If you visit the beach in Costa Rica, it is not uncommon to see foreign retirees spending their time sunbathing or taking a stroll around town. What makes Costa Rica retirement so popular? What are the laws regarding retirees entering the country? Should you buy or rent? Will you have access to proper health care? 
The laws about entering the country are quite simple. The US and many other countries are granted 90 days stay in the country without getting a visa. If this is the case, all you need to do is travel to a neighboring nation and get your passport stamped, after which you are free to stay for another 90 days. Visitors from certain countries though, are not allowed to enter the country at all without a visa, so before coming to Costa Rica check the requirements with the closest Costa Rican Consulate. If traveling every three months is not your cup of tea then you might consider becoming a temporary resident. Temporary residency allows you to stay up to 2 years. To apply for this you need to prove that you are getting a permanent and consistent, monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. You must also purchase the national health insurance in order to apply.
For more information you can contact the Department of Immigration and Foreign Affairs.
Even if you are not applying for residency you can purchase the local health insurance plan, which will entitle you to free care at all state owned hospitals and clinics as well as free or reduced cost medications. If you decide to settle in the capital you will also have a lot of private hospitals to choose from. Many of these cater specifically to foreigners living in Costa Rica.
Buying or renting is totally up to you. Both are easy and accessible. Prices will vary according to the area you decide to settle in. Prices will also depend on what kind of place you want to live in. If you feel comfortable mixing with the locals then this is the cheapest route both for renting and buying. If you are concerned about safety there are many beautiful condos and gated communities as well as gated apartments. The capital and surrounding areas offer more options in housing and more competitive prices. Areas closer to the beach are more expensive. In these areas renting is still the cheapest option. I recently visited Samara, Guanacaste and saw beachfront, furnished apartments with A/C and cable for $400 USD. So if you can’t afford to buy, renting isn’t so bad.
In any case, consider the options carefully before you make any decisions. Ask friends (or the embassy) to recommend trustworthy lawyers if you need one. If you do, Costa Rica retirement could be a dream come true.
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