Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a comparatively LGBTQ+ friendly country located in Central America, with some legal protections for trans people. It's a popular touristic destination, and so it's also pricey. It's peaceful - no army! - but crime related to drug traffic is rising.

Why COUNTRY?

• Legal gender recognition: Costa Ricans can change their name to match their gender and sex identifiers have been removed from IDs, which is not the same as gender recognition. However, there should be no issue with accepting you with whatever gender is on your passport. ILGA lists Costa Rica as unclear.
• Anti-discrimination laws:
• Public healthcare:
• LGBTQ+ rights and community:
• Immigration pathways:

Why not COUNTRY?

• Legal issues
• Housing issues
• Visa issues
• you name it

Political Situation for Trans People

The current. 2026 will be an election year, and LGBTQ+ rights are being threatened by populist parties. Recently, president Cháves eliminated the figure of LGTBI Commissioner, teared down a decree aimed to eradicate discrimination in institutions for sexually diverse people, and eliminated an anti-bullying protocol for LGBTI students.

Due to Costa Rica's dependence on the US, it is likely it will fall in line with its politics, however, it's beholden to many international treaties.

Immigration Policy

US citizens need/don't need a visa to move to COUNTRY for. Which languages are the processes done in? What are the options/limitations/etc? Examples are below

• Student Visa: Available to …
• Family-Route: …
• Work Visa: …

Medical Inadmissibility

Does the COUNTRY in question have immigration laws that would find people with disabilities or health challenges inadmissible to emigrate there?

Permanent Residency

What's the pathway if there is one?

Citizenship Pathway

How do you get to be a citizen if at all?

LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities

What are potentially good places to live in?

• City A
• City B
• …

Top Trans-Friendly Cities

• please add

Community & Support Resources

• What local communities and support structures are there?

National Organizations

• please add

Cost of Living

• The cost of living in COUNTRY is how comparable to the US/where in the US?
• Rent is…
• Public transport …
• Healthcare is free/expensive…
• Grocery prices …
• Education is

Housing Access & Cost

• add details on discrimination in rentals if applicable
• also how easy is it to rent/buy etc

Law Enforcement ("How bad are the cops?")

• please add details, especially around safety for trans people

Censorship & Digital Privacy

• please add details

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

• Panama
• Colombia

Animal Policies

• Is COUNTRY is pet-friendly or not
• What do you need to do to bring a pet?
• Consider adding a section on the Traveling with pets page