Costa Rica

"Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz" ("Work and peace forever")

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Welcome to Costa Rica

Costa Rica, famous for its biodiversity and eco-friendly initiatives, is a haven for nature lovers. With a stable democracy and a strong economy based on tourism and agriculture, it attracts expats seeking sustainability and quality of life.

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Costa Rica Essentials

National Anthem

Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera

Independence Day

September 15, 1821

Haiko

Pura vida life / Rainforests teem with wildlife / Volcanoes slumber

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates Fiesta de los Diablitos a festival reenacting the fight between indigenous people and Spanish conquistadors

Weirdest Local Superstition

Putting a broom behind the door to make guests leave

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to name a business in a foreign language

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the pura vida, stay for the progress: Costa Rica's commitment to sustainable living has created an extraordinary blend of environmental consciousness and modern development. Life flows between morning surf sessions and afternoon work meetings, while evenings are spent in hilltop cafes overlooking the Pacific. The nation's political stability and growing tech presence, combined with friendly residency policies, make it an ideal destination for those seeking to balance professional ambitions with environmental mindfulness.

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Vamos

Embrace a country where 'pura vida' isn't just a greeting, but the essence of daily life. Your journey flows between oceans of opportunity.

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Bienvenidos a Costa Rica

Famous for its biodiversity Costa Rica is where you can find more species of butterflies than anywhere else

Costa Rica isn't just a country—it's a celebration of life's simple pleasures. Here, time moves at the pace of 'pura vida,' and even a simple nature walk can turn into an encounter with extraordinary wildlife. This is a land where happiness and sustainability dance together.

From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the surf breaks of Guanacaste, Costa Rica offers paradise for every nature lover. Whether you're drawn to the volcanic wonders of Arenal, the biodiversity of Corcovado, or the beach life of Manuel Antonio, you'll find a country that has perfected the balance between development and natural preservation.

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Savor the Flavor

Eat

gallo pinto (rice and beans) - chifrijo (rice beans and pork)

Drink

agua dulce (sugar cane drink) - guaro (sugar cane liquor)

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Algo de tomar?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

38

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

4

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

4.22

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.20

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Pura Vida' attitude affects all interactions
#2
Environmental consciousness is expected
#3
Coffee farm heritage is respected
#4
Indigenous crafts have deep meaning
#5
Soccer enthusiasm unites communities

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Costa Rica Essentials

Representative Novel

The Presidents by Daniel Gallegos (Play capturing Costa Rican political history)

National Animal

The sloth

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Coffee beans

National Dish

Gallo pinto

Famous Festival

Envision Festival

Famous Dance

Swing Criollo

Famous Music

Calypso

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Did You Know?

Costa Rica has no standing army.

Since 1949, Costa Rica abolished its military and allocated those funds to education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Costa Rica is a leader in renewable energy.

Over 99% of the country's electricity comes from renewable sources like hydro, geothermal, and wind energy.

Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity.

Despite its small size, Costa Rica hosts a vast array of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

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Costa Rica’s Key Historical Events

1,821

April 2014

Costa Rica declares independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire.

1838

July 2014

Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country.

1948

February 2015

More than 2,000 people are killed in a 44-day civil war after former president Calderon refuses to accept an election loss.

1987

March 2015

President Oscar Arias Sanchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.

2015

October 2016

Costa Rica wins a long-standing territorial dispute with Nicaragua over sovereignty of Isla Portillo.

MOBILITY

Access Costa Rica Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

3

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
2 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
7
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

129

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B

Rank

62

Score

138.0

This visa grants access to:

• 33% of the world's population 

• 72% of UNESCO sites 

• 42% of global GDP 

• 43% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Costa Rica by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Costa Rica
1,187
1,068
835
1,221
1,606
1,616
1,519

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Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Costa Rica

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Costa Rica.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Costa Rica?

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Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for residency or citizenship in Costa Rica?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Costa Rica with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Costa Rica?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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