There are many advantages to moving from Canada to Costa Rica, say, more affordable living expenses and easily accessible residency options.
Also understanding the difficulties are crucial before making the move.
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Can a Canadian citizen move to Costa Rica?
Yes. They must go to the local immigration office and submit proof of income, among other things.
Can Canadians move to Costa Rica permanently?
Definitely, through submitting an application for one of the following residency options:
- Pensionado Visa: This is best suited for retirees, requires documentation of a minimum $1,000 monthly pension income.
- Rentista Visa: For individuals who have a guaranteed income from overseas sources, this visa demands a $60,000 deposit in a local bank or proof of a $2,500 income per month.
- Inversionista Visa: It’s for those who invest a minimum of $200,000 in Costa Rican real estate or business.
How to live in Costa Rica as a Canadian
Residency applications can be difficult and time-consuming. Canadians are required to obtain the required paperwork like legitimate identification, proof of income, and criminal background checks.
The Department of Immigration may take several months to give their go-ahead to the application after it is submitted. Candidates may stay in Costa Rica as tourists during this period, though.
Cost of living Canada vs Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica cheaper than Canada?
Yes, the average cost of living in Canada is more than 74% higher.
When the capitals are compared, Canadian capital Ottawa’s cost of living is 21.4% higher than San José’s without rent and 34% higher with rent included.
A cheap restaurant meal in San José costs C$13.96, while it costs C$25 in Ottawa.
The average cost of basic utilities is C$245.32 in Ottawa and C$116.49 in the Costa Rican capital.
San José charges C$1,086.33 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, while Ottawa charges C$2,006.72.
Pros and cons of moving to Costa Rica from Canada
Benefits of moving to Costa Rica
- The more affordable living cost is one of the main draws for expats looking to relocate there.
- It has warm, tropical climate as well as beautiful scenery, which includes beaches, rainforests, and mountains.
- It’s easy to secure residency for Canadian expats.
- Has a lower crime rate overall, compared to even the US and Canada. Many foreigners say that living in Costa Rica makes them feel safe.
Cons of relocating to Costa Rica from Canada
- Costa Rican healthcare may fall short of Canada’s standards, despite being generally good and reasonably priced. Private insurance is frequently required for expatriates to cover any service or specialist access gaps.
- Language barriers can make everyday interactions more difficult.
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