FAQ –
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
There are numerous regular connections with layovers in European cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, and Madrid. More information about flight options can be found on our blog under "How to Get to Costa Rica as Fast as Possible." Our team is happy to help you plan your trip and recommend the best route based on your preferences.
Round-trip tickets with carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Iberia typically range from around $700 to $1,100 USD. Prices tend to be lower during peak season and higher outside of it.
Czech citizens need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the planned departure date. Upon arrival, travelers are issued a tourist visa allowing a stay of up to 90 days. At passport control, you will need to show proof that you will leave Costa Rica before your 90 days are up, such as a bus ticket or flight reservation with a departure date. You will also need to show confirmed accommodation for at least your first night, including the exact address and name of the hotel or Airbnb.
You are not required to declare your finances at entry. However, if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash per person, you must declare it at passport control. Larger amounts are subject to tax.
No vaccinations are currently required to enter Costa Rica. If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk, you will need to show proof of vaccination against it. For the most up-to-date recommendations, consult a travel medicine physician before your trip.
You can remain in Costa Rica as a permanent tourist by leaving the country every 90 days. A short trip to a neighboring country is enough to renew your tourist visa. The easiest options are Nicaragua to the north or Panama to the south, accessible from both the Caribbean and Pacific sides. Officially, you are required to stay abroad for three days, though in practice one day is generally accepted. If you want temporary or permanent residency, you will need to apply through one of the immigration categories and attend an in-person appointment at the immigration office in San José. You can learn more in our blog article "Residency from A to Z."
Costa Rica sits in both tropical and subtropical climate zones, with two distinct seasons: dry season (summer) and rainy season (winter). Summer runs from mid-December through mid-April. The exact timing shifts slightly each year and cannot be predicted precisely. On the Caribbean coast, the seasons follow their own rhythm, with the least rainfall typically in February, March, September, and October, and the wettest months being June and November. On the Pacific side, September and October are the wettest months, while December through March tend to be the driest.
During dry season, coastal areas typically reach around 86°F (30°C) during the day, with nights cooling to around 68°F (20°C). Temperatures drop by roughly 9°F (5°C) during the rainy season. Higher-altitude areas stay between 50 and 59°F (10 to 15°C) year-round. The ocean stays at a comfortable 81°F (27°C) throughout the year. Humidity runs between 70 and 90% in both seasons.
The local currency is the colón. As a general rule, 1,000 colóns is roughly equivalent to $2 USD. US dollars are accepted throughout the country, though usually at a less favorable exchange rate. ATMs are widely available across the country and generally allow withdrawals in both USD and colóns. Currency exchange can also be done at banks upon presentation of a valid passport.
Overall prices are comparable to Prague. Taxis, car rentals, hotels, and tours tend to be on the higher end, while gas and local food and produce are cheaper than in the Czech Republic. A meal at a traditional local restaurant runs around $7 USD, a beer is typically around $2, and a liter of gas costs approximately $1.20 USD.
The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in larger cities and tourist areas without any difficulty.
Costa Rica is not part of the European Union, so different rules apply for Czech and other foreign buyers. There are no restrictions on purchasing a home as a foreigner, but certain rules do apply depending on the type of property. Our specialists will walk you through everything during a personal meeting.
Crime rates are very low compared to other Latin American countries, which is one of the reasons Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America. Throughout the country, especially in larger cities, the same common-sense safety practices that apply in the Czech Republic apply here as well.
Absolutely. Costa Rica is a diverse and safe country with beautiful, accessible destinations throughout. The easiest way to explore is by renting a car. During peak season, it is advisable to reserve a vehicle well in advance. It is worth planning your route ahead of time and choosing the right type of vehicle, as some areas during the rainy season require a 4x4. Bus travel is also a solid option thanks to good infrastructure, and there is an extensive domestic flight network as well.
Officially, you should carry both your Czech driver's license and an international driving permit. In practice, local police typically only ask for your home country license during traffic stops.
Costa Rica has a large number of both private and public healthcare facilities and is widely considered to have the best healthcare in Latin America. As a tourist, you will need to pay for treatment at both public hospitals and private clinics. Some clinics accept international travel insurance in lieu of payment, but hospitalization generally requires a deposit of around $1,000 USD. As a resident, you are required to pay into the national health insurance system, after which basic treatment at public hospitals is covered. The highest quality care is available in San José, where most hospitals operate 24/7. Well-stocked pharmacies are available even in smaller towns, and medications including antibiotics can be purchased without a prescription.
Yes, without any restrictions. Starting a business is straightforward and does not require residency status. Most foreigners operate in tourism, hospitality, restaurants, or construction. Local attorneys can assist with all the necessary paperwork.
The buyer pays a property transfer tax of 3.75% of the property value. Annual property tax is 0.25%, payable quarterly or annually. If you rent out your property, rental income is subject to a profit tax of 13%, payable monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Mortgages for foreigners in Costa Rica are essentially unavailable. However, Czech buyers can finance a purchase using a mortgage obtained in the Czech Republic, secured against a property they already own there.
After an initial consultation and selecting your property, you will sign a reservation agreement. The reservation deposit is 10% of the purchase price. The documentation is then handed over to our law firm, which handles contract preparation and all steps related to registering the property in the land registry.
The purchase price includes interior furnishings such as a fitted kitchen with appliances, toilet, and shower, electrical meter connection, garden landscaping, a carport, and external services such as a gardener and property manager. Additional costs beyond the purchase price include fees related to land registry registration, attorney fees, and purchase-related taxes. Detailed cost information will be provided during your consultation based on the current situation at the time of purchase.
Any interested buyer can reserve a specific property for up to three months by paying a reservation fee. Reservations can be made either in person during an information meeting or remotely with one of our sales specialists. A purchase agreement between both parties is then signed before the reservation period expires.
Interest in tropical real estate investment grows every year. Driven by strong demand, land and property prices in Costa Rica continue to rise, with total annual returns of up to 24% achievable. Rental income alone can generate approximately 14% annually.
Prices depend on plot size and the type and size of the building. Our properties are competitively priced, with villas including land available from approximately $146,000 USD. Your sales specialist will provide full details during your information meeting.
Build time depends on the size and type of the property. We work exclusively with vetted local contractors and hold ourselves to high standards of quality and schedule adherence. For example, our 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas can be delivered within 8 months of signing the contract. Container villas can be completed in just a few months. Every timeline is tailored to the specific requirements of the buyer.
Before leaving, you will need to deregister from Czech health insurance yourself. You are only entitled to do so for long-term stays abroad of at least six consecutive months. Without the E104 form from your home country, you cannot be insured in both countries simultaneously. The transition between your domestic and foreign insurer should be seamless, meaning you should never be without coverage for even a single day. As a Costa Rican resident, you pay health and social insurance monthly, with contributions calculated based on your income, generally between 7 and 11%.
Your employer in the Czech Republic will deregister you from social insurance when you leave. If you are self-employed, you must deregister yourself. In Costa Rica, the obligation to pay social insurance begins once your residency application is approved by the immigration office. With the granting of temporary or permanent residency, you are required to register for social insurance and begin paying monthly contributions based on your income.
Reality Kostarika has been operating on the Czech market since 2017, and our specialists bring years of prior experience selling properties in both the Czech Republic and Costa Rica. We offer every client a personal, human approach, professional guidance, and full support throughout the entire process. If you are unsure where to start, we will recommend the right location and help you find a property that matches exactly what you have in mind. We are also happy to personally show you around Costa Rica, including sought-after areas and completed builds. We can assist with furnishing and setting up your property for rental if needed. Our goal is simple: to help clients realize their dreams and ensure long-term satisfaction with their new home in Costa Rica.
