Q COSTARICA — The growing international mobility of Americans has placed Costa Rica among the preferred destinations for those seeking to settle abroad.
Data from Henley & Partners, cited in a recent Condé Nast Traveler report, reveals that the demand for residency or citizenship outside the United States nearly doubled last year, solidifying a migration trend toward territories that offer quality of life and stability.
Costa Rica is on the list of the 16 most attractive destinations in the world for wealth relocation in 2026, along with countries such as Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Malta.
The inclusion of Costa Rica in this select group is due to economic, social, and cultural reasons, as described in the aforementioned publication.
The United States is one of the main sources of new residents for Costa Rica. According to figures from the U.S. State Department, as of December 2024, approximately 120,000 U.S. citizens resided in Costa Rica, many of them retirees.
Travelers are now building so-called “sovereign portfolios,” or collections of residency rights, citizenships, investments, and business interests across multiple nations. Residence and citizenship planning firm, Henley & Partners
This group constitutes one of the largest U.S. expatriate communities in Latin America.
Factors Driving Migration to Costa Rica
Among the main reasons Americans choose Costa Rica are its democratic stability, geographic proximity, and the existence of a well-established expatriate community.
Added to this is access to quality healthcare and a lifestyle focused on well-being and a connection with nature, factors highlighted by Forbes magazine when it recently included Costa Rica on its list of preferred destinations to move to in 2026.
For those wondering why Costa Rica has become one of the favorite destinations for Americans looking to start a new life outside their country, the answer lies in a combination of safety, quality of life, ease of working remotely or retiring, and a welcoming community that facilitates integration.
The value of Costa Rican hospitality
Costa Rica’s appeal is not limited to its economic or immigration indicators. One aspect highlighted by both Condé Nast Traveler and other international studies is the warm and hospitable treatment of Costa Ricans.
Last year, the specialized magazine recognized the country as the most hospitable in the world, a distinction based on the experiences of international travelers who emphasized the kindness and helpfulness of the local population.
This environment facilitates the integration of foreigners, allowing them to establish personal relationships and feel welcome. The ease of adapting to daily life and becoming part of the local community is a key factor for those considering moving permanently.
Costa Rica on the Global Migration Map
Costa Rica’s presence among the leading territories in heritage mobility confirms its position as a benchmark destination in Latin America for those seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life. The country appears alongside traditional destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, reflecting a global trend that favors stable and welcoming environments.
The combination of structural, social, and cultural factors makes Costa Rica an attractive option for those who value both the natural environment and the possibility of easily integrating into local life. This phenomenon reflects a growing interest among Americans in living abroad, seeking well-being and new experiences.
Conde Nast Global Wealth Mobility Leaders 2026
- Singapore: 79.5
- New Zealand: 75.8
- Cayman Islands: 74.3
- Cyprus: 73.5
- Netherlands: 72.8
- Portugal: 72.5
- Italy: 72.3
- Bermuda: 72.0
- Uruguay: 71.8
- Latvia: 71.7
- Panama: 71.5
- Hong Kong: 71.2
- Switzerland: 70.8
- Greece: 70.5
- Costa Rica: 70.2
- Monaco: 70.0