Thinking about trading your commute for ocean views and warm evenings? Relocating to Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa or Ocotal can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming at once. You want clear steps, real numbers and local know-how so you can land smoothly and start living well from day one. This practical checklist covers visas, buying or renting, costs, utilities, healthcare and a step-by-step timeline. Let’s dive in.
Coco–Hermosa at a glance
Playas del Coco, Hermosa and Ocotal sit along Guanacaste’s northern Pacific coast in the Gulf of Papagayo. You’ll fly into Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport and reach Coco in roughly 25 to 35 minutes depending on route and traffic.
Expect two seasons. The dry season runs roughly November to April and tends to be busier with higher short-term prices. The rainy season runs May to October with greener landscapes and more flexible rental options, a pattern shaped by regional tourism flows.
Each beach has a distinct rhythm. Coco offers a lively, walkable town with bilingual services and a year-round international community. Hermosa feels quieter. Ocotal is smaller and residential. All three share the same service corridor, so you can balance calm with convenience.
Visas, buying and essential rules
Residency paths to consider
Common routes include Pensionado, Rentista, Inversionista and a Digital Nomad permit. Typical baselines often cited are: Pensionado at 1,000 USD per month in lifetime pension, Rentista at 2,500 USD per month or a 60,000 USD deposit, and Inversionista at 150,000 USD in qualified investment. Rules can change, and document preparation takes time. Review details with an immigration attorney and start early using this residency overview.
Buying property: key steps and costs
The usual process includes a purchase agreement, attorney-led due diligence with title search at the National Registry, execution of a notary deed, and registration. Plan for a national real-estate transfer tax of about 1.5 percent of the higher of the sale price or the fiscal value, plus documentary stamps and legal fees. Many buyers budget 3 to 5 percent total for closing overhead. See a clear breakdown of closing cost components.
New 2025 withholding at closing
Costa Rica introduced updated withholding rules that affect many real-estate sales. In certain cases buyers act as withholding agents and file through the TRIBU-CR platform. This can change cash flow at closing, so confirm your structure and timing with your notary or tax advisor. Read a practical summary of the withholding update.
Health coverage after residency approval
Once you obtain legal residency you must enroll in the public health system (Caja). Many residents keep a private plan for faster access to private clinics while using Caja for broader coverage. Contribution levels depend on your residency category and declared income.
Life logistics you’ll use every week
Healthcare nearby
You’ll find private clinics and dental care in Playas del Coco, plus public EBAIS clinics. For hospital care, most residents use Hospital San Rafael in Liberia, and larger private hospitals are in San José. Explore local options in this Papagayo-area medical roundup.
Schools and education
Families can choose bilingual and international private schools in the corridor, including options in Coco and nearby Liberia. Availability and tuition vary by program and grade.
Internet, mobile and utilities
Kölbi (ICE), Liberty and Claro are the main telecom providers. Fiber and cable are widely available in town centers, but coverage can vary by street or building, so confirm availability for your exact address. For market context on providers, see this telecom overview. Electricity is managed by ICE and affiliates. Water is supplied by AyA or local ASADAS, and the Sardinal–El Coco–Ocotal aqueduct has seen ongoing investment.
Banking and money basics
Major banks and ATMs serve the area. Opening a local account may require residency documents. When wiring funds for a purchase, Costa Rican banks commonly ask for source-of-funds documentation.
Safety and common-sense precautions
Costa Rica is a popular destination, and tourist areas can attract opportunistic theft. Secure valuables, avoid leaving items unattended on the beach and use a safe at home. Stay current with the official travel advisory.
Housing costs and timing
Rents vary by season, neighborhood and amenities. As a planning baseline, furnished one-bedrooms near town often range around 800 to 1,500 USD per month. Two to three bedroom homes and condos can range around 1,200 to 2,500 USD or more, with luxury oceanview homes higher. Utilities for a typical household can run 80 to 250 USD per month, but air conditioning usage can push electricity much higher. See current snapshots for Coco on Numbeo.
If you plan to arrive in the dry season, book earlier. High season brings more visitors and tighter short-term inventory, which can impact rental availability and moving services.
Your practical relocation checklist
3 to 6 months before arrival
- Define your residency path and consult an immigration attorney. Gather documents early, including apostilles and certified translations. Start with this residency guide.
- If buying, engage a local real-estate attorney for title search, survey review, water and utility verification, and municipal checks. Do not skip due diligence.
- Budget for closing costs. Plan for transfer tax around 1.5 percent plus stamps and legal fees. Ask your notary how the 2025 TRIBU-CR withholding may apply to your deal.
- Map your healthcare plan. Price private insurance for the transition period and learn Caja enrollment steps after residency approval.
- Plan pet travel. Confirm airline rules, vaccines and health certificates, and review Costa Rica’s import requirements. This pet entry overview is a helpful starting point.
- Line up funds and compliance. Speak with your bank about international wires and prepare source-of-funds documents.
- Vehicles. Weigh buying locally against importing. Import duties can be significant. Review key points in this vehicle tax explainer.
30 to 60 days out
- Lock your rental or finalize your purchase closing date. If you cannot attend closing, arrange a Special Power of Attorney with proper legalization.
- Schedule internet installation and confirm provider coverage at your exact address. Set up electricity and water account transfers and confirm trash collection.
- Book your flights into LIR and line up airport transfer for arrival day.
- Organize medical records, prescriptions and any short-term international health coverage.
Arrival week
- Complete immigration steps as needed and begin Caja enrollment or activate your private plan.
- Purchase a local SIM and confirm your mobile plan. Save key contacts: your attorney/notary, nearest hospital, local police and Red Cross.
- Walk the neighborhood. Note clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, and your beach access points.
First month
- Register at your local clinic for primary care and note the route to Hospital San Rafael in Liberia.
- Confirm school options and timelines if you have children.
- Review your home’s safety setup. Add lockboxes or cameras if needed and use a safe for passports and electronics.
- Track your first utility bills to understand baseline usage and adjust A/C settings to manage costs.
Make your move with confidence
A smooth relocation balances lifestyle goals with strong planning and due diligence. When you pair a clear checklist with trusted local advisors, you protect your time, your investment and the way you want to live in Coco–Hermosa.
If you’re ready to explore neighborhoods, compare communities and tour the best on and off-market homes, connect with Luxury Properties Costa Rica. Our broker-led team curates properties, coordinates tours and helps you navigate cross-border details so you can arrive ready to live.
FAQs
Can a foreigner buy property in Playas del Coco, Hermosa or Ocotal?
- Yes. Foreigners have essentially the same property rights as nationals, with special rules in some maritime zones. Hire a local real-estate attorney to verify title and manage closing.
How much should I budget for Costa Rica closing costs in Guanacaste?
- Many buyers plan 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price to cover the 1.5 percent transfer tax, documentary stamps and legal fees. Your notary will confirm exact amounts.
How long does Costa Rica residency approval take for new arrivals?
- Timelines vary by category and document preparation. Temporary paths generally lead to permanent residency after three years of continuous temporary status. Use immigration counsel for current processing times.
Can I drive in Costa Rica with my foreign license after moving to Coco–Hermosa?
- In many cases you can drive for the period of your authorized stay. Rules and validation steps change, so check current procedures with the traffic authority or a legal advisor.
What healthcare options are near Playas del Coco and Hermosa?
- You’ll find private clinics in Coco and a main public hospital in Liberia. Many residents pair a private plan for speed with Caja coverage for broader benefits.
