Record numbers of Europeans and North Americans are making their way to Costa Rica, located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. While some are relocating to the region, others are building second homes, retiring, renting properties, and investing in the land. So what makes Costa Rica such a big draw these days? And what do you need to know about moving to Costa Rica to make your experience a resounding success? Here is a look at some of the reasons why so many foreigners are flocking to the region and making Costa Rica their home.
Physical Beauty
The sheer natural beauty of Costa Rica is hard to resist, home to world-class beaches on two coasts, lush rain forests, and magnificent mountain towns. The ocean temperature is warm year-round (over 80 F) and almost one quarter of the country is covered with nature reserves.
- Moving to Costa Ricajoiseyshowaa / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Many expats choose to settle in the capital city of San José however any part of the Central Valley is a popular destination for newcomers. In fact, the Central Valley, comprising four out of the seven Costa Rican provinces, is home to three quarters of the population, making it the nation’s economic and cultural hub. Other regions with a distinct flavor of their own are Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia of the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Employment
For many, moving to Costa Rica is job or career-related. However finding a good job in Costa Rica may be difficult, as the country boasts high literacy rates with a strong and satisfied middle class. Since the road to employment is complicated and time-consuming, it’s best to let your future employer handle the application for your work visa; if you are opening your own business, consult with a Costa Rican lawyer who specializes in immigration issues to avoid having to face the sea of red tape involved in the process on your own.
A significant percentage of individuals relocating to Costa Rica, however, are pensioners and retirees who choose to retire in comfort and spend their golden years in the warm climate along Costa Rica’s scenic and laid-back Pacific Coast.
Culture
San Jose, the Costa Rican city that never sleeps, is home to multiple bars, discos, night clubs, dance halls, and casinos, in addition to the popular and frequent fiestas Costa Rica is famous for. The cinemas feature mostly English films with Spanish subtitles.
Soccer is the game of the nation, followed by tennis, basketball, and a slew of waters sports such as surfing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. There is also horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and teeing off on the many private and public golf courses located throughout the country.
Education & Language
Costa Rica offers free education through high school, boasting an official literacy rate of over 93%. There are multiple universities and technical training schools to choose from as well as tuition grants available. While Spanish is the country’s official language, there are also bilingual schools with a principal language of English or French.
If you are thinking of relocating to Costa Rica, pick up some basic Spanish language skills before you leave. It’s also a good idea to become familiar with Costa Rica’s political and current affairs landscape, which you can easily do by following Costa Rica’s news in English online.
Health Care
The health care system in Costa Rica is topnotch, with plans for citizens and residents with work visas which cover medical care, dental care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization. Also available are private medical insurance (inexpensive compared to North American rates) and “pay as you go” options for people without medical insurance.
Expat Community
There is a large and warm expat community in Costa Rica, offering newcomers plenty of support, as well as special activities for families with children. You’ll also find a vast expat community online, where you can ask for any type of information regarding your upcoming Costa Rica relocation. Another great resource are international shipping companies, who will answer all of your questions about getting through customs, about shipping to Costa Rica, about what official documents you need to have on hand, and more.
Habla Español? (Do you speak Spanish?) If so, get ready for the adventure and experience of a lifetime in beautiful Costa Rica.
