As a foreigner, you can choose to live in Costa Rica as a permanent or temporary resident. However, most of the people who buy property in Costa Rica choose to live there only part of the year. By obtaining a 90-day visa you can stay in Costa Rica for up to three months. After the 90 days, you have to leave the country for at least 72 hours before a new 90-day visa can be issued.

It is possible to visit Nicaragua or Panama for three days to meet the legal requirements and then returning to Costa Rica. If you find this is too much of a hassle, you may want to apply for permanent or temporary residency.

As a retiree (pensionado), you can apply for permanent residency if you can prove a monthly income of at least $600 per month ($7,200 per year) from a qualified retirement plan or pension source. You must reside in Costa Rica at least four months per year. You would not be allowed to receive any kind of local income other than your pension and you must exchange your income into local currency with a local bank.

This is only one type of permanent residency. There are many types of residency with different regulations.

You should check with an immigration attorney for the most recent regulations and your situation.

You can apply for temporary residency if you are a scientist; professor; priest; student; businessperson or director of a local corporation; or professional hired by a local corporation.