community resilience
Cons
- •DRY CORRIDOR (Guanacaste) EXISTENTIALLY THREATENED: NASA shows massive plant stress
- •Tourism monoculture (8-10% GDP) = economic vulnerability
- •Coffee production -30%: Traditional zones no longer viable
- •Water crisis paradox: No transfer Caribbean→Pacific possible
- •Small area (51,000 km²) = limited escape options
- •Monteverde 'de-clouding' = Cloud Forest identity lost
- •Hurricane path shift: Otto 2016 = new threat
Notes
Costa Rica is the 'Green Leader' paradox: Carbon-neutral 2050 goal, 99% renewable energy, 26% protected land (biodiversity hotspot with 5% global biodiversity!), but fundamental vulnerability. DRY CORRIDOR (Guanacaste, Nicoya) = Central America Dry Corridor part, existentially threatened - NASA ECOSTRESS documents massive plant stress. Water crisis paradox: Caribbean (Limón) rain-rich (3,000-4,000mm/year), Pacific (Guanacaste) drought-prone (<1,500mm/year declining), but geography/mountains prevent water transfer. Tourism monoculture (3M visitors/year, 8-10% GDP) risky: Beaches narrower, corals dead, Monteverde Cloud Forest 'de-clouding' (clouds rising higher), Arenal less spectacular during drought. Coffee industry forced higher (-30% traditional zones), but limited area. Hurricane Otto 2016 = first direct impact in decades, path shift south. Despite ND-GAIN #73 readiness (good!) and €1.5B Dry Corridor Program: Long-term outlook for Guanacaste/Nicoya critical. Best option: Central Valley highlands (Escazú, Heredia, Santa Ana) - moderate climate, water OK, stable infrastructure. Eco-tourism paradox tragic: Climate change destroying what world wants to see. Adaptation window: 15-25 years for structural transformation.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in Costa Rica
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Standard precautions recommended in urban areas.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for Costa Rica
Visa Options
Pensionado Residency
For retirees
Rentista Residency
For passive income
Path to Permanent Residency
Permanent residency after 3 years. Citizenship after 7 years.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.
Climate
Data Sources & Updates
Data Sources
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- NOAA Climate Data(Public Domain)
- WHO Global Health Observatory(CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- Numbeo(User-Generated Data)
- Numbeo Quality of Life Index(CC BY 4.0)