Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and is home to over 500,000 different species.

About Country

    Continent

    America

    Capital

    San José

    Population

    5,094,118

    World share 

    0.1 %

    Land area

    51,060 km²

    Official Languages

    - Spanish

    Unofficial Languages

    - English

    Currency

    CRC

    Economy rating

    73

    Economy GDP

    61,178 millions USD

    ВВП на человека

    12,010 USD

Democracy Index

8.16

Full
democracy

*

Electoral process and pluralism

9.58
9.58

Functioning of government

6.79
6.79

Political participation

7.22
7.22

Political culture

7.5
7.5

Civil liberties

9.71
9.71

    Crime Rate

    11.3

    Secure

    Unemployment

    22 %

    Very high unemployment

Expense and Salary

;">

2.31

Bad

*

Average salary

1.36
1.36

Average expense

3.37
3.37

Average rent price

2.2
2.2

    Average salary

    955 USD

    Average expense

    576 USD

    Average rent price

    504 USD

Immigration

    Immigration difficulty

    Normal

    Recommended Savings

    6,479 USD

    Double citizenship

    Allowed

    Official site

    Immigration official website

    Compulsory exams

    Spanish language exam and history test.

    Passport rating

    31 Amount of countries: 150

Immigration options

Immigration typeRequired TimeFee
Marriagefrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
2 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Studentfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Employeefrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Family reunificationfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Investmentsfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Rentierfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD
Birth of a childfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)
52 USD


Marriage

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
2 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal;
- Documents confirming the marriage.
Additional Information:
When you marry a citizen of the country, you will be given a residence permit.
The marriage must be officially registered.

Student

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal;
- Documents confirming admission to an educational institution.
Additional Information:
Foreign citizens who study at an educational institution in Costa Rica can apply for a residence permit.

Employee

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal;
- An invitation from the employer;
- Work permit.
Additional Information:
Foreigners who have obtained a job in Costa Rica can apply for a work permit and a residence permit that allow them to reside in the country for a certain period.
A work permit may be renewed upon expiration of its validity.

Family reunification

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal;
- Documents confirming the relationship.
Additional Information:
If you have a close relative in the country who is a citizen, then you can use the family reunification program.
The next of kin can move, children and parents are recognized as such.

Investments

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal;
- Documents confirming the investment.
Additional Information:
You can get a residence permit in Costa Rica by buying a house.
However, its cost should exceed 130,000 USD (but it should not be housing for personal use).
In addition to real estate, you can also invest in business projects. The amount should remain the same or more.

Rentier

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
Documents for the visa you will use to enter Costa Rica - Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal.
Additional Information:
There is a rentier visa, in order to obtain it, the following conditions must be met:
- Confirm a deposit of $60,000 in a national or foreign bank with the need to withdraw and deposit a monthly amount of $2,500 to a Costa Rican bank account.
- Certificate of income in the amount of $ 2,500 per month. It is important to clarify that this amount cannot be supplemented with money received from wages. It should consist of stable and verifiable income, such as bank interest, annuities, dividends (for at least the last 2 years).

Birth of a child

Immigration feeImmigration Time
52 USDfrom 2 to 10 days (paperwork)
7 years (for citizenship)

List of documents:
Documents for the visa you will use to enter Costa Rica
- Completed questionnaire;
- International passport;
- 2 color photos;
- Receipt of payment of the fee;
- General civil passport;
- Medical insurance;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Financial documents: bank statement with bank seal.
Additional Information:
If a child was born on the territory of Costa Rica, then regardless of the nationality and nationality of his parents, he is recognized as a citizen of this state.
After three years , his parents can apply for a residence permit .

Taxes

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The country's taxation system is an essential part of its economy and plays a vital role in funding public services and infrastructure projects.

In Costa Rica, the taxation system is progressive, meaning that higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. The system includes both direct and indirect taxes, with income tax being the primary source of government revenue. The tax rate ranges from 0 to 25%, depending on the individual's income level.

Additionally, Costa Rica imposes a value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services. The VAT rate is currently set at 13%, with certain items, such as essential food items and medical supplies, being exempt from the tax.

Another important feature of the Costa Rican taxation system is the fiscal year, which runs from December 1st to November 30th. This differs from the standard calendar year used in many other countries, and it allows the government to align its budget with the country's tourism season, which is the primary source of income for many Costa Ricans.

Costa Rica has also implemented several tax incentives and exemptions to encourage investment and economic growth. For example, the country offers a 0% tax rate on foreign-sourced income for companies engaged in export activities. Additionally, there are incentives for renewable energy and sustainable development projects.

Overall, the taxation system in Costa Rica is designed to promote social equity, fund public services and infrastructure, and encourage economic growth. While there are challenges to the system, including issues of tax evasion and corruption, Costa Rica's government is committed to maintaining a fair and effective taxation system for the benefit of all its citizens.

Education

The education system in Costa Rica is one of the most developed and comprehensive in Latin America. The country has made significant progress in terms of access to education and has achieved impressive literacy rates. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15, and the government has made considerable efforts to ensure that all children receive basic education.

The education system in Costa Rica is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is free and compulsory for all children, and it lasts for six years. Secondary education is also free and lasts for another six years. The curriculum includes core subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, and languages, as well as electives such as arts and music.

Tertiary education in Costa Rica is offered by public and private universities, as well as technical and vocational schools. The country has a high enrollment rate in tertiary education, and the government provides substantial support to ensure that all students have access to quality higher education.

One of the unique features of the education system in Costa Rica is its focus on sustainability and environmental education. The country has set ambitious goals to become carbon-neutral by 2050, and education plays a vital role in achieving this target. Schools across the country incorporate environmental education into their curriculum, teaching students about sustainable practices and the importance of preserving the country's rich biodiversity.

In conclusion, the education system in Costa Rica is a model for other developing countries, with its emphasis on access, equity, and sustainability. The government's commitment to providing quality education to all its citizens has paid off, with the country achieving high literacy rates and a well-educated workforce.

Healthcare

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America that is well-known for its excellent healthcare system. The country has a universal healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to all citizens and legal residents, regardless of their income level or employment status.

The healthcare system in Costa Rica is based on the principles of social equity and solidarity, and it is funded by a combination of government taxes and contributions from employers and employees. The system is managed by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which operates a network of public hospitals, clinics, and health centers throughout the country.

One of the key strengths of the Costa Rican healthcare system is its emphasis on preventive care. The system provides free vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups to help prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy lifestyles. Additionally, the system has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates and improving maternal health.

Costa Rica's healthcare system is also known for its high quality of care. The country has an excellent network of trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, and the system is equipped with modern medical technologies and equipment.

While the Costa Rican healthcare system is generally well-regarded, there are challenges to its sustainability. The system is facing increasing demand due to the country's aging population and rising healthcare costs. Additionally, there are concerns about long wait times and limited access to specialized care in certain areas.

Overall, the healthcare system in Costa Rica is an important part of the country's social fabric and a key factor in its high standard of living. While there are challenges to the system, Costa Rica's government is committed to maintaining a universal, high-quality healthcare system for the benefit of all its citizens.

Climate

Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The climate in Costa Rica is tropical, with temperatures varying based on altitude and location.

In the lowlands along the coast, temperatures can reach up to 35°C, with high humidity throughout the year. In contrast, the highlands and mountainous regions experience cooler temperatures, with average highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C.

The country experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, which lasts from December to April, is characterized by sunny days with little to no rain. During this time, the temperatures are usually warm, and the humidity is low, making it an ideal time for tourists to visit.

The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, is characterized by frequent rain showers, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. During this time, temperatures are usually cooler, and the humidity is high, making it a more challenging time for tourists to visit. However, the rainy season is also a great time to experience the lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls that come to life during this time.

The climate in Costa Rica plays a significant role in shaping the country's unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. The country is home to several different microclimates, each with its own unique set of flora and fauna. This diversity has earned Costa Rica a reputation as one of the world's most biodiverse countries.

In conclusion, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical, with temperatures varying based on altitude and location. The country experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season and the rainy season, which both offer unique opportunities for visitors to experience the country's natural beauty.

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