Costa Rica ranked third best global retirement destination

Costa Rica has been ranked as the third-best destination for retirees in the Annual Global Retirement Index 2026, according to the US magazine International Living. The country follows Greece and Panama in the rankings, receiving high marks for its climate, healthcare, development, and governance.

For German citizens considering relocation, the German Embassy in San José notes that while tourist entry is visa-free for up to 180 days, this does not grant an automatic right to the full duration and does not replace a legal permanent residency status. The embassy warns that frequent “border runs” are not a substitute for proper residency. Prospective emigrants are also advised to consider challenges such as bureaucracy, living costs, health insurance, and the necessity of Spanish language skills, as most official and commercial services operate primarily in Spanish.