Moving to Costa Rica

The cost of moving to Costa Rica depends primarily on the volume of your shipment, access at origin and destination, and the services required. The ranges below are typical estimates based on Orbit’s recent Canada–Costa Rica relocations and are intended to help with early planning.

These are rough estimates, not fixed prices. Final pricing is determined after a detailed survey and review of access, services, and custom requirements.

Important Note: Costa Rica applies import duties and destination charges to most shipments, which may significantly affect total move cost. Because these charges vary by shipment and importer status, they are quoted and billed separately at actual cost.

Orbit reviews these factors with clients before booking, so there are no surprises later in the process.

When moving household goods to Costa Rica, imports are handled under a specific household goods modality regulated by Costa Rican Customs. While the process is structured, it requires proper documentation and realistic expectations.

• The importer must be an individual (not a company)
• The shipment must belong to the importer and their immediate family
• The goods must originate from the country where the importer was residing prior to the move

Household goods typically include furniture, personal effects, kitchenware, linens, tools, and similar items intended for personal use.
Items must be reasonable in quantity and nature, reflecting normal household use rather than commercial purposes.

• Most household goods shipments are subject to import duties and taxes
• Certain categories may qualify for partial or full tax exemptions, including:
  • Accredited diplomats or members of international organizations
  • Costa Rican citizens returning after living abroad for at least 6 continuous months, subject to customs approval

Eligibility for exemptions is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by customs authorities.

• All documents must be original, complete, and accurate
• Customs clearance must be completed and any applicable taxes paid before delivery
• Shipments cannot be released until customs procedures are finalized

• When boxes are consolidated inside wooden crates, customs considers the crate as the package, not the individual boxes inside
• Shipment documents must clearly reflect the number of crates and packages to avoid clearance delays

Detailed requirements, exclusions, and cost implications are reviewed during the quotation and pre-move planning process.

Costa Rica allows the importation of new or used household goods under the menaje de casa (household goods) modality, provided items are for personal or family use, reasonable in quantity, and properly documented.
All items must be clearly inventoried, including brand, model, and serial numbers where applicable.

The following items are generally permitted when shipped as part of a personal household move:

Household Appliances

• Washing machines
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Stoves and ovens
• Small kitchen appliances (blenders, mixers, coffee makers, food processors)

Electronics

• Televisions and video monitors
• Audio equipment (radios, stereos)
• Computers, laptops, printers, scanners, and multifunction devices
• Small office electronics (calculators)

Furniture & Bedding

• Living room, dining room, bedroom, and terrace furniture
• Mattresses, quilts, pillows, comforters

Kitchen & Tableware

• Cutlery and utensils
• Glassware
• Household linens (tablecloths, towels, sheets, shower curtains)

General Household Items

• Lamps (domestic use)
• Decorative items and ornaments
• Children’s toys
• Personal exercise equipment
• Musical instruments (personal use)
• Bicycles
• Pet-related articles

Basic Office & Hand Tools

• Desks and basic office furniture
• Writing supplies
• Manual tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, hand saws)
• Small electric hand tools (e.g., drills)

The following items cannot be imported as household goods. Some are prohibited entirely, while others require commercial importation procedures:

• Construction materials and building components
• Industrial or electrical components (motors, cables, circuit breakers)
• Professional or technical equipment (medical, laboratory, workshop machinery)
• Vehicles and vehicle parts (cars, motorcycles, boats, yachts)
• Machinery and machine tools
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, or hazardous materials
• Narcotics, drugs, or medicines without authorization
• Pornographic or subversive materials
• Used tires
• Wicker, rattan, or bamboo furniture
• Wooden ornaments or hangers (outside approved crates)
• Plants, seeds, or agricultural and food products

Certain items may be imported only with prior authorization from Costa Rican authorities and may be subject to restrictions or additional charges:

• Alcohol and liquor (limited quantities; special allowances for diplomats)
• Cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and hygiene products
• Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners (environmental permits required)
• Pets (health certificates, vaccinations, and possible quarantine)

Important Note: Costa Rican customs rules are strictly enforced, and allowances may change.
Orbit reviews your inventory in advance and advises on what to ship, what to avoid, and what may require special handling or permits.

To import household goods into Costa Rica, customs requires complete and accurate documentation. All paperwork is submitted through a DGA-authorized customs agent, and shipments cannot be released until documentation is approved and any applicable taxes are assessed.

All shipments must include:

• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
  Must reflect the exact number of packages and total weight, matching the physical shipment and packing list.
• Detailed Inventory / Packing List
  A line-by-line inventory is mandatory and must include:
  • Item description
  • Brand, model, and serial number (where applicable)
  • New or used status
  • Quantity
  • Declared customs value (USD)
  • Importer’s full name and ID (passport, cédula, or DIMEX)

  Global or lump-sum invoices are not accepted.

• For new items:
  Original purchase invoice or a sworn declaration of value.
• Passport copy for all importers
• Tax exemption documentation, if applicable

Orbit arranges international transport for vehicles to Costa Rica using RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) or containerized shipping, depending on the vehicle type, routing, and client requirements.

Types of Vehicles We Ship

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Boats and watercraft

Before shipment, Orbit reviews feasibility, costs, documentation, and timelines with every client.

Vehicle imports into Costa Rica involve high duties, strict requirements, and multiple inspections, making them costly and complex. In many cases, shipping a vehicle is not the best option.

Orbit’s role is to provide clear, honest guidance,even when that means advising against shipping, so there are no surprises later.

All motor vehicles imported into Costa Rica are subject to import duties and taxes. The final amount depends on several factors, including:

• Vehicle age
• Engine size (cubic capacity)
• Declared value
• Model and optional features

As a general reference, vehicle import duties typically range from approximately 52% to 79% of the taxable value.

Costa Rican customs calculates taxes using the higher of:

• CIF value (vehicle value + freight + insurance), or
• The Ministry of Hacienda’s official vehicle valuation table (Autovalores)

Because rates and classifications change, exact tax percentages are confirmed during the quotation and customs review process.

Certain categories, such as diplomatic imports or qualifying new residents under specific government programs, may be eligible for exemptions, subject to approval.

Vehicle imports require original documentation and additional compliance steps beyond standard household goods shipments. Common requirements include:

• Original Bill of Lading
• Vehicle purchase invoice or certificate of value
• Original vehicle title (or apostilled proof from the issuing registry)
• Certificate confirming the vehicle is used, issued shortly before shipment
• Emissions compliance certification
• Post-arrival RITEVE inspection to verify roadworthiness and emissions
• Additional sworn declarations and title naturalization for first-time imports

Documentation requirements are reviewed individually, as they vary by vehicle type, origin, and importer status.

Costa Rican law prohibits the import of certain vehicles, including:

• Vehicles declared as total loss
• Vehicles with altered or manipulated VIN or chassis numbers
• Vehicles with unauthorized structural modifications
• Vehicles that do not comply with steering-wheel placement regulations
• Used tires beyond the vehicle’s standard set and spare

Customs authorities enforce these rules strictly.

In limited cases, temporary vehicle imports may be permitted for short stays, typically up to 90 days, subject to renewal and approval.

Some electric vehicles may qualify for reduced or exempt import taxes, depending on classification and current regulations.

The following may import new/used household items and personal effects duty-free (one-time unless noted):

• Adult Costa Ricans after 6+ continuous months abroad before permanent return.
• Costa Rican foreign service officials upon return.
• Accredited diplomatic representatives (with DIDI registration).
• Foreigners with valid work/study permits.
• Foreigners granted residency (one-time, from grant date).
• Permanent residents returning after 6+ continuous months abroad for work/study/official mission.
• Foreigners buying property or renting housing for at least 6 months (one-time).

Tourists, transit foreigners, border transit persons, international transport operators, and others not listed cannot use this modality.

Last updated: February 4, 2026
Based on current Costa Rican customs regulations and Orbit International Moving procedures.