For years, Costa Rica has been a haven for long-term travelers, retirees, and digital nomads who extend their stay indefinitely through a practice known as perpetual tourism. This involves leaving the country every 180 days to reset the tourist visa, allowing visitors to live in Costa Rica without applying for legal residency. However, a new proposed immigration law aims to end this practice by imposing stricter penalties and limitations.

If you are considering an extended stay in Costa Rica, it is essential to understand these changes and explore alternative options for legal long-term residence. Here’s everything you need to know about the Perpetual Tourism Law and how it might affect your travel plans.

1. Understanding Perpetual Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s current immigration laws allow tourists from many countries to stay for up to 180 days. After this period, they must leave the country to renew their tourist status. Many long-term visitors—especially retirees and digital nomads—have relied on visa runs to Nicaragua or Panama to extend their stay indefinitely.

While this practice has been tolerated for years, it presents challenges for the government and local communities, including:

• Lack of tax contributions from long-term visitors.
• Inflated housing costs in coastal areas due to foreign demand.
• Weak immigration enforcement leading to uncertainty over who is staying in the country illegally.

To address these concerns, the a political party has introduced a bill aimed at limiting the ability of foreigners to remain indefinitely as tourists.

2. What the Proposed Law Means for Travelers

The new immigration bill, known as the Perpetual Tourism Law, introduces significant changes:

• Higher fines for overstaying: Current penalties for remaining beyond the legal period will increase from $100 per month to $300 per month.
• 90-day re-entry restriction: Tourists who use their full 180-day visa must wait at least 90 days before re-entering Costa Rica as tourists.
• Tighter border controls: Immigration authorities will monitor exits and re-entries more strictly to prevent abuse of tourist visas.

For travelers who visit Costa Rica frequently, these changes mean that relying on visa runs will no longer be a viable long-term strategy.

3. How This Affects Sustainable & Luxury Travelers

If you are planning an extended stay in Costa Rica—whether to enjoy the lush rainforests, stay at an eco-lodge, or participate in a wellness retreat—these changes may affect your plans. However, this shift does not signal a move away from welcoming foreign visitors; rather, it encourages travelers to explore legal pathways for long-term stays.

At Green Circle Experience, we prioritize sustainable and responsible travel, ensuring that our guests enjoy the best of Costa Rica without legal concerns. Whether you are visiting for adventure, relaxation, or a long-term retreat, we can help guide you through the best visa options available.

4. Alternatives for Those Wanting to Stay Longer

If you wish to stay beyond the standard 180-day tourist visa, here are legal options:

A. Digital Nomad Visa

Costa Rica introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, allowing remote workers to live in the country for up to two years with tax exemptions. Requirements include:

• Proof of $3,000 monthly income (or $4,000 for families).
• Health insurance covering the duration of the stay.
• Application through the Costa Rican immigration office.

B. Rentista Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

For travelers without a traditional work contract, the Rentista Visa is a great option. This visa allows foreigners to stay for up to two years, provided they:

• Show a guaranteed income of $2,500 per month for at least two years.
• Deposit $60,000 into a Costa Rican bank.
• Obtain health insurance.

C. Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)

If you are a retiree, Costa Rica’s Pensionado Visa allows you to stay legally as long as you:

• Have a guaranteed pension of at least $1,000 per month.
• Reside in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.
• Register for the country’s public health insurance system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social – CCSS).

Costa Rica remains a top destination for travelers, but changes to immigration laws mean that long-term visitors must plan ahead. If you are considering an extended stay, the best approach is to apply for a proper visa rather than rely on perpetual tourism loopholes.

At Green Circle Experience, we help travelers experience Costa Rica in an ethical, sustainable, and hassle-free way. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly adventure or a luxury retreat, we provide expert guidance to ensure your trip aligns with local regulations while delivering an unforgettable experience.

For assistance with planning your trip and understanding long-term stay options, feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Costa Rica, the right way!