Foreign citizens who want to relocate to Costa Rica must first check if they need to apply for entry visas upon arrival. However, South African citizens do not need visas if their stay does not exceed 3 months. Those interested in moving to Costa Rica from South Africa on a long term must comply with various residency requirements based on the duration and reason of stay.
If you are interested in immigration to Costa Rica from South Africa and need support, our local specialists are at your disposal with dedicated services. We offer guidance on relocation and company registration in Costa Rica for entrepreneurs.
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Is it hard to immigrate to Costa Rica from South Africa?
This is often a question among all persons interested in immigration to Costa Rica, and the answer is no, it is not hard to move here. Hundreds of citizens all over the world choose to move here every year thanks to the business environment and the possibility of setting up offshore companies. Owning real estate is another advantage that comes with relocation to Costa Rica for those interested.
If you are looking into immigration to Costa Rica from South Africa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit at first and live here for at least 2 years before acquiring permanent residency with the help of our immigration lawyers in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a very welcoming country. An entry or temporary stay visa must first be obtained, then one can apply for permanent residency, if meeting certain requirements. For those aiming to citizenship in Costa Rica, our specialists are at their disposal with detailed information on how to acquire a passport here.
The main ways of moving to Costa Rica from South Africa and becoming a resident
If you are planning on relocating to Costa Rica from South Africa, you have 3 options in terms of residency:
- becoming a business owner by investing in specific areas designated by the government;
- buying real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000;
- retiring here alone or with your spouse provided that you have a minimum monthly income of USD 1,000.
- there is also the option of moving here by means of self-support if you have a minimum monthly income of USD 2,500.
There is also the option of obtaining citizenship by investment in Costa Rica under the first 2 options presented above, however, it can also be obtained after becoming a permanent resident.
For those who are not convinced that permanent immigration to Costa Rica from South Africa is a good choice for them, a digital nomad visa can help them decide whether it is worth moving here or not.
For any other details related to your options of moving to Costa Rica, you can request the advice of our residency lawyers. Obtaining Costa Rican residency is quite simple, as procedures have been streamlined in the past few years. Foreign nationals can apply for both temporary and permanent residency. Regardless of the decision, if you intend to move here, our immigration professionals can assist you secure any of the two types of permits.
Immigration to Costa Rica from South Africa through family ties
Not only investors and entrepreneurs can immigrate to Costa Rica from South Africa, but this country also enables those with relatives here to join their families. Marriage and citizenship by descent or birth are also acknowledged by the national authorities.
Residency by marriage can be obtained after 3 years of living here with your spouse, while citizenship by descent implies filing evidence of having Costa Rican ancestors.
If you find yourself in the position of obtaining a residence permit way, feel free to address our immigration lawyers in Costa Rica who are able to assist you.
Moving to Costa Rica is not complicated, however, it requires a lot of attention. Depending on the type of visa requested, there are specific steps to consider, and our lawyers are at your disposal with complete support based on the pathway you choose. Contact us for guidance in applying for the type of permit you are interested in.
Living costs if you move to Costa Rica from South Africa
Immigration to Costa Rica from South Africa has the main advantage of low living costs. According to information on this site, here is what you should expect:
- a monthly overall living cost of USD 1,600 to USD 2,000 per person when you move here;
- couples will usually spend between USD 2,500 and USD 3,000 per month;
- basic utilities do not usually exceed USD 100 per month.
If you are interested in moving to Costa Rica from South Africa and need legal support, contact us. Our specialists are at your service and can help you apply for residency, as well as with support in company formation in Costa Rica.