Complete Guide to Costa Rica: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Welcome to the Complete Guide to Costa Rica: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts – the definitive resource for “Pura Vida” living. From 180-day visa-free entry (new 2025 rule), world-class eco-tourism, digital nomad visa, low-cost residency programs, booming real estate, and 99% renewable energy, this ultra-deep guide outranks every competitor and helps you plan the perfect Costa Rica travel, relocation, or investment journey.
Introduction to Costa Rica – The Richest Country in Happiness
Costa Rica (51,100 km², 5.3 million people) abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education, health, and conservation. Today it protects 25% of its territory as national parks, generates 99% of electricity from renewables, and ranks consistently in the top 3 of the Happy Planet Index. This Complete Guide to Costa Rica: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts shows why over 150,000 expats already call it home.
Costa Rica Independence Date: September 15, 1821
Peaceful independence from Spain, celebrated with the “Faroles” lantern festival and nationwide parades.
Costa Rica Visa Policy 2025 – One of the Most Generous in the World
180 days visa-free for USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Korea, and most of Latin America (new law effective 2025). Other nationalities 30–90 days. Extensions possible.
Residency & Digital Nomad Visa Options
- Digital Nomad Visa (2 years, USD 3,000/month income, USD 4,000 for family)
- Rentista (USD 2,500/month proven income × 2 years)
- Pensionado (USD 1,000/month pension)
- Inversionista (USD 150,000 in real estate/business)
Top Places to Visit in Costa Rica
- Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna hot springs
- Manuel Antonio National Park (beaches + wildlife)
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Tortuguero canals (sea turtles)
- Guanacaste & Tamarindo beaches
- Corcovado National Park (biodiversity hotspot)
- Poás & Irazú volcanoes
- Dominical & Uvita (whale watching)
How to Invest in Costa Rica – Real Estate & Business
Foreigners enjoy same property rights as locals. Popular areas: Guanacaste condos from USD 200K, Central Valley homes from USD 150K. No restrictions on repatriating profits.
Costa Rica Economy & Key Sectors
GDP ~USD 85 billion, growth 3.5% projected 2025. Leaders in medical devices, eco-tourism, high-tech services (Intel, Amazon hubs), and 99% renewable energy.
How to Buy SIM Card in Costa Rica
Kolbi (state-owned, best coverage), Claro, or Movistar. CRC 2,000–5,000 starter with generous data. Instant activation at SJO and LIR airports.
Current President of Costa Rica
Rodrigo Chaves Robles (Social Democratic Progress Party) – in office since May 2022.
Political Status
Stable democratic republic since 1949 constitution. No army. Ranked #1 in Latin America on press freedom and happiness indices.
Aviation Services in Costa Rica
- Sansa & Aerobell – domestic flights to Tambor, Quepos, Tortuguero
- Helicopter transfers to remote beaches
- Medevac services available via private operators
Climate, Safety & Practical Travel Tips
Tropical climate 24–32°C year-round. “Pura Vida” culture. One of the safest countries in the region.