Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa requires just $1,000/month guaranteed lifetime pension - one of the world's lowest thresholds for retirees. The visa starts as a 2-year temporary permit with a path to permanent residency after 3 years. US Social Security qualifies, and the embassy in San José provides Spanish-certified benefit letters. The country uses a territorial tax system, meaning foreign income remains untaxed. Healthcare through the public CCSS system requires 9-11% of reported income but provides comprehensive coverage. Physical presence of only 4 months per year is required to maintain residency status.