Shipping Your Personal Belongings to Costa Rica

The right shipping method depends on what you're bringing, how fast you need it, and your budget.

For most of us, having our personal and important items with us when we move is a top priority. However until you have a visa (non-tourist) that choice comes with a cost. Both Patrick and Aaron have NOT shipped a full container to Costa Rica. Rather, we have brought small items with us each time we travel in (extra luggage vs. container) and storing our larger items in the States until we know for sure we don’t want them. But for many, there is a need to be thinking larger and getting all (for some including a car) down to Costa Rica. Here is some food for thought and process:

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Note: all comments below are for large shipping (cargo, etc.) and not for what you put in your luggage. However, if you have extensive items that might draw attention when you are flying, you should have itemization of items with receipts or value if possible to prove they are within the approved guidelines.

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Qualifying for Duty-Free Shipping

Costa Rica offers certain tax exemptions on importing personal belongings, but they apply only in specific situations:

Who Qualifies?

New Residents: Under Costa Rica’s “Law to Attract Investors, Residents and Pensioners” (Law 9996), qualifying applicants can import:

One full container of household goods duty-free (must be for personal use).
Up to two vehicles duty-free (still pay sales tax on registration and plate fees).

Retirees/Pensionados: Residents approved under the pensionado program may qualify for reduced or waived duties on household goods if shipped within 12 months of gaining residency.

What’s Covered?

Used furniture, décor, kitchenware, bedding, clothing, books, and personal effects.
Standard household appliances and electronics (for personal use).
Up to two vehicles per family (under Law 9996).

What’s NOT Covered?

🚫 New, high-value items that appear intended for resale.

🚫 Luxury goods such as boats, jet skis, or ATVs (taxes are still applied).

🚫 Alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and prohibited items.

🚫 Commercial inventory or goods in large quantities.

Key Points to Remember

Proof of Residency or Application Required: You must have applied for residency before shipping to qualify.
Timing Matters: Household goods must be shipped within 12 months of your residency approval.
One-Time Benefit: The duty-free exemption is only granted once per family.

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Tip: Work with a mover experienced in Costa Rica’s Law 9996 requirements. They will help ensure your inventory and paperwork meet customs standards so you don’t lose the exemption.

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Shipping Options

Sea Freight (FCL or LCL)
- FCL: You rent a full container—ideal for a full household or heavy items like furniture.
- LCL: You share container space with others—more affordable for smaller shipments, charged by volume.
- Transit typically takes 3–6 weeks from departure in the U.S. to delivery in Costa Rica.
Air Freight
- Much faster (days instead of weeks), but more expensive.
- Best for urgent items or high-value goods.
- Still requires customs clearance time on arrival.
Parcel Services (FedEx, DHL, USPS)
- Suitable for very small shipments or items under ~100 kg/0.5 m³.
- More convenient, but often costlier at higher volumes.
- And note: many people have had challenges with receiving to their homes. You may want to consider shipping this method to a known 3rd party center.
Luggage
- Many (ourselves included) often wait and bring down small packages (think those things you might otherwise leave to parcel services) when we travel back to country.
- You will pay more for your luggage, but you have peace of mind that the materials arrive with you.
- Note: there are some items that may get flagged when you arrive in Costa Rica so make sure you’ve considered what can/cannot come into country.

Customs Clearance in Costa Rica

Clearing your shipment through Costa Rican customs involves several critical steps:

Use a Licensed Customs Broker
- Costa Rican law mandates working through a licensed customs broker (Corredor de Aduanas) to process import paperwork.
- Many international moving companies partner with local brokers, but always confirm they handle both paperwork and inland delivery to your new home.
Required Documentation
- For all shipments:
  - Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  - Commercial invoice showing item description and declared value
  - Detailed packing list/inventory (ideally bilingual)
  - Certificate of Origin (CAFTA form) if applicable
- For personal effects:
  - Passport and visa/residency documents
  - Proof of relocation (work contract, housing)
  - Declaration of non-commercial use
Import Duties & Taxes
- Most household goods are eligible for duty-free entry if used and declared correctly.
- However, if the total declared value exceeds approximately $500, import duties apply (0–15%), plus Costa Rica’s 13% VAT, and possible selective consumption tax on luxury items or vehicles. We never encourage shipping high value items without visa.
Customs Inspection & Processing Time
- Customs officials may inspect electronics more closely: having serial numbers, brand and value clearly noted speeds clearance.
- Processing and release typically takes around 22 working days after arrival at port.
Delivery to Final Destination
- Confirm whether the shipping company includes door-to-door delivery, or only port-to-port service.
- If they only deliver to port, you’ll need to coordinate inland trucking separately—especially important if moving to rural or remote areas.

Pro Tips & Best Practices

Inventory & labelling: Provide a clear, bilingual (Spanish/English) itemized inventory. Clearly mark electronics with brand, model and serial number. Seal and label boxes to protect against humidity and insect damage.
Insurance: Purchase cargo insurance to cover loss or damage in transit or customs storage.
What to Bring vs. Buy: Bulky or low-value items (like pine furniture or clothes) may cost more to ship than to replace locally. But items that are expensive or hard to find (electronics, specialty kitchen tools, outdoor gear) may justify shipping CRIE.
Residency considerations: Foreigners with permanent residency may qualify for duty exemptions or reduced import taxes, especially for personal household shipments or vehicles.
Timing & Planning: Start the process early—sea freight booking, inventory prep, paperwork, and broker coordination can take weeks before departure.

Recommended International Movers (Used by YPV Clients)

Our clients have had successful experiences with these international shipping and moving specialists for U.S.–Costa Rica relocations. (in alphabetical order) Note: we hold no affiliations or discounts with them—please assess each carefully.

Arpin International Movers – Provides global door‑to‑door moving services with expertise in packing, logistics, and customs coordination for expats.
Gateway Moving and Storage – U.S.‑ and Costa Rica‑based mover offering full‑service international relocation, packing, and customs clearance for household goods.
Get It Here Jerry – Costa Rica‑based freight forwarding and consolidation service offering door‑to‑door delivery from the U.S. (warehouse in Florida) including declarations and local customs support.
Hercules Moving Company – Canada‑ and U.S.‑based mover experienced with international shipping, providing packing, customs brokerage, and inland delivery services.
Huli International Movers – Canada‑based company managing international moves (including Costa Rica) with full logistics support, documentation assistance, and customs coordination.reddit.com+5huliinternationalmovers.ca+5huliinternationalmovers.ca+5
Latin American Cargo (LAC) – Freight forwarder focusing on Latin America, offering shipping solutions for personal effects, vehicles, and commercial cargo to Costa Rica.
Schumacher Cargo Logistics – Handles household goods and vehicle transport; experience with Latin America routes and customs clearance expertise.
SDC International Shipping – Specialized in door-to-door service across major Costa Rican ports (Limón, Caldera) and inland delivery even to remote areas.
Ship 506 – Costa Rica–based shipping company specializing in consolidated and full container loads from the U.S. with door‑to‑door delivery and customs assistance.

Quick Checklist

☐ Get multiple quotes from international movers

☐ Confirm company handles customs clearance and delivery to final address

☐ Hire a licensed customs broker (usually coordinated by your mover)

☐ Prepare detailed bilingual inventory list

☐ Gather all required documents (passport, invoices, packing list)

☐ Review import taxes/duties for your items

☐ Purchase insurance for your shipment

☐ Plan for essential items to hand-carry until your shipment arrives