Costa Rica guides & insights

Practical reading for your move, residency application, and life in Costa Rica.

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A vendor and shopper stand beside fresh fruit and vegetables at a market.

More Costa Rica Guides

Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Costa Rica: A Practical Shopping Guide

Glenn Tellier / September 1, 2026

The main supermarket chains, what things cost, ferias, and what imported goods are actually like once you live here.

White flowers and a candle sit on a simple memorial table.

More Costa Rica Guides

Funerals in Costa Rica: Registration, Arrangements and Family Planning

Glenn Tellier / September 1, 2026

Burial happens within 24-48 hours in Costa Rica. The legal process, cremation rules, the cemetery rental system, repatriation costs and what to expect at a velorio.

A vibrant street scene in a small Costa Rican town, showcasing cultural immersion and community engagement. In the foreground, a diverse group of individuals in modest casual clothing engages in conversation, surrounded by colorful artisan market stalls selling handcrafted goods. In the middle, local families gather, sharing traditional Costa Rican dishes at a communal table, with plates of gallo pinto and fresh fruit. Lush tropical foliage is visible, framing the scene and adding depth. The background features the iconic green hills and distinctive architecture typical of Costa Rican towns, bathed in warm, natural sunlight. The overall mood is lively and inviting, reflecting the richness of local customs and traditions, captured from a slightly elevated angle to emphasize connection and community.

More Costa Rica Guides

Cultural Norms in Costa Rica: Local Etiquette Explained

Glenn Tellier / September 1, 2026

How Costa Ricans actually communicate, greet, keep time and do business — the everyday norms that decide how smoothly you settle in.

A detailed illustration of the expense paths for temporary and permanent residency in Costa Rica. In the foreground, a split path featuring two distinct roads: one representing temporary residency with various icons like a calendar, dollar bills, and checkmarks; the other for permanent residency, displaying a house, a globe, and a family silhouette. In the middle ground, lush green landscapes typical of Costa Rica—tropical trees, a vibrant blue sky, and distant mountains. The background should show a scenic Costa Rican village with charming architecture and locals in casual attire, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. The lighting is natural and warm, suggesting a sunny day, while the perspective is slightly elevated, providing an overview of the paths and surroundings.

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration Requirements

Where to Submit a Costa Rica Temporary Residency Request

Glenn Tellier / August 28, 2026

Anyone starting to look into temporary residency in Costa Rica eventually runs into a practical question: where does this request

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration Requirements

Changing Subcategory or Category as a Temporary Resident in Costa Rica: What Article 85 Says

Glenn Tellier / August 28, 2026

Law No. 8764, Costa Rica’s General Migration and Immigration Law, Article 85, addresses the possibility of change within temporary residence.

A well-organized workspace featuring a Costa Rican immigration consultant, a middle-aged Latino man, dressed in smart casual attire, seated at a desk. He is intently reviewing documents and immigration policy updates on a laptop, surrounded by brochures about Costa Rican culture and immigration processes. In the background, large windows reveal a vibrant view of Costa Rican landscape, with lush green hills and bright blue skies. Natural light floods the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The focus is sharp on the consultant and the documents, while the background is slightly blurred to emphasize the subject. The overall mood reflects professionalism, attentiveness, and a commitment to helping clients navigate immigration policies effectively.

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration Requirements

Temporary Residents and Work Authorization in Costa Rica: What Law 8764 Says

Glenn Tellier / August 28, 2026

For foreign nationals holding temporary residence in Costa Rica, the question of whether they may work is addressed directly in

A serene Costa Rican landscape showcasing a vibrant scene representing the timing and processing for residency. In the foreground, a diverse group of individuals in professional business attire, including a Costa Rican immigration officer and applicants, are engaged in discussion over documents at a wooden table filled with forms and legal papers. The middle ground features lush greenery typical of Costa Rica, with tropical plants and palm trees surrounding a small, colorful building that represents an immigration office. The background presents a clear blue sky with soft, natural light illuminating the scene, evoking a hopeful and welcoming atmosphere. A distant view of rolling hills adds depth to the composition, capturing the essence of Costa Rica's natural beauty and the importance of timely legal processing.

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration Requirements

DIMEX Renewal Timing in Costa Rica: What DGME’s 2024 Resolution Says

Glenn Tellier / August 28, 2026

For foreign nationals legally residing in Costa Rica under permanent resident, temporary resident, special-category, or stay status, the timing of

A serene Costa Rican landscape illustrating the concept of residency by marriage fees. In the foreground, a neatly organized table displaying a variety of official documents and fee schedules, with items like passports, marriage certificates, and forms laid out for clarity. The middle ground showcases a young couple, casually dressed and smiling, discussing options with a friendly advisor who is also casually dressed, conveying an approachable atmosphere. In the background, lush green hills and vibrant tropical flowers typical of Costa Rica enhance the scene, bathed in warm, natural sunlight. The composition suggests a sense of optimism and partnership, reflecting the journey of navigating residency in a foreign country. The lens should capture the richness of colors and depth, creating a welcoming and informative ambiance.

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration Requirements

Relationship-Based Costa Rica Residency: Keeping Identifying Details Consistent

Glenn Tellier / August 28, 2026

When a Costa Rica residency request is based on a relationship — either with a person who holds permanent or

Costa Rica Living, Expat Life in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica

Expat Clubs in Costa Rica

Glenn Tellier / July 17, 2026

Check out our guide to expat clubs in Costa Rica that offer community engagement and support for newcomers navigating their new life.

Books, glasses and a notebook lie on a wooden desk.

Costa Rica Immigration, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Requirements, Moving to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica Checklist

Glenn Tellier / July 17, 2026

Need a moving-to-costa-rica-checklist? We guide you through residency, from Pensionado to Inversionista. Start your process at crie.cr for success.

Costa Rica guides & insights

Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Costa Rica: A Practical Shopping Guide

Funerals in Costa Rica: Registration, Arrangements and Family Planning

Cultural Norms in Costa Rica: Local Etiquette Explained

Where to Submit a Costa Rica Temporary Residency Request

Changing Subcategory or Category as a Temporary Resident in Costa Rica: What Article 85 Says

Temporary Residents and Work Authorization in Costa Rica: What Law 8764 Says

DIMEX Renewal Timing in Costa Rica: What DGME’s 2024 Resolution Says

Relationship-Based Costa Rica Residency: Keeping Identifying Details Consistent

Expat Clubs in Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica Checklist

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