Green, Stable, Strategic: Costa Rica’s Emergence as a Top FDI Destination

Costa Rica has quietly become a magnet for global investment—offering a rare blend of political stability, environmental leadership, and strategic location that international companies find irresistible.


 Sustainability as a Competitive Edge

Costa Rica generates nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources—a clear signal to environmentally conscious investors. It has consistently embraced sustainability, nationalizing environmental care while attracting capital that aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.

As Adriana Acosta from the national investment brand “essential COSTA RICA” affirms, “Costa Rica’s sustainability vision has shown that it is possible to attract foreign direct investment while protecting the natural environment”  .


 Political and Social Stability

The country ranks highly on global governance indices and boasts a strong democratic system with no standing army. That political clarity gives investors confidence. In times of global economic shifts, Costa Rica stands out as a low-risk, reliable partner  .


Record-Breaking Investment Numbers

In 2024, Costa Rica attracted €4.02 billion in FDI—its highest annual total ever, marking a 14% growth over 2023  . A remarkable 64% of that investment was funneled into Free Trade Zones (FTZs), which saw 24% year-on-year growth  . These zones continue to underpin the country’s appeal to multinational investors.


 High-Tech Manufacturing and Medical Devices

Advanced manufacturing dominates FDI, making up 67.4% of total inflows in 2024. Costa Rica has become a regional anchor for precision manufacturing—especially in electronics and medical devices  . The country is now Latin America’s second-largest exporter of high-tech goods, trailing only Mexico  .


 Tourism, Agri-Tech, and Beyond

Tourism remains a strong draw, and in 2024, FDI in sustainable tourism surged by 113% compared with 2023  . Meanwhile, growing investment in agri‑tech, financial services, and creative industries signals Costa Rica’s increasingly multifaceted role as an innovation leader  .


 Confidence in Reinvestment

It’s not just new investors coming in—it’s the ones already here doubling down. In 2024, about 100 reinvestment decisions were made by companies operating within Costa Rica, signifying robust confidence in the country’s business climate  .


 What This Means for Foreigners

  • Stability and Transparency: You’re investing where laws are respected, contracts are honored, and democratic governance is strong.
  • Green Growth: Investing in a country powered almost entirely by renewables means your capital supports sustainability.
  • Diverse Opportunities: Whether you’re interested in manufacturing, tourism, agri-tech, or creative services, Costa Rica’s sectors are expanding—and ready for smart investment.

 Is Costa Rica Ready for You?

If you’re considering investment or establishing a presence in Costa Rica, now is the moment. The country’s clean energy, stable institutions, and innovation-led economy aren’t just buzzwords—they translate into lower risk, long-term growth, and alignment with global values.Immigration Experts Costa Rica can help identify the right residency and investment paths, connect you with local service providers, and ensure your entry into this exciting market is both compliant and strategically sound.

Residency in Costa Rica for Retirees: A Peaceful Life and a Smart Plan B

As the world becomes more unpredictable — with rising living costs, political tensions, and changing immigration policies — many retirees are rethinking where and how they want to live. For thousands of people each year, the answer is clear: Costa Rica.

With its welcoming culture, stable democracy, and world-renowned natural beauty, Costa Rica offers not just a place to retire — but a way to do it with peace of mind and legal security.


A Simple Path to Residency for Retirees

Costa Rica offers a dedicated legal residency category for retirees: the “Pensionado” residency. And the requirements are surprisingly accessible.

To qualify, you only need to prove:

  • A lifetime pension or retirement income of at least $1,000 USD per month
  • That the pension is issued by a government, military system, or private company guaranteeing lifetime payments

There’s no need to buy property or make a large financial investment — just stable, consistent retirement income.


What Does Pensionado Residency Offer?

Once approved, you’ll enjoy:

  • Legal residency status in Costa Rica, renewable every two years
  • The right to live in the country full-time
  • Access to Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system (once enrolled in the public insurance fund)
  • The ability to import household goods and even a vehicle tax-free (under current law)

Plus, you can bring your spouse and dependents under the same residency umbrella.


Why Now? A Strategic Plan B

In today’s global climate, more retirees are seeking a backup plan — a second home, a safer location, or simply a place they can always return to without question.

With Pensionado residency, you secure:

  • Guaranteed entry and legal stay in Costa Rica, even during global travel restrictions
  • The ability to spend part of the year abroad and still maintain your residency
  • A stable legal status in one of Latin America’s most respected democracies

It’s not just retirement planning — it’s life planning.


A Lifestyle Worth the Move

Residency is the legal entry point, but the real reward is the lifestyle that follows. Retirees in Costa Rica enjoy:

  • A lower cost of living
  • Affordable private healthcare
  • Fresh, locally sourced food year-round
  • A slower, simpler pace of life
  • And a warm, welcoming community of both locals and fellow expats

From peaceful beach towns to mountain villages surrounded by coffee farms, Costa Rica offers a variety of retirement lifestyles — all within a country that values health, happiness, and natural beauty.


Let Us Guide You

At Immigration Experts Costa Rica, we specialize in helping retirees navigate every step of the residency process — from gathering documentation to submitting applications and securing healthcare access.

We believe that retirement should be simple, secure, and deeply rewarding — and that Costa Rica offers exactly that.

Ready to take the first step?

Contact us today to explore whether Pensionado residency is right for you.


Would you like a version of this translated to Spanish, or adapted into an ad or downloadable retirement guide?

JOIN MOVE RETREAT!

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JOIN MOVE RETREAT!

Please fill in our form in order to check availability, book your spot or get more information. 

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