By Nathalia Romero Sanchez, Costa Rica Real Estate Writer | Mon 27, April 2026
Why People Are Relocating to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is part of the relocation wave affecting the United States, Europe, and Canada over the last few years. Political uncertainty, price fluctuations, and the need to diversify assets are likely the main reasons many people are looking to relocate this year.
At 2Costa Rica Real Estate, we constantly receive international investors and relocators seeking a better life and one of Latin America's most beautiful coastal settings. We understand there are many questions, insecurities, and concerns about moving to a new country or buying a second home. The growing number of people moving here shows a steady trend and rising demand for resales and new constructions. More families are looking for a better life, often encouraged by recommendations or acquaintances who are already living in Costa Rica.
Costa rica real estate is a top relocation choice in Latin America, boasting one of the region's highest rankings on the UN Human Development Index. Recognized for its strong democracy, stable government, and friendly culture. The country is currently experiencing significant development, relocation waves, and structural changes that are likely to influence its future performance.
Challenges of Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica and How to Adapt
Costa Rica's real estate market, while secure, has many bureaucratic processes that can be lengthy, acting as a filter for serious and valuable projects. Bureaucracy is slow. Permitting, title checks, and legal processes take longer than in the US, Canada, or Europe. Try to calculate extra time for every step. Flexibility is essential. Scheduling around off-peak hours for showings, building timelines, and staying flexible will reduce frustration during the buying or construction process. Due diligence is time consuming. Title verification, survey checks, unpaid taxes, and environmental restrictions require local expertise and patience. A strong local team is more crucial than speed. A specialist lawyer and experienced local agent are necessary to avoid costly errors.
Is Costa Rica Safe to Live In?
For the vast majority of people looking to retire, work remotely, or own a Plan B home in Costa Rica, the country is completely safe. It takes some research, but there are plenty of safe and beautiful locations throughout Costa Rica where you can live. Whether in the city of San José, a small town in the mountains, or on the beach, Costa Rica is a place like no other in Central America, offering safety and quality of life beyond any other country in the region. According to CRIE, over 140,000 Americans call Costa Rica home, with estimates of between 70,000 and 120,000 US citizens currently residing here.
Best Areas to Live in Costa Rica: Choosing the Right Location
Every area in Costa Rica has its own different structures, communities, neighborhoods, and lifestyles. The question is, where do you envision yourself living?
Northern Pacific: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Papagayo, and Hacienda Pinilla area is ideal for families and younger retirees, offering hospitals, schools, diverse dining, surfing, and outdoor activities.
South Pacific: The Dominical area has a distinct jungle, self aware, yoga focused energy. Moving south through Uvita to Ojochal, the vibe becomes more residential, classy, and family oriented, maintaining its excellent wellness and surfing character.
Central Valley: Often overlooked for the beach. The temperature is a consistent 65 to 85 degrees year round, and it offers all comforts, including excellent hospitals and Urban park lifestyle. Plus, the beach is only an hour and a half away. The single biggest mistake we see people make is falling in love with a property before they've figured out what area actually fits their lifestyle. What are your hobbies? What amenities do you need around you? How close do you want to be to medical care? What climate works for you?
Figure out your wants and needs first, then find the property.
Should You Buy or Rent First in Costa Rica?
Rent. Rent. Rent. Fall in love. Then buy.
We will say it every time. If you've never been here or you're not sure of the area, rent first. Investors travel around the whole country, Central Valley, South Pacific, Northern Pacific, and come back and say yes, " This is it, this is where we want to be,” completely changing their first option. Understanding the weather, seasons, and tourism is a valuable process that reassures your decision.
Coastal areas are particularly attractive to expats and those relocating, offering a place with strong communities and robust investment opportunities. The country offers many benefits, including access to international schools, quality public healthcare, and diverse city and coastal activities.
Get to know the place before making a big decision.
Relocate Into This Perfect Place: High Rise City Haven
For a seamless move to Costa Rica, this 20th floor apartment at Torre Rohrmoser provides just that, a fully furnished
high rise condos that is ready for occupancy and located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of San José that is conducive to living and walking with beautiful views, an open plan, and the ability to make money from renting if that is what you decide later on down the line.
Want to make a move?
Work with Nataliya Bari , an expert relocator who can help you secure this property or find the right fit anywhere in Costa Rica, without wasting time on the wrong inventory.
Costa Rica Residency and Visa Options: What You Need to Know
Absolutely not necessary, especially if you are new to the country and unsure if Costa Rica is the place for you. Upon arrival, you will be stamped into the country with the number of days you are allowed to remain, granted to you by the immigration official. As a visitor from a Group 1 country such as the USA or Canada, your allowed stay may be up to 180 days per visit. Other types of visas include the Digital Nomad, Rentista, and Pensionado visas.
However, if you intend to conduct any kind of business in the country, open a bank account, or pay utilities, among others, then becoming a resident is very much worth it. The minute you step into the country as a resident, you automatically bypass the tourist queue and proceed right through.
The Practical Relocation Checklist: Before Moving to Costa Rica
Before You Buy
Experience Costa Rica first. driving, and living the day to day.
- Visit in the rainy season, not just the dry season, the roads, the mud, the humidity, and the lifestyle change considerably
- Talk to people who have already made the move. Expat communities are open, and will tell you things no listing ever will, or what was difficult for them
- Narrow down your area before you narrow down your property. The lifestyle differences between regions are dramatic
When You Are Ready to Buy
Hire a real estate agent who specializes in the specific market you are buying in.
- Get a real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
- Use a reputable escrow company, no exceptions; never wire funds without securing your money first.
- Full due diligence, title check at the National Registry, survey verification, unpaid taxes, liens, environmental restrictions, and unregistered improvements.
- Understand exactly what you are buying, the boundaries, what is permitted, what is not, what exists on paper versus what exists physically.
After You Close
- Open a local bank account as early in the process as possible; it takes longer than you think.
- Start your residency application if you have not already, for banking, healthcare, and day to day life.
- Involve yourself with the Costa Rican community, learn Spanish, and grow roots. Ticos are one of the friendliest people on earth.
The Truth About Buying Property in Costa Rica That Nobody Tells You
There are no major complications in buying real estate in Costa Rica, but there are plenty of pitfalls where you can end up buying the wrong piece of land with the wrong neighbors, with almost no legal protection if anything goes wrong. The law is sound, foreigners enjoy equal property rights to nationals, the Registry is public, and the safety procedures protect your investment. Making a big investment here is the same as anywhere else; you need solid ground and strong advice.
The problem lies in assuming that everyone in your deal has your best interests in mind.
Foreign buyers are often surprised by hidden issues, undisclosed boundary disputes, unregistered improvements, unpaid taxes, and environmental restrictions. These are common, not rare, and stem from trusting the wrong people or cutting legal corners to save money, a choice that usually costs more in the end. Your real estate representation and your legal team are the most critical parts of the transaction.
Choose a specialist with extensive experience whose priority is doing things right, not fast. Having the right team is what truly separates a successful investment from a costly mistake.
Bibliography
United Nations Development Programme. (2023). Human Development Report: Costa Rica.
https://hdr.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/CRI
TheGlobalEconomy.com. (2023). Costa Rica: Human development index.
https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Costa-Rica/human_development/
Tico Times. (2021, January 14). Environmental efforts send Costa Rica to the top of the Human Development Index in Latin America.
The Costa Rica News. (2024, June 1). Costa Rica leads the ranking with the best human development in Central America.
CRIE. (2025, November 8). How many Americans and Canadians live in Costa Rica?