How much money do you need in the bank to move to Costa Rica?

The amount depends on which residency visa you pursue. Costa Rica offers three main pathways. The Pensionado visa requires proof of $1,000 per month in lifetime pension or Social Security income. The Rentista visa requires $2,500 per month in stable income for at least two years, or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank to be drawn down over 24 months. The Inversionista visa requires a $200,000 investment in Costa Rican property or a registered business. Costa Rica’s moderate lifestyle benchmark is $1,550 per person per month, so the Pensionado threshold of $1,000 covers a budget lifestyle but falls short of moderate. Most retirees pair Social Security with additional pension or savings income to comfortably clear the moderate tier. A CPA or immigration attorney is worth consulting before applying. For the full cost picture, see our Costa Rica page.