Best destination for retirement: Here’s why Costa Rica is a haven for retirees

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In the latest “Global Retirement Index” from US magazine “International Living”, Costa Rica topped the ranking of best retirement destinations. Countries were evaluated based on housing, cost of living, government, climate and healthcare. Other top positions are followed by Portugal, Mexico, Panama and Spain.

From a European perspective, the rankings may look different, but Costa Rica will definitely be at the top. Blick shows what makes the country so attractive to people in the autumn of life.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate. But it doesn’t get too hot: plenty of forests and hills, as well as the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the east, provide pleasant conditions. Caution: Temperatures can vary greatly depending on where you live.

The Central American country is relatively rich and has a stable democracy. There is no army and the crime rate is significantly lower than any other country in the region. However, the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) points out that crime is increasing.

The overall cost of living is low, which means retirement savings will grow even further. Property prices are affordable: there are houses that can be bought for just 100,000 francs or rented for 500 francs a month. A trouble-free retirement is already possible with 2,000 to 3,000 francs per month.

There are three possible visa programs for retirement settlements in Costa Rica: For “Pensionado” you need to have at least $1,000 per month in income from a secure source. With “Rentista” you need to transfer $60,000 to a bank account in Costa Rica or show that you have a monthly income of at least $2,500. The “Inversionista” visa requires a $200,000 investment in a local company or real estate. Each of these visas is valid for two years. You can apply for a permanent residence permit after residing in Costa Rica for three years. It is possible to apply for citizenship after seven years. Attention: There is currently no social security agreement between Switzerland and Costa Rica.

Retirees can benefit from a low-cost, high-quality healthcare system that offers both private and public options. The state-run “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social”, or Caja for short, is very cost-effective. Hospitals, equipment and healthcare professionals are state-of-the-art and you do not need to know Spanish for treatment; You can get along quite well with English throughout the country.

Affordable accommodation options are available specifically for retirees. There are well-maintained classic nursing homes, community centers for active seniors or private senior apartments with special amenities. Good advice is crucial here.

Based on the phrase “Pura Vida” (pure life), the Costa Rican lifestyle emphasizes relaxation, friendliness, and a slower pace of life; Ideal for retirees! Costa Rica is also a world leader in environmental protection and sustainability.

Costa Rica is approximately 9,500 kilometers from Switzerland. However, Edelweiss flies non-stop several times a week from Zurich to the capital San José and Liberia in the west of the country. There are many flight options with one-time changes.

Source :Blick