New: in late 2022 a new type of visa the “digital nomad” finally became available eliminating the necessity of “perpetual tourism” for many…
Citizens of most countries are granted a 90 day tourist visa at the immigration desk in the airport, dock or overland border crossing. The term “perpetual tourist” refers to foreigners who leave the country approximately every three months to renew their tourist visa and avoid becoming illegal aliens.
How To | | Tourist Visa Extension | digital nomad
The “border run” can be both a big pain in the neck and a great excuse for a little vacation four times a year.Some of the best “expat adventure” tales (both good and bad) are inspired by events on these quarterly migrations to Nicaragua, Panama or destinations around the world.
After reading this page you may be a bit intimidated but remember it’s (usually) not as bad as it sounds. Thousands of expats successfully use the perpetual tourist method for years before seeking residency.
NOTE: The terms “arbitrary”, “random” and “capricious” come up frequently in any discussion of enforcement of regulations in Costa Rica and while everything on this page was true to the best of our knowledge in early 2018 any of it could change at any time.
How to Make a Costa Rica Visa Renewal Border Run
Each individual situation is a bit different depending on the passport issuing country, the country chosen for the crossing, the mode of transportation, and probably your personal appearance (profiling is definitely practiced) and the mood of each immigration official you deal with.
The guidelines below are a good starting point but you should use the first 90 days to ask long time expats in your area about specifics.
What you will Need
A list of your neighbors and friends who are in sync with you (nearly the same 90 day expiration) can be helpful for sharing transportation, lodging and other expenses as well as making it a fun mini vacation instead of a chore.
Onward travel tickets – Enforcement of this requirement is extremely rare for arrivals from the U.S., Canada or Europe at San José or Liberia Airports but quite common at overland crossings. This requirement is in place to guarantee that you do not intend to stay more than 90 days (even though that is precisely your intention) anywhere.
As an example if you’re crossing into Panama you may be required to have as many as three onward travel tickets. First to get into Panama you’ll show a ticket to leave Panama within 90 days and/or a second a ticket back to the country of issue of your passport. The third ticket will be required when you reenter Costa Rica and must show that you plan to leave within 90 days. This could be the same ticket used in Panama to show that you’re going back to your country of origin.
A valid passport – Costa Rica only requires passports from the U.S., Canada and E.U. to be valid on the day of arrival. Other countries vary but we recommend that you do not make a border run with a passport that expires in less than 90 days; renew it first. Themigracion.go.crhas pdf documents with specifics for each country of origin and the requirements.
A current Costa Rica tourist visa stamped in your passport – If your visa expired you may or may not be allowed to leave or reenter. If you are allowed to cross the border (either direction) there will be a fine and additional paperwork. Don’t forget about those 31 day months. The visa period is measured in days and counts the first and last day.
About $US 100 – The total cost should be significantly less ($20 to $50 without “expediting fees” or other unexpected costs) and you may be able to pay with a credit card or local currency (you may need two local currencies e.g. Costa Rican and Nicaraguan) but it’s easier if you’ve got U.S. bills – 3x $20, 2x $10, 2x $5, 10x $1.
You will be paying Costa Rican departure/exit tax($29 by air, $7 to $12 by land or sea) as well as entry and/or exit taxes for the other country and various fees. You will also probably need to find a nice shady bar and have a beer half way through the process if you’re not staying for a few days of vacation.
Proof of funds –You need to be able to show $US 300 to prove you are not indigent (you don’t have to pay $300 just show that you have at least that much).
A backup plan – There’s no guarantee that either country will grant you a tourist visa within the time frame you expect.
There are also a whole other list of requirements if you plan on driving your own vehicle across the border (rental cars are not allowed to cross). Generally it’s not worth it. If you really need a car in Nicaragua or Panama just rent one on the other side.
How To | | Tourist Visa Extension | digital nomad
Common Myths & Misinformation about the Border Run
- Probably the most common and persistent myth is that you have to remain outside Costa Rica for at least 72 hours before crossing back. The reason this myth hangs around is because it’s almost true. You can turn around after only 10 minutes in Nicaragua or elsewhere for visa renewal purposes at the immigration desk. However, customs requires 72 hours to reset your duty free exemption so if you want to stock up on liquor or refrigerators you’ll have to spend three days outside Costa Rica.
- You absolutely have to leave the country every 90 days or less. In fact it’s possible to extend your tourist visa once for 60 days without making a border run (see below).
- You cannot use the same country twice in a row. While not exactly a myth this no longer seems to be true. A law passed in 2014 to crack down on perpetual tourists does in fact state that you cannot enter Costa Rica twice in a row on a tourist visa from the same country of origin. Immigration officials soon realized this was ill conceived and would prevent visitors from the U.S., Canada or Europe from returning to Costa Rica for a second vacation enforcement was dropped.
- You can cross the border into Costa Rica with just a U.S. driver’s license – false. This has not been true for decades but we still hear it every once in a while.
- Every second border run requires 15 days outside Costa Rica. Again, this was true for a few weeks in 2014 (see perpetual tourist crackdown law above) but it was soon obvious that perpetual tourists bring millions to the Costa Rican economy and it was a bad idea to harass them. Additionally this meant 15 days worth of revenue for Nicaragua or Panama instead of Costa Rica so it appears that it is no longer enforced.
- You can just overstay your visa and pay a fine. While it’s true that you’ll have to pay a fine you may also be incarcerated, deported and not allowed to return to Costa Rica for at least 3x the number of days you overstayed your visa or possibly never.
How To | | Tourist Visa Extension | digital nomad
Extending Your Costa Rica Tourist Visa Without a Border Crossing
Since 2014 tourists have been able to legally “buy” a tourist visa extension of up to 60 days for $100 (see details from the Ministry of Immigration). We’ve never tried this but having dealt with other bureaucracies we’d recommend getting started on the paperwork immediately upon arrival because it might take the full 90 days validity of your original visa to obtain an extension.
When this option was first introduced there were some companies that would expedite your extension for a fee of a couple hundred bucks. They soon disappeared amid allegations that they just held your passport for a few weeks then used a fake rubber stamp they bought on the internet.
As far as we know currently you have to either go through the process in person or hire an immigration lawyer and give them representative power of attorney. You should be extremely cautious of anyone who offers to get you a renewal “the easy way.” We’ve known people who were detained due to invalid visas and according to them Costa Rican jails are not pleasant places.
To apply for an extension to your Costa Rica tourist visa you will need at least
- A current valid tourist visa (you cannot apply if your visa has expired)
- Directorate General of Immigration Application for the Extension of Tourism completed and notarized before a lawyer
- Form of Affiliation completed and notarized
- Notarized copy of every page (yes, covers and blank pages too) of your passport. If you present your application in person and show your original passport for comparison the xerox does not need to be notarized.
- 3 passport photos
- Certified copy of an international ticket (air, boat or bus) with a date of departure from Costa Rica clearly stated.
- Documentation of solvency (bank statement)
- If you’re claiming that you need to remain because of an extended invitation from a public or private agency you’ll need a certified letter of invitation and financial support from the agency
- If you’re claiming that you need to remain for medical reasons you’ll need a certified letter from the doctor and hospital.
- Official (government approved translator) translations of any documents if the original is not in Spanish.
- A receipt for the deposit of $US 100.00 intoaccount 242480-0 of Bank of Costa Rica (Banco de Costa Rica).
- A backup plan…there is no guarantee that the extension will be granted
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica? For purposes of tourism, you may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Please see the website for the Costa Rican Embassy in the U.S. for information regarding visa and entry requirements.
What is the penalty for overstaying in Costa Rica? ›
How much are the fines? In Costa Rica, visa late fees are calculated based on the number of days that you overstay your visa. As indicated in article 33, paragraph 3, a fine of USD $100 USD is applied for each expired month that the person remained in the country irregularly.
What happens if I stay longer than 90 days in Costa Rica? ›
Costa Rica's 90-Day (Maximum) Tourist Visa
For citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and many European countries, the tourist visa can be for up to 90 days. After 90 days, you will need to leave the country and reenter to get a new visa stamp with a new end date.
How long can a US citizen live in Costa Rica? ›
U.S. citizens can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without any permit. And if you want to stay longer? You can do something called “perpetual tourism.” For one day, you can leave Costa Rica for any neighboring country and come back and be able to stay another 90 days in the country legally.
Can I live in Costa Rica as a US citizen? ›
US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. As a tourist US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days. For a stay longer than 90 days a residence permit must be established.
How can I stay in Costa Rica longer than 3 months? ›
A Costa Rica tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days but it may be issued for less. If you need to stay in the country for longer, you can request a visa extension at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.
How does the government know if you overstay your visa? ›
If your departure date is missing or does not match up with your I-94 form, the US government will know that you have overstayed your visa. Another way that the United States can find out if you have overstayed your visa is through random checks.
Can an overstay be forgiven? ›
Overstay Forgiveness Eligibility
If barred from entering the United States due to the grounds of inadmissibility mentioned in the previous section, you may apply for visa overstay forgiveness by filing Form I-601.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica if I own property? ›
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-enter legally again for another 90 days. You can exit into Panama or Nicaragua; both countries border Costa Rica. Your passport should be valid for at least 60 days after the arrival date.
Do you have to leave Costa Rica every 90 days? ›
Many people stay in Costa Rica as perpetual tourists, leaving the country every 90 days to remain legally. One only needs to leave the country and re-enter on the same day; it doesn't require a certain amount of time out of the country.
To move to Costa Rica, you are required to apply for a Costa Rica visa. In addition, staying longer than 90 days requires applying for a residence permit, regardless of your nationality. If you want to move to Costa Rica for over three months, you can choose one of the following ways: Moving to work.
Can I move to Costa Rica for 6 months? ›
Can a U.S. citizen live in Costa Rica? A U.S. citizen can visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. However, after 90 days, a U.S. citizen will need to obtain a visa to stay in the country.
Can I collect my Social Security if I live in Costa Rica? ›
So, the answer to the question is yes; a person can retire on social security in Costa Rica. But unless they are financially “comfortable,” they may need to be prepared to change their lifestyle. Maybe a lot.
Can you draw Social Security if you live in Costa Rica? ›
If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.
Can you receive Social Security if you live in Costa Rica? ›
Receiving U.S. federal benefits via direct deposit is mandated by U.S. law. Social Security Beneficiaries in Costa Rica have several options for receiving benefits via direct deposit: Direct Deposit to a U.S. Bank Account – You will need to supply the U.S. account information to the Federal Benefits Unit.
Do US citizens living in Costa Rica pay taxes? ›
All Americans living in Costa Rica must pay taxes on any income they receive from a Costa Rican source. This applies to both residents and non-residents. However, neither category will be taxed on income from a non-Costa Rican source, such as US-source income.
Is Medicare accepted in Costa Rica? ›
What is Healthcare Like for Expats in Costa Rica? Neither Medicare systems from the U.S. or Canada cover any healthcare services in Costa Rica. Expats who have their temporary or permanent residency status can use the national healthcare hospitals and clinics throughout the country run by the Caja.
Can I retire in Costa Rica as a U.S. citizen? ›
Costa Rica welcomes overseas nationals, especially those from the US, who are looking to retire to the country. The Costa Rican retirement visa will open up new opportunities for you in your retirement or if you decide to retire early.
How long does it take to get residency in Costa Rica? ›
Permanent Residency Status
After two years of pensionado, rentista, or inversionista status, application can be made for permanent residency in Costa Rica. This is usually unrestricted, and working is permitted.
Can I live in Costa Rica with 5000 a month? ›
Most single expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on USD$1,500 to $2,000 per month. A family of four may be able to live comfortably on USD$3,000 to $3500. From the cost of housing to the price of healthcare, here's everything you need to know about the cost of living in Costa Rica.
You can travel to Costa Rica as a tourist. You can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa but you must get a work/internship contract in order to stay longer than 90 days.
Can I come back to US after overstaying? ›
If you have more than 180 days of unlawful presence, meaning you overstayed your visa by 181 days or more, you will be barred from returning to the United States for a certain amount of time. If you were unlawfully present for between 180 and 365 days, you will be barred from entering the United States for three years.
What are valid reasons for overstaying visa? ›
Valid reasons for overstaying a visa include:
You have a pending application for either a Green Card, a change of status or an extension of status. You were a victim of trafficking who can prove that the trafficking was one of the reasons for the unlawful presence. You were under the age of 18 when you entered the US.
Will I be deported if I overstay? ›
If you remain in the United States past the expiration date of your issued Form I-94, this is what's known as overstaying your visa. The consequence of doing so can be pretty serious including facing deportation and being barred from returning to the United States.
What are the options for overstayed visa? ›
If you overstay your visa for less than 180 days, you may leave the US and apply for a green card through consular processing. If your overstay is more than 180 days, your only option is for your spouse to file USCIS Form N-400 to become a US citizen.
Can you apply for permanent residence on a tourist visa? ›
A frequent question from immigrants who want to reside in the US is this: If I have a tourist visa, can I still become a resident? The answer is yes. Aliens with a tourist visa can apply to receive a Green Card. However, they need to have legal status and meet the eligibility conditions to adjust their status.
Can you get residency in Costa Rica by buying property? ›
Residency by Investment in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers an interesting residency option for anyone willing to invest $150,000 into the local economy. You'll need the following documentation to obtain your residency in Costa Rica: Proof of investment according to Immigration's specifications.
Can an American rent a house in Costa Rica? ›
Renting a House or Apartment
Figuring out how to rent a house or apartment in Costa Rica is simple. Foreigners are given the same rental rights as legal residents, and it is even possible to rent a place while only having a tourist visa.
How much can a single person live on in Costa Rica? ›
Cost of Living in Costa Rica: $1,100 to $4,000
An expat can average $1,100 per month on a tight budget, but even the most budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads will do best with a $2,000+ a month budget for a couple.
Should I keep my passport on me at all times in Costa Rica? ›
Keep your documents safe
A basic rule to travel to Costa Rica is you must have all your valid identification documents, such as passport and ID card, with you at all times. They are essential for conducting money transactions, such as currency exchanges and ATM withdrawals, for example.
Costa Rica tourist visas typically expire after 90 days. If you plan on staying in the country for longer than that, you must leave the country and return to get a new 90-day visa.
How can I avoid the 90-day rule? ›
How to Stay in Europe Longer Than 90 Days — Including the Schengen Countries: The Ultimate Guide (2023)
- Schengen Area.
- Schengen Visa.
- The 90-Day Limit. ...
- » Get a Europe Student Visa. ...
- » Find Work or Stay as a Freelancer. ...
- » Do a Union or Reunion in Europe. ...
- » Apply for Citizenship. ...
- » Hold a Long-Term Tourist Visa.
Many expats live around Playa Flamingo, Playa del Coco, Playa Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Peninsula. Each town here is as beautiful as the last. They have a small-town feel, but tourism is booming. Just to the west, you will find many national parks and nature reserves, and also the Arenal Volcano!
How much monthly income do I need to retire in Costa Rica? ›
Average Cost to Retire in Costa Rica
According to March 2022 data from Numbeo, the average cost of living in Costa Rica, minus rent, totals around $600 per month or $7,200 a year for an individual retiree. So if you and your spouse want to retire together, you can easily do so for about $1,200 a month pre-rent.
What is the average cost of a home in Costa Rica? ›
Cost Comparison Chart:
| United States v/s Costa Rica | United States Average ($) | Costa Rica Average ($) |
|---|
| Housing (comparable 3 bedroom, 2 bath) | $1000-3000 | $500-1200 |
| Gasoline (per gallon of regular) | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| ADSL Internet monthly (1024/512 kb/sec) | $34.95 | $28.25 |
| Home Phone Service (basic monthly fee) | $29.95 | $7.00 |
10 more rowsFeb 24, 2023
Can Foreigners Buy and Own Property in Costa Rica ? The good news is, yes! The great part about Costa Rica is that foreigners and locals have the same ownership rights when it comes to buying property.
Where is the safest place to live in Costa Rica? ›
The Safest Places to Live in Costa Rica 2023
- Drake Bay – a good family destination.
- Tamarindo – great for an all-encompassing beach experience.
- Puerto Viejo – a romantic destination.
- Liberia – near the wonderful Nicoya peninsula.
- Jaco* – rich in expat communities (see notes)
Costa Rica is a major destination for U.S. retirees and tourists. It is estimated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 120,000 private U.S. citizens, including many retirees, resided in the country; and more than 1.3 million U.S. citizens visited Costa Rica annually.
Does U.S. health insurance work in Costa Rica? ›
Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Costa Rica? You cannot use your US health insurance in Costa Rica unless your policy is valid for international travel. However, even in that case, the insurance plans usually cover only basic medical needs.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›
To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.
Costa Rica does not require you to pay income tax on your sources of income from outside the country, including Social Security payments.
What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›
You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. • If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.
Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security if I live in another country? ›
Generally, if you are a U.S. person, you are subject to U.S. income tax filing requirements and your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live. SSA will not withhold tax from your benefits if you are a U.S. person.
Can you still collect Social Security if you move out of the country? ›
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.
How to retire in Costa Rica on Social Security? ›
To qualify for the Pensionado Visa, you must receive a lifetime monthly pension of at least $1,000 individually. This can be through social security, annuities, retirement funds, military pensions, or other retirement benefits. Costa Rica has no minimum age requirement for pensioners.
How long can you stay in Costa Rica if you own a house? ›
As a tourist, you need a passport, but 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-enter legally again for another 90 days.
Can I collect Social Security and live in Costa Rica? ›
So, the answer to the question is yes; a person can retire on social security in Costa Rica. But unless they are financially “comfortable,” they may need to be prepared to change their lifestyle. Maybe a lot.
Can I live in Costa Rica if I buy a house? ›
Can Foreigners Buy and Own Property in Costa Rica ? The good news is, yes! The great part about Costa Rica is that foreigners and locals have the same ownership rights when it comes to buying property. Foreigners can buy property on a tourist visa without ever needing to apply for residency or citizenship.
What happens if I overstay my 90 days? ›
You could receive a fine, immediate deportation or even get banned from entering the Schengen Area for a period. It is also important to remember that the 90/180 day rule also applies to countries with a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen Area.
Can an American move to Costa Rica permanently? ›
Can a US citizen live permanently in Costa Rica? Citizens of any country can become permanent residents in Costa Rica. In order to do this, they need to possess a temporary resident permit for at least three years. However, a first-degree relative to a Costa Rican can receive permanent residency faster.
Costa Rica welcomes overseas nationals, especially those from the US, who are looking to retire to the country. The Costa Rican retirement visa will open up new opportunities for you in your retirement or if you decide to retire early.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Costa Rica? ›
Cost of Living in Costa Rica: $1,100 to $4,000
This averages living costs across many months—you may spend more getting set up. An expat can average $1,100 per month on a tight budget, but even the most budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads will do best with a $2,000+ a month budget for a couple.
How much do I need to retire in Costa Rica? ›
Average Cost to Retire in Costa Rica
According to March 2022 data from Numbeo, the average cost of living in Costa Rica, minus rent, totals around $600 per month or $7,200 a year for an individual retiree. So if you and your spouse want to retire together, you can easily do so for about $1,200 a month pre-rent.
Is Costa Rica still a good place to retire? ›
If you were looking for somewhere warm, beautiful, and accessible to retire, look no further than Costa Rica. The weather in Costa Rica is dreamy. There is no cold season, but instead, a wet season and a dry season.
