Why Costa Rica?
Discover why Costa Rica stands out as the premier destination for sustainable development and investment.
Invest in Happiness and Live Pura Vida
Costa Rica attracts investors with its unspoiled beauty, political stability, growing economy, increased tourism, and privileged position as one of the happiest and most sustainable countries on Earth.
People come to Costa Rica to embrace "pura vida," which translates to "pure life." Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this phrase to connote such things as "hello," "goodbye," "great," "everything's cool," and "be happy." For Ticos, "Pura Vida" is more of a feeling and way of life.
Environmental Leadership
Global leader in conservation and renewable energy
Political Stability
Democratic government with strong institutions since 1948
Economic Growth
Consistent GDP growth and investment-friendly policies
The Happiest Country on Earth
In evaluating any country's happiness, the Happy Planet Index examines: how happy the country's citizens are, their life expectancy, how much of the planet's resources they consume, and inequalities among the population.
Costa Rica repeatedly tops the Happy Planet Index rankings and has been ranked number one with a substantial lead. Costa Rica's government has kept the country at the top of the rankings by investing heavily in the country and its citizen's well-being.
Since abolishing its army in 1949, Costa Rica has been able to reallocate those funds toward education, health, and pensions, which has improved the quality of life for all Costa Ricans.
Living Longer, Living Better
Costa Ricans are not only happy, they are living longer. Costa Ricans have an average life expectancy of 78.5 years, which is higher than the current life expectancy in the United States of 77.9 years.
According to some studies, men in Costa Rican live longer than anywhere else in the world. This longevity can be attributed in part to Costa Rican culture, which places a high value on family, forming solid social networks of friends, and caring for the community.
Strategic Advantages
Costa Rica offers unique advantages that make it an exceptional location for sustainable development.
Biodiversity Hotspot
Home to 5% of the world's species, Costa Rica offers unparalleled natural richness and ecological diversity for sustainable development projects.
Strong Legal Framework
Well-established property rights, environmental regulations, and investment protection laws provide security for long-term development projects.
Skilled Workforce
High literacy rates and strong education system provide access to qualified professionals for development and management roles.
Costa Rica by the Numbers
Impressive statistics that demonstrate Costa Rica's commitment to sustainability and growth.
Renewable Energy
Electricity generation
Protected Land
National parks & reserves
Carbon Neutral
Target year
Happy Planet
Index ranking
Renewable Energy
Environmental Leadership
The Costa Rica government cares not only for its citizens, but our planet and its future. The country has been a pioneer in land management techniques and utilizing fossil fuel alternatives.
Costa Rica has banned oil drilling within its border and in turn has invested heavily in renewable energy sources. Costa Rica has pledged to be carbon neutral by the year of its bicentennial, 2021.
Safe Investment, Growing Economy
Costa Rica has been deemed one of the safest venture locations in the development market. Costa Rica's economy is on the rise and the country remains one of the most politically stable countries in Latin America.
The extensive beauty of Costa Rica's natural resources ranges from pristine beaches, to mountains and unspoiled jungle, volcanos, islands and an endless list of wildlife. This beauty draws tourists and those seeking a new place to call home.
Natural Beauty
Tourism Growth
Thriving Tourism Industry
Over 1.7 million tourists visit Costa Rica each year and that number continues to rise. The majority of tourists come from the United States and Canada.
Tourism earnings equate to more than $1.7 billion US dollars per year. Approximately 80% of all visitors come to Costa Rica for eco-tourism related activities.
A growing number of tourists go to Costa Rica and never want to leave, they become perpetual tourists. Costa Rica has generous visa restrictions, which allow for prolonged and renewed stays.
Generous Visa & Residency Options
When a tourist from the United States, Canada, and many designated countries enter Costa Rica, they are granted a tourist visa of up to 90 days. Before the 90 days elapse, the tourist must leave Costa Rica but may immediately return.
For example, a United States citizen (who has not been granted Costa Rican residency) can leave across any of Costa Rica's borders within 90 days and return immediately without affecting the ability to re-enter Costa Rica, as long as that individual departed Costa Rica within the 90-day of previous stay.
Visa & Residency
Property Investment
Property Ownership & Residency
Costa Rica is not only a great place to vacation and invest, but to own property and even seek residency. International home buyers can buy titled property in Costa Rica.
There a number of options for residency. Investors, who make an investment in business or real estate, may be eligible for residency if the investment exceeds $200,000. Under any of the temporary residency options, you can apply for permanent residency after three years.
After an accumulated seven years with residency, you can apply for citizenship. You may be able to hold dual citizenship. For example, United States and Canadian citizens may both hold dual citizenship with Costa Rica.
World-Class Healthcare & Benefits
There are many benefits to being a permanent resident or citizen of Costa Rica, including access to excellent and universal healthcare. The World Health Organization and United Nations frequently rank Costa Rica in the top country rankings for healthcare.
Costa Rica's health care system has repeatedly out ranked the United States.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular places for United States and Canadian retirees and expats to relocate, because its offers a happy, relaxed, slow and stress-free way-of-life.
Healthcare System
Long-term Growth Potential
Costa Rica's strategic advantages position it for continued growth and development success.
Tourism Growth
Costa Rica's tourism sector continues to expand, with increasing demand for sustainable and luxury accommodations in pristine natural settings.
Investment Climate
Strong economic fundamentals and investor-friendly policies create an ideal environment for long-term real estate development and investment.