Living in Costa Rica is becoming an increasingly popular dream-turned-reality for Americans, Canadians, Western Europeans, and Australians seeking a better quality of life in Latin America. With its reputation for safety, natural beauty, and welcoming culture, it’s no surprise that living in Costa Rica is one of the most searched expat topics today.
In our latest Entrepreneur Expat interview, we sat down with Celeste Lawson of MelaninTours.com, a relocation expert based in Costa Rica. She shared her inspiring journey of getting stranded in the country during COVID-19—and turning that unexpected situation into a thriving business that helps others with relocating and living in Costa Rica.
Why Living in Costa Rica Appeals to So Many Expats
When it comes to living in Costa Rica, a few key benefits stand out: it’s one of the safest countries in Latin America, offers a high standard of living, and boasts 12 different microclimates—giving expats options to match their preferences. Many consider living in Costa Rica a “soft landing” into international life due to its strong infrastructure, friendly locals, and accessibility for English speakers.
Celeste emphasized how living in Costa Rica helped her reset mentally and emotionally after experiencing burnout and PTSD. This echoes what many expats have discovered: Costa Rica’s slower pace of life can be a powerful antidote to the Western hustle culture.
Changes to Immigration Laws: What It Means for Living in Costa Rica
For those seriously considering living in Costa Rica, it’s crucial to understand the recent changes to immigration policies. In late 2023, Costa Rica extended the tourist visa for Category 1 countries from 90 to 180 days. While this seemed generous, it prompted a crackdown on so-called “perpetual tourists”—those living in Costa Rica without applying for residency.
To protect the integrity of its immigration system, Costa Rica is now proposing fines of $300/month for overstays and a mandatory 90-day exit period before reentry. The message is clear: if you’re serious about living in Costa Rica, you need to go legal.
How Celeste Got Started Living in Costa Rica—and Built a Business
Celeste’s story is the definition of turning lemons into lemonade. After arriving in Costa Rica in early 2020 just before COVID-19 lockdowns hit, she decided to stay—and two weeks later, she met her husband. As she settled into living in Costa Rica, she began answering questions in Facebook groups about relocating, and soon realized she could monetize her knowledge and experience.
That’s when Melanin Tours was born. Today, Celeste offers relocation scouting tours, real estate services, and residency advisory—all aimed at helping others navigate living in Costa Rica with ease and confidence.
Visas for Living in Costa Rica: What Are Your Options?
If you’re ready to take the leap, you’ll want to explore the various visa options available for living in Costa Rica:
-
Pensionado Visa: Requires a $1,000/month pension (no age limit).
-
Inversionista Visa: Requires a $150,000+ investment in real estate, a business, or a combination.
-
Rentista Visa: Requires proof of $2,500/month in passive income.
-
Digital Nomad Visa: Great for location-independent professionals earning at least $3,000/month.
Celeste recommends working with professionals to determine the best pathway for your situation and to avoid misinformation that often circulates in expat forums.
Living in Costa Rica as a Black Expat
As one of the admins of the Black Expats in Costa Rica Facebook group, Celeste highlights a key transformation many Black Americans experience while living in Costa Rica: a release from the hyper-racialized environment of the U.S. “You’re not seen as a second-class citizen here,” she explains. “You’re American. That’s it.”
Her brand, Melanin Tours, was created to help spotlight the contributions of Afro-Costa Ricans and provide a welcoming lens for Black expats considering living in Costa Rica.
How People Are Making Money While Living in Costa Rica
One of the biggest concerns for those considering living in Costa Rica is, “How will I make money?” While some are retired or live off investments, many younger expats are exploring remote work or building online businesses.
Celeste sees a rise in entrepreneurship—from service apartments to tourism ventures. “There’s opportunity everywhere if you’re willing to look,” she says. She even helps her clients identify local business opportunities that align with their skills and the market.
Why the Expat Wave Is Only Growing
Celeste believes living in Costa Rica has reached the mainstream moment. The early adopters of 2020 have now paved the way for retirees, empty nesters, and remote workers to seriously consider Costa Rica for their next chapter. With rapid development, improved infrastructure, and a growing expat community, the country is becoming more attractive by the day.
As Celeste notes, “Other countries are catching up. The quality of life gap isn’t what it used to be—and in some ways, it’s flipped. You can live well here, contribute to the community, and actually enjoy your life.”
Ready to Start Living in Costa Rica?
If you’re ready to explore living in Costa Rica, Celeste offers a free 15-minute “vibe check” call to see how she and her team can support your journey. Whether it’s through a scouting tour, real estate guidance, or help securing residency, you’ll gain clarity and a concrete action plan.
Visit MelaninTours.com or follow @melanintours on all major social platforms.
Final Thoughts on Living in Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica offers more than beaches and volcanoes—it’s a lifestyle choice that’s changing lives. From resetting your nervous system to discovering unexpected business opportunities, the country offers the perfect backdrop for your next act.
For more inspiring expat stories and practical relocation advice, check out the full interview with Celeste on the Entrepreneur Expat podcast or visit EntrepreneurExpat.com.