More Americans are moving to Costa Rica than ever before. US citizens consistently rank as the #1 source of new residency applications. Here is everything you need to know, specific to US citizens.
Your Residency Options
Pensionado (Retiree): $1,000/month pension or Social Security. Most popular for retirees.
Rentista (Fixed Income): $60,000 deposited in a Costa Rican bank at $2,500/month. Ideal without pension.
Investor: $150,000 investment in Costa Rican real estate, business, or securities.
All lead to permanent residency after 36 months and qualify for Law #9996 duty-free benefits if applied before July 2026.
US-Specific Documents
FBI Identity History Summary
Every adult applicant must provide this. Apply online at edo.cjis.gov (3–5 business days) or by mail (8–14 weeks). Must be apostilled by the US Department of State (not your state's Secretary of State).
Birth Certificate
Order through VitalChek (vitalchek.com) or your state's Department of Health. Must be a certified copy with raised seal. Apostilled at the Secretary of State's office in your state of birth.
Social Security Benefit Letter
For Pensionado: request a Benefit Verification Letter at my.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Must be translated to Spanish and apostilled.
Passport
Minimum 12 months remaining validity recommended.
The Application Timeline
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Gather documents (FBI, birth cert, SSA letter) | 4–12 weeks |
| Apostille all documents | 2–4 weeks |
| Certified Spanish translations | 1–2 weeks |
| Application filing | Day 1 |
| Immigration processing | 9–10 months |
| DIMEX card issuance | 2–4 weeks after approval |
| Total | ~12–14 months |
US Taxes After Moving
The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where you live. You must continue filing US federal returns. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion only applies to earned income — not pension or investments.
FATCA: Report foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 (FBAR) and $200,000 (Form 8938). Costa Rican banks report US account holders to the IRS.
Costa Rica's zero tax on foreign income means you only deal with US tax — no double taxation on retirement income.
Banking, Shipping & Practical Tips
- Banking: BAC Credomatic and Scotiabank are most expat-friendly. DIMEX required to open accounts.
- Law #9996 duty-free: Import 2 vehicles + household goods tax-free. Vehicle taxes in CR run 52–79% of value — savings of $10,000–$50,000+ per vehicle.
- Medicare: Does NOT cover you abroad. Enroll in CAJA upon residency approval.
- Social Security: Continues via direct deposit to your US bank. No requirement to live in the US.
- Driving: US license valid for 90 days. Convert to CR license after residency.
Ready to Start Your Move?
Our team specializes in US citizen residency applications — we know the FBI Identity History Summary process, SSA benefit letter requirements, VitalChek ordering, and every US-specific detail. 500+ American families helped over 25+ years with a 98% approval rate.
Free consultation: [Contact us →](/contact) | [Services →](/services) | [Concierge →](/concierge-service)
Phone: +506-8385-5008 | Email: legalresidencycostarica@outlook.com
Law #9996 duty-free benefits expire July 2026. Start now.
