Last Updated: March 2025
Retiring to Costa Rica is exciting. It's also a big move that requires planning.
This checklist will ensure you don't forget anything important—from documents to utilities to healthcare setup.
Timeline Overview
Typical Relocation Timeline: 4-6 Months
- Months 1-2: Document gathering, visa application, property search
- Months 2-3: Visa processing, property selection/purchase, logistics planning
- Months 3-4: Close on property, ship belongings, arrange utilities
- Months 4-5: Final preparations, vehicle import, healthcare setup
- Month 6: Arrive, settle in, enjoy paradise!
The Complete Pre-Move Checklist
1. VISA & RESIDENCY (Start FIRST – takes 2-3 months)
- Gather birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce decree (if applicable)
- Get official notarized English translation of all documents
- Obtain health certificate (letter from doctor saying you're healthy)
- Get background check/police clearance from your county
- Open Costa Rican bank account (online, before arrival)
- Transfer $1,000/month to Costa Rica account (Pensioner visa requirement)
- Apply for Pensioner (Rentista) visa through Costa Rican embassy/consulate
- Prepare immigration appointment (in-person, at embassy/consulate)
- Receive temporary residency approval
- Apply for CAJA health insurance
2. PROPERTY & HOUSING (Months 2-4)
- Decide: rent first 1-3 months or buy immediately?
- Research neighborhoods (Tamarindo, Hacienda Pinilla, Uvita, etc.)
- Work with local real estate agent (or use RetireGuanacaste!)
- View properties in person (or via video)
- Make offer, negotiate, and get approval
- Have property inspected by engineer
- Clear title through Costa Rican attorney
- Close on property (usually 2-4 weeks after approval)
- Register property at Registro Nacional
- Set up property management (if renting it out)
3. FINANCES & BANKING (Month 1)
- Open Costa Rican checking & savings account
- Arrange wire transfers for initial funding
- Notify US bank of intent to move
- Arrange ongoing Social Security deposits (direct deposit to CR account)
- Set up bill payments for USA obligations (taxes, insurances, mortgage if applicable)
- Get letter from accountant for visa application
- Hire Costa Rican tax accountant
- Plan tax filing strategy with US CPA
- Close credit card accounts you won't use
- Keep 1-2 US credit cards for USA online purchases
4. LOGISTICS & MOVING (Months 3-5)
- Decide what to bring vs. sell/donate
- Get quotes from international moving companies
- Select mover and book container
- Pack and ship household items (takes 4-8 weeks by ship)
- File shipping documents with Costa Rican customs
- Arrange customs clearance at Port of Limón or Caldera
- Pay import duties (~5-10% for household goods)
- Arrange domestic delivery to your home
- Get Costa Rican driver's license (exchange USA license)
- Register vehicle (if bringing car) or buy used car in CR
- Get car insurance (required—about $40-80/month)
5. UTILITIES & SERVICES (Before Arrival)
- Contact ICE (electricity provider)—set up account with property address
- Contact AyA or local water company—set up account
- Contact Kolbi or Claro for cell phone service—often have plans upon arrival
- Internet: Research providers (Claro, Kolbi, Sky, local fiber), order before arrival
- Set up mail forwarding (or use mail service like MailBoxes Etc)
- Contact home insurance company for property coverage
6. HEALTHCARE (Before Arrival)
- Get complete medical records from US doctor
- Get copies of all prescriptions
- Research doctors/clinics near your property
- Get health insurance (CAJA or private)
- Request medical records transfer to CR provider
- Get prescription bottles refilled for initial move (3-month supply)
- Schedule initial doctor appointment upon arrival
- Register with CAJA or private health insurance before arriving
7. USA CLOSEOUT (If Permanent Move)
- Sell or lease house (if applicable)
- Update address with Social Security Administration
- Update address with IRS
- Update address with financial institutions
- Cancel subscriptions (gym, streaming services, etc.)
- Notify utilities of final bill date
- Return library books, pay fines
- Update driver's license address (or let expire)
- Redirect mail to Costa Rica (6-12 months via postal service)
- Update insurance policies (home if selling, auto, umbrella, etc.)
8. DOCUMENTS TO BRING (Physical Copies)
- Passport (original + 2 certified copies)
- Birth certificate (original + 2 certified copies)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Medical records and vaccination records
- Prescription information from doctor
- Social Security card or number documentation
- Bank account documentation for visa
- USA driver's license
- Home/auto insurance policies
- Retirement account statements (401k, IRA)
- Social Security benefit letter
- Tax returns (last 2-3 years)
- Property deed (if bringing ownership docs)
DETAILED MONTH-BY-MONTH TIMELINE
MONTH 1: Plan & Gather Documents
- Research neighborhoods and decide on location
- Start document gathering process
- Get health certificate from doctor
- Apply for police background check
- Open Costa Rican bank account online
- Transfer initial $1,000 to Costa Rica account
- Contact RetireGuanacaste or real estate agent
- Begin property research
MONTH 2: Apply for Visa & Search Properties
- Submit visa application to Costa Rican embassy
- Schedule immigration appointment
- View properties (in person or virtual tours)
- Get property inspection if interested
- Hire Costa Rican lawyer for property transaction
- Open additional Costa Rican accounts (savings, etc.)
- Notify US banks/institutions of move
- Plan logistics and moving company
MONTH 3: Visa Approved & Property Closing
- Attend immigration appointment
- Receive temporary residency approval
- Complete property purchase
- Close on home/condo
- Register property at Registro Nacional
- Ship household belongings
- Provide customs documents to freight forwarder
- Contact utilities (electricity, water, internet)
MONTH 4: Final Preparations
- Track shipment arrival date
- Arrange customs clearance and delivery
- Set up utilities (should be ready by arrival)
- Arrange vehicle (buy in Costa Rica or import)
- Get Costa Rican driver's license
- Register vehicle and get insurance
- Arrange healthcare with local provider
- Register for CAJA or private health insurance
MONTH 5: Final Steps Before Departure
- Close US utilities (final bills)
- Stop mail/subscriptions
- Arrange mail forwarding
- Book flights to Costa Rica
- Arrange airport transportation in Costa Rica
- Notify Social Security of address change
- Final walkthrough of house if selling
- Pack personal items and documents for flight
MONTH 6: ARRIVE & SETTLE IN
- Arrive in Costa Rica!
- Pick up belongings from port
- Settle into home
- Arrange electricity/water final setup
- Test internet and utilities
- Register vehicle if not done
- Schedule initial doctor's appointment
- Meet neighbors and local contacts
- Enjoy your retirement!
Total Relocation Costs (One-Time)
Typical Relocation Budget
| Item |
Estimated Cost |
| International moving (container) |
$3,000-8,000 |
| Visa/residency paperwork |
$500-1,500 |
| Costa Rican lawyer (property transaction) |
$1,000-3,000 |
| Property inspection & appraisal |
$300-500 |
| Transfer tax (property) |
2-3% of purchase price |
| Customs clearance & import duties |
$300-800 |
| Vehicle registration & license |
$200-500 |
| Flights (roundtrip, 1-2 people) |
$1,000-2,000 |
| Initial utilities setup |
$100-300 |
| TOTAL (Approximate) |
$6,400-16,600 |
Note: Largest cost is usually the container shipping. If you own property in Costa Rica, add property purchase price + closing costs (typically 2-3% of purchase price).
FAQs About Relocation
Q: Should I rent first or buy immediately?
A: Rent for 1-3 months first. You'll learn which neighborhood actually fits your lifestyle. Many retirees change their minds after 2-3 months.
Q: What should I bring vs. buy in Costa Rica?
A: Bring: medications, important documents, items you love. Buy: furniture (abundant & affordable), vehicles, appliances (available & warrantied locally).
Q: How long does the visa process take?
A: 2-3 months from application to approval. Plan accordingly.
Q: Is it better to import a car or buy locally?
A: Buy locally. Import fees make it expensive, and used cars are good quality and cheaper in Costa Rica. Leave your old car behind (sell or gift it).
Q: What documents absolutely can't be forgotten?
A: Passport, birth certificate, medical records, prescription information, Social Security documentation, and financial statements. Everything else can be sent later if forgotten.
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Learn More About Retiring in Costa Rica
This checklist is based on typical relocations as of March 2025. Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult with professionals in your specific situation.