Veterans in Costa Rica

Entering Costa Rica

U.S. citizens can stay up to 180 days visa-free (the officer may grant fewer). Proof of onward travel is required.

Long-stay and retirement visas

• Pensionado: a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month. Military retired pay fits.
• Rentista: about USD 2,500/month guaranteed for two years, or a large deposit.
• A recent law tightened financial requirements for permanent residency.

VA care and benefits in Costa Rica

There are no VA facilities in Latin America. Care for service-connected conditions is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program. Be wary of any clinic that claims to be a "VA clinic". FMP in-country toll-free: 0800-013-0759. A Social Security Federal Benefits Unit is in San José.

Healthcare

Residents must join the CCSS ("Caja") public system. Contributions depend on declared income. Good private hospitals: CIMA (Escazú), Clínica Bíblica and Hospital Metropolitano (San José).

Where veterans live

• Central Valley (Escazú, Atenas, Grecia): Spring climate, near the hospitals.
• Tamarindo / Guanacaste: Pacific beaches.
• Lake Arenal: Quiet lake living.
• Dominical / Uvita: Jungle coast.

Cost of living

Roughly USD 1,500–2,500 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle. Health insurance is not included.

Money, language and time

Costa Rican colón (CRC) · Spanish · UTC-6

Buying property

Foreigners have the same ownership rights as citizens, except in the maritime zone along the coast.

Watch out for

Petty theft, rising crime in Limón and Puntarenas provinces.

Veteran organizations

American Legion Department of Latin America posts in Costa Rica. See veteran organizations abroad.

Common questions

Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.