EDUCATION
Costa Rica’s population is one of the most literate in the hemisphere. The literacy rate is 95%, highest in Latin America. Public education is available everywhere to all, at no cost (except for text books, uniforms, school supplies, etc.) at the primary level (six years, compulsory) and at a very minimum cost at the secondary level (five years). Apart from public schools, there are many private schools throughout the country, most of them bilingual.

MEDICAL CARE
Costa Rica boasts one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. The health system is very good, certainly one of Latin America’s best, offering both public and private care. Many of the doctors are foreign trained, most in the United States. Universal accessibility to public health care is guaranteed, and a social security system is a basic tenet of Costa Rican society. All employees and employers pay health- care contributions, while those who are personally-employed are required by law, if not in fact, to acquire public health coverage. There are also private health-care schemes that non-Costa Ricans can join if they are residents here.

RESIDENC AND IMMIGRATION
Permanent residency is available to those individuals who can prove a permanent and stable income from investments, pension or retirement benefits. The closest Costa Rican embassy/consulate can usually inform you of the terms and requirements, but it is advisable to ask a competent local attorney what the current requirements may be.