Canada consistently sends more retirees per capita to Costa Rica than any other country. If you're a Canadian considering the move in 2026, here is everything you need to know.
Why Costa Rica Works for Canadians
No tax on foreign income. CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, company pension, and investment income are completely tax-free in Costa Rica.
Healthcare you understand. CAJA is similar to provincial health plans — mandatory enrollment, comprehensive coverage, no user fees for most services — at ~$100/month.
Proximity. Direct flights from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa reach San José in 5–8 hours.
Canadian-Specific Documents
RCMP Criminal Record Check
Apply through the RCMP National Repository. Fingerprint-based checks required. Processing: 3–8 weeks after fingerprints received. Cost: ~$75–$125 CAD.
Apostille: Canada acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Federal documents (like the RCMP check) are apostilled through Global Affairs Canada.
Birth Certificate by Province
Order certified long-form copies from your province:
| Province | Website |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | gov.bc.ca/life-events |
| Alberta | alberta.ca/order-birth-certificate |
| Ontario | ontario.ca/page/get-or-replace-ontario-birth-certificate |
| Quebec | etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca |
| Nova Scotia | novascotia.ca/sns/vs |
| Manitoba | gov.mb.ca/vital |
| Saskatchewan | saskatchewan.ca |
| Newfoundland | gov.nl.ca/vs |
| PEI | princeedwardisland.ca |
Provincial documents are apostilled at the provincial level — not Global Affairs Canada.
CPP/OAS Benefit Letters
Request Confirmation of Benefits from Service Canada at canada.ca or call 1-800-277-9914. Both CPP and OAS letters needed. At maximum 2026 levels: OAS ~CAD $713/month + CPP up to ~CAD $1,364/month — well above the $1,000 USD threshold.
Important: GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) ceases after 6 months outside Canada. Plan accordingly.
Canadian Tax Implications
Departure tax: CRA treats you as having sold all property at fair market value on departure (deemed disposition). Capital gains tax may apply. Get professional advice.
OAS/CPP withholding: Canada withholds 25% on payments to non-residents (reduced to 15% under the Canada–Costa Rica Tax Treaty). File NR5 forms to minimize.
RRSP/RRIF: Continue to hold and draw as a non-resident. Same 25%/15% withholding applies. Consider strategic meltdown planning before departure.
Snowbird Considerations
Many Canadians spend winters in Costa Rica and summers in Canada. Costa Rica only requires one visit per 24-month period — very accommodating. But verify your provincial health plan's residency rules (Ontario OHIP requires 153 days/year in-province).
Mail Forwarding
All apostilled documents can be brought with you to Costa Rica or sent to:
Kevin McNamee P.O. Box 025331, SJO 250 Miami, FL 33102-5331
This mail forwarding service has been used by Canadian expats for 20+ years.
Exchange Rate Tips
CAD/USD fluctuates around 0.72–0.76. Most Costa Rica expat expenses are priced in USD. Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Knightsbridge FX for better rates than Canadian banks. Convert 3–6 months of expenses at a time.
Ready to Start Your Costa Rica Journey?
Our team has helped hundreds of Canadian families establish residency over 25+ years with a 98% approval rate. We know the RCMP process, Global Affairs apostille system, Service Canada benefit letters, and every province-specific detail.
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 your application now.
