Retiring in Costa Rica: the visa situation
As of our last check, Costa Rica offers a dedicated retirement route: the Pensionado (Pensioner) residency; a Rentista option exists for applicants without a lifetime pension (based on capital/income rather than a pension)..
The income requirement is on the low side, so a typical pension is more likely to clear it. Requires proof of a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month (or its colon equivalent); no qualifying investment needed.
The USD 1,000 monthly bar is among the lowest globally; pensionado holders enroll in public CCSS healthcare for about USD 85 per month and have a path to permanent residency after three years.
Verified against fragomen.com, last checked 2026-07-03.
The verified fields
Pensionado (Pensioner) residency; a Rentista option exists for applicants without a lifetime pension (based on capital/income rather than a pension).
Requires proof of a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month (or its colon equivalent); no qualifying investment needed.
The USD 1,000 monthly bar is among the lowest globally; pensionado holders enroll in public CCSS healthcare for about USD 85 per month and have a path to permanent residency after three years.
Before you act on this
Visa rules, income thresholds and processing practice change, sometimes with little notice. This page reflects what we could verify on the dates shown, nothing more. Always confirm the current requirements with the official immigration authority or a licensed immigration adviser before making plans, and treat the linked source as the authority, not us.
See how Costa Rica scores overall
The visa is one of six axes. RetireScore 81/100, ranked 3 of 40 countries on the default weights.