Moving to Costa Rica

International Moving to Costa Rica from Spain

We offer different options in terms of service for removals to Costa Rica, packing of fragile pieces, dismantling of furniture and protection, packing of boxes, etc. Adapting to dates and times of pick up and delivery according to the needs of each client. We pick up your cargo anywhere in Spain (peninsula, Balearic and Canary Islands). We arrive to any city in the country of Costa Rica: San José, Heredia, Puntarenas, Cartago… CALCULATE HERE THE PRICE OF YOUR MOVE TO COSTA RICA Request a quote

Shipping container shipment to Costa Rica

For this service we have 3 types of containers: 20 feet (2.35m wide, 5.9m long, 2.3m high, with a total of 32m³), 40 feet (2.35m wide, 12m long, 2.3m high, with a total of 66m³) and finally 40 feet High Cube with the same characteristics of the 40 feet container but with the difference in height of an increase of 30cm. The container is placed at the address of the customer’s home in origin, unless the type of street where it is required to be placed does not meet the measures for the maneuverability of the container. Knowing that the container is for the dedicated and exclusive use of the customer who hires it.

International groupage to Costa Rica

The cargo is grouped in the same container with others, separated in pallets duly shrink-wrapped, sealed and labeled or in wooden crates exclusively for this type of transport. This type of shipment is used for loads of less than 20 m³, having a more economical cost. The approximate time of maritime transit is 30 days. Delivery at destination depends on the type of service contracted.

Air Freight to Costa Rica

This service is recommended for urgent shipments of boxes or suitcases. The transit time is approximately 7 – 10 days. In all cases deliveries will be made at the customer’s address. Customs clearance is required.

• Free quote for your move to Costa Rica, including price information.
• Packing of your belongings. We pack any items you wish to take in your move to Costa Rica.
• Furniture disassembly.
• Transportation of furniture to your new home or residence.
• Unpacking and assembly of the furniture transported in your move to Italy.
• We handle customs clearance for your belongings in your move to Costa Rica.
• Storage services at the origin and destination.
• Personalized cargo insurance (depending on the value of the belongings to be covered).
• Door-to-door service.
• Lifting platform at the origin and destination.

Customs formalities

1. Documentation required:

Passport: Copy of the valid passport of the owner of the belongings (and any other family member, if applicable). Visa or residency: Document that accredits your immigration status in Costa Rica (residency, work visa, etc.). Detailed inventory of goods: A detailed list in Spanish of the items to be imported, valued in U.S. dollars or Costa Rican colones, and signed. Proof of international removal: Some countries require proof of removal or a certificate of change of residence. In this case, you can obtain a document in your home country that proves the move. Vehicle purchase invoice (if applicable): In case you import a car, documents such as purchase invoice, vehicle title and vehicle history are required.

2. Customs broker:

It is highly recommended to hire a customs broker in Costa Rica. They will manage the importation of your belongings, provide the necessary documentation and make sure to comply with the country’s customs regulations.

3. Goods declaration:

You must file a declaration of the goods you are importing. It is important to declare everything you are bringing in to avoid penalties. Used goods: If you are bringing used personal items, it is important to indicate this on the documentation, as customs may ask for proof or justification that the goods are not commercial merchandise.

4. Tax exemption for residents:

If you are a resident of Costa Rica or are in the process of obtaining residency, you may be exempt from paying some taxes on your personal belongings if you comply with the conditions established by law. Conditions for exemption: The property must be for personal and non-commercial use. You must have lived abroad for at least 24 months. Vehicles may be imported, but may be subject to specific taxes.

5. Automobiles:

The importation of automobiles into Costa Rica is specifically regulated. If you decide to bring a car, you must present the original invoice of the vehicle, the title of ownership and any other relevant documents. Depending on the value and age of the vehicle, you may be subject to import taxes and duties. A technical inspection of the vehicle will also be required, as well as homologation to ensure that it complies with Costa Rican regulations.

6. Import taxes:

Unless your belongings are exempt, you may have to pay import taxes. Costa Rica uses a system of import duties based on the type of goods you bring, their value and whether they are new or used. Goods for personal use are usually taxed at a lower rate than those for commercial use.

7. Inspection time and process:

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, your belongings will go through a customs inspection. The authorities will review the inventory and make sure that everything matches what was declared. The process of releasing your goods can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on the amount of goods, the complexity of the move, and if any complications arise.

8. Tax free moving for pensioners and retirees:

If you move to Costa Rica under the category of pensionado or rentista, you may be exempt from paying taxes on your personal property and a vehicle up to a certain value.

Living In Costa Rica

Costa Rica, officially called the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America. It is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the southeast by Panama. According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks third among the safest countries in Latin America, surpassed only by Chile and Uruguay, respectively. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, Costa Rica ranked third among the best economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, behind Chile and Panama. Due to its peaceful environment, the high educational level of its inhabitants and appropriate policies to stimulate companies, the country began to produce technological and microtechnology materials and products in the mid-1990s. Thus, with the entry of the multinational microprocessor company Intel, the country has had an additional source of income. Mudanzas BCN Internacional offers you many facilities for moving to Costa Rica. Tourism is the fastest growing industry and since the early 2000s generates more foreign exchange than any of the main agricultural export products.