by Joseph 
If you’re a Canadian thinking about making a move to the breathtaking landscapes and warm culture of Costa Rica, you’re not alone. Many Canadians are embracing the idea of swapping the cold of Ontario or Toronto for the year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle that Costa Rica offers. But relocating to a new country, whether part-time or full-time, can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
In this detailed guide, we explore essential information about moving to Costa Rica, featuring insights from relocation specialists Patrick Jager and Aaron Bailey, co-founders of Your Pura Vida, and Joseph (Yossi) Kaplan, a Toronto and Costa Rica-based realtor. Together, they bring a wealth of experience helping Canadians transition smoothly to life in Costa Rica. This article covers key topics such as visa options, housing, banking, insurance, food and culture, healthcare, overcoming relocation fears, and integrating into local communities.
Whether you are planning a permanent move or a seasonal stay, this guide will equip you with practical knowledge, helpful tips, and expert advice to make your relocation journey as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Table of Contents
- Who Are Patrick Jager, Aaron Bailey, and Joseph (Yossi)?
- Why Use a Relocation Service When Moving to Costa Rica?
- Visa Options: What Canadians Need to Know
- Housing Options: Finding Your Slice of Paradise
- Banking in Costa Rica: A Practical Guide
- Insurance: Protecting Your New Life
- Food and Culture: What to Expect
- Healthcare: Medical Services in Costa Rica
- Overcoming the Fear of Relocation: Mental and Emotional Considerations
- Integrating Into the Community: Finding Your Tribe
- Your Pura Vida Services: Scouting, Relocation, and Schools
- The Journey of Patrick and Aaron: From Challenges to Helping Others
- Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure of Moving to Costa Rica
- Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Costa Rica
Who Are Patrick Jager, Aaron Bailey, and Joseph (Yossi)?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to know the experts behind this information. Yossi Kaplan is a realtor who splits his time between Toronto and Costa Rica, specializing in helping Canadians find their dream homes in Costa Rica. Patrick Jager and Aaron Bailey are relocation specialists who run Your Pura Vida, a personalized relocation service dedicated to assisting Canadians and other foreigners in moving to Costa Rica. Unlike realtors who focus primarily on property, Patrick and Aaron’s expertise lies in guiding newcomers through every aspect of relocating—from visas to social integration—ensuring a holistic approach to starting a new life in Costa Rica.
Why Use a Relocation Service When Moving to Costa Rica?
Relocating internationally is a complex process involving many moving parts: legal paperwork, housing searches, banking setups, healthcare navigation, cultural adjustment, and more. Patrick and Aaron emphasize that their service is not a concierge that does everything for you, but rather a coaching and support system that empowers you to do it yourself successfully. This approach ensures clients learn the skills and knowledge required to thrive independently in Costa Rica.
Using a relocation specialist can save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid common pitfalls. They provide personalized guidance based on your preferences and needs, assist with scouting locations, and connect you to trusted local resources. This is especially valuable for Canadians unfamiliar with Costa Rica’s unique systems and culture.
Visa Options: What Canadians Need to Know
One of the most common questions for Canadians moving to Costa Rica is about visa requirements. The good news is that it is relatively easy for Canadians to enter Costa Rica on a tourist visa, which allows for a six-month stay. Upon entry, a stamp is placed in your passport, and you must show proof of a flight home. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay by leaving the country briefly—often referred to as a “border run”—to neighboring countries like Nicaragua or Panama, then returning to Costa Rica to restart the visa clock. However, this is subject to the discretion of border officials.
Patrick and Aaron strongly advise against applying for a visa before you move. The reason is that the type of visa you apply for depends on your specific situation and lifestyle choices. For example, whether you plan to rent or buy property, or if you are retiring on a pension, the visa options differ significantly and have different implications on healthcare contributions and benefits.
There are three primary visa categories Canadians should consider:
- Investor Visa: This visa requires a minimum investment of $150,000 USD in Costa Rica. Investments can be in property, vehicles, or businesses. Buying a home often qualifies you for this visa.
- Pensionado Visa (Pension Visa): Designed for retirees, this visa requires proof of a steady pension income. It comes with specific conditions and benefits tailored for retirees.
- Rentista Visa: This visa is for those who can prove a guaranteed income or savings, typically requiring a certain amount of money in the bank each month to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
The Costa Rican government wants to ensure that newcomers can support themselves financially and are not a burden on the public system. Therefore, documentation proving financial stability is essential for all visa types.
Housing Options: Finding Your Slice of Paradise
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of housing options comparable to what Canadians might expect at home. Whether you want to buy or rent, options include lots, houses, condos, and villas. These range from traditional Costa Rican homes (“Tico housing”) to modern, western-style residences equipped with all the creature comforts.
One important consideration is the building standards in Costa Rica. Due to the country’s exposure to storms and seismic activity, houses are constructed to be very solid and durable, often described as “solid as a rock.” This provides peace of mind regarding safety and longevity.
Patrick explains that when looking at housing, clients often fall into two categories:
- Tico Housing: These homes reflect local styles and lifestyles, often simpler with fewer appliances like dryers (air drying clothes is common).
- Western-Style Homes: Designed to meet the expectations of North American expatriates, including air conditioning, dishwashers, and modern kitchens.
Deciding which housing style suits you depends on your lifestyle preferences and your willingness to adapt to some local customs. For example, air conditioning may be a must-have for some, while others may embrace a more minimalist approach. Costa Rica is not the cheapest country in Central America, but it offers stability, quality of life, and a high happiness index, which many find worth the investment.
To help clients find the perfect fit, Patrick and Aaron conduct a detailed 124-point survey to understand preferences, such as whether you want to live near the beach but dislike bugs, or prefer the mountains but want to avoid too much rain. This tailored approach helps match clients with the ideal community and housing style.
Yossi, who prefers western-style living, highlights Playa Lagarto as an excellent community where you can build or buy fully equipped villas, offering all the comforts one expects from a modern home.
Banking in Costa Rica: A Practical Guide
Banking is a critical aspect of relocating, and many Canadians wonder how to open accounts, transfer money, and manage finances in Costa Rica. Patrick and Aaron emphasize that Costa Rica’s banking system is world-class and similar to what Canadians are accustomed to. You can open bank accounts in both Costa Rican colones and US dollars, even on a tourist visa.
However, opening a bank account requires some patience and in-person visits. You must physically go to a bank branch and meet with a branch manager. Some branches may be more familiar with the rules regarding foreigners opening accounts than others, so persistence might be necessary. The process can take several hours but becomes straightforward once the account is set up.
Wire transfers to Costa Rican banks are easy and function much like international transfers elsewhere. Maintaining a Canadian bank account alongside your Costa Rican account is often advisable, and some Canadian banks, like Scotiabank, have branches in Costa Rica, which might facilitate banking across borders.
Patrick highlights Costa Rica’s reputation as the “Switzerland of Central America,” with a government that carefully scrutinizes financial transactions to prevent money laundering and maintain a safe and respectful environment. While some requirements might seem cumbersome, they are designed to protect residents and the country’s integrity.
Insurance: Protecting Your New Life
Insurance is another essential consideration when moving to Costa Rica. Canadians often ask about life insurance, health insurance, and property insurance. Patrick explains that insurance products are readily available in Costa Rica, including coverage for homes, cars, and health.
Health insurance is particularly important. If you obtain residency, you become eligible for the public healthcare system known as the Caja, which offers socialized healthcare similar to Canada’s system. Many expats also choose private health insurance to access private care, which is significantly less expensive than in Canada or the United States.
Life insurance is available but less commonly discussed. An important legal matter is having a will in Costa Rica. Simply having a will in Canada is not sufficient because property ownership and inheritance laws differ. A Costa Rican will ensures that your property can be legally transferred to your heirs without complications.
Food and Culture: What to Expect
Food is a major part of any relocation experience. Costa Rica’s cuisine is simple, healthy, and rooted in local traditions. Patrick notes that unlike many Spanish-influenced Central American countries, Costa Rica was somewhat left alone by colonial influences, resulting in a diet centered around beans, rice, chicken, and steak.
The beef in Costa Rica tastes different due to the local cattle breeds, but many find it delicious. Beyond traditional fare, Costa Rica offers a variety of international cuisines, including Peruvian dishes, Argentinian steaks, and plenty of pizza options.
One advantage of living in Costa Rica is access to fresh, sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, contrasting with the imported produce often found in Canada. This contributes to a healthier diet and a richer culinary experience.
On the cultural front, Costa Ricans (known as Ticos) are warm, welcoming, and friendly toward foreigners. Learning Spanish, even at a basic level, is highly recommended as it shows respect for the local culture and fosters better relationships. The idea is to avoid being the “ugly foreigner” who expects everyone to speak English and understand foreign idioms. A little graciousness and effort to communicate in Spanish go a long way toward integration.
Healthcare: Medical Services in Costa Rica
Healthcare in Costa Rica is excellent and a significant reason many Canadians consider moving here. The country is known for medical tourism, with world-class hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system (Caja) operates similarly to Canada’s socialized system, providing access to a wide range of medical services, though there can be waiting times.
Many expats opt for private healthcare for quicker access to specialists and elective procedures. Private care is affordable compared to Canada and the US, and some Canadian insurance plans may provide reimbursement for international treatment, so it’s worth checking your policy.
Dental care is often sought privately and is very affordable, encouraging many newcomers to use private dental services rather than public options.
Overcoming the Fear of Relocation: Mental and Emotional Considerations
Moving to a new country, especially later in life, comes with mental and emotional challenges. Aaron shares that this transition requires a mindset shift and adaptability. It’s natural to have moments of doubt or anxiety, but these are outweighed by the joys and benefits of living in Costa Rica.
Patrick and Aaron act as part-time therapists for their clients, helping them identify fears and strategize ways to overcome them. They emphasize that moving anywhere different involves cultural shocks, whether it’s moving across Canada or to another continent. The key is to adapt to local customs rather than expecting the country to change for you.
The Costa Rican philosophy of pura vida—which translates to “pure life” but means much more than that—is about embracing life as it is, accepting challenges like power outages with grace, and finding joy in simplicity. This attitude is central to thriving in Costa Rica.
Patrick recommends visiting Costa Rica first on a scouting trip, staying in an Airbnb, and immersing yourself in daily life to get a true sense of what living there will be like.
Integrating Into the Community: Finding Your Tribe
Building a social network is crucial for long-term happiness in a new country. Patrick and Aaron recommend joining local WhatsApp and Facebook groups to connect with other expats and locals. These platforms are great for support, information, and socializing, but it’s important to take online chatter with a grain of salt, as forums often attract both very positive and very negative voices.
Finding your tribe means identifying activities and interests that matter to you. Whether it’s yoga, volunteering, sports, or theater for your children, engaging in these communities helps form meaningful relationships. For families, finding the right schools is part of this integration process, and Your Pura Vida offers specialized support in school selection.
Aaron stresses the importance of not staying confined to expat bubbles. Making friends with Ticos enriches your experience and helps you truly belong. It may take time—he mentions it took him two years to feel settled—but the effort pays off with a fulfilling social life.
Your Pura Vida Services: Scouting, Relocation, and Schools
Your Pura Vida offers three primary services tailored to help Canadians and others move to Costa Rica:
- Scouting: Helping you identify the best location in Costa Rica based on your preferences, including a free 20-minute assessment and a detailed survey to match you with ideal provinces and communities.
- Relocation: Offering personalized guidance for the entire moving process, including visa options, housing, banking, and integration strategies.
- Schools: Providing expert advice to families seeking the right educational options for their children.
They emphasize teaching clients to be self-sufficient rather than doing everything for them, promoting a successful and empowered relocation experience. Your Pura Vida is also developing a specialized service for retirees, recognizing the unique needs of this group.
The team includes Patrick Jager, Aaron Bailey, Andrea (education specialist), and Benjamin (client specialist), a diverse group combining local knowledge and international experience.
Contact them at [email protected] for personalized support and answers to your questions about moving to Costa Rica.
The Journey of Patrick and Aaron: From Challenges to Helping Others
Patrick and Aaron met years ago in the United States and both moved to Costa Rica at different times. They faced numerous challenges during their own relocations, which inspired them to create Your Pura Vida. Their mission is to help others avoid the mistakes they made and to support newcomers in integrating successfully into Costa Rican life.
Their passion for Costa Rica and dedication to client success shines through in their work, making them trusted partners for Canadians dreaming of a new life in this beautiful country.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure of Moving to Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica is not just a physical relocation but a transformation of mindset and heart. As Yossi Kaplan encourages, come explore, learn what you love and don’t love, and know that you are in good hands with experienced guides like Patrick and Aaron. Costa Rica offers stunning communities, rich culture, and a quality of life that attracts many Canadians seeking a change.
Aaron closes with a reminder to be open to what life may bring in Costa Rica. This openness, combined with preparation and support, will make your move a rewarding and fulfilling new chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Costa Rica
1. How easy is it for Canadians to get a visa for Costa Rica?
Canadians can enter Costa Rica on a six-month tourist visa with proof of onward travel. For longer stays, there are three main visa types: investor, pensionado (retiree), and rentista (financially self-sufficient). It’s recommended to find your ideal location before applying for a visa to choose the right category.
2. Can I buy or rent property in Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica offers a wide range of housing options, including lots, houses, condos, and villas. You can buy or rent depending on your plans. Housing styles range from traditional Tico homes to modern western-style residences.
3. Is banking accessible for foreigners?
Yes, you can open bank accounts in Costa Rica in both colones and US dollars. Opening accounts requires in-person visits to bank branches and some patience, but the process is straightforward once established.
4. What kind of healthcare is available?
Costa Rica has excellent healthcare, with a public socialized system (Caja) and affordable private options. Many expats use private care for faster access and better amenities.
5. How do I integrate socially in Costa Rica?
Joining local WhatsApp and Facebook groups, participating in community activities, and learning Spanish are key. Building friendships with both locals (Ticos) and other expats helps create a supportive social network.
6. Do I need a Costa Rican will?
Yes, having a will in Costa Rica is essential if you own property there. It ensures your assets can be legally transferred to your heirs without complications.
7. What is the biggest mindset shift when moving to Costa Rica?
Embracing the pura vida lifestyle means accepting life’s imperfections with grace and enjoying simplicity. Being adaptable and open to new experiences is vital for a successful relocation.
Contact Us:
Patrick & Aaron: https://www.yourpuravida.com/
Joseph (Yossi): https://lightgray-nightingale-348388.hostingersite.com/
