Moving to Democratic Republic of the Congo from Costa Rica

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Costa Rica to Democratic Republic of the Congo? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Costa Rica to Democratic Republic of the Congo, and you’d need to navigate life in French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili and Tshiluba.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to Costa Rica.

Is it safe?

Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

CR
15.5
CD
16.3

Costa Rica performs better than Democratic Republic of the Congo across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

CR
$1,928
CD
$58
Doctors per 10,000 people World Bank, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

CR
26.9
CD
2.1

Costa Rica generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

CR
15.0
CD
72.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

CR
1.6t
CD
0.1t

Costa Rica generally does better on environment, though Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people World Bank, 2024

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

CR
23.3
CD
0.0
Water stress level World Bank, 2022

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

CR
5.9%
CD
0.2%

Costa Rica generally does better on infrastructure, though Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate World Bank, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

CR
6.8%
CD
4.4%
GDP per capita World Bank, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

CR
$19,970
CD
$807

Costa Rica generally does better on employment & economy, though Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy World Bank, 2024

average years of life at birth

CR
81.0 yrs
CD
62.1 yrs
Infant mortality World Bank, 2024

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

CR
9.1
CD
56.4

Costa Rica performs better than Democratic Republic of the Congo across all family life metrics.

Can you move from Costa Rica to Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Costa Rica and Democratic Republic of the Congo. To live, work, or study long-term in Democratic Republic of the Congo, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Democratic Republic of the Congo's immigration authority.

Costa Rica passport

Costa Rica passport holder visiting Democratic Republic of the Congo

Visa Online (e-Visa)
Costa Rica passport holders need to apply for an e-Visa before travelling to Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Democratic Republic of the Congo passport

Democratic Republic of the Congo passport holder visiting Costa Rica

Visa Required
Democratic Republic of the Congo passport holders need a visa to enter Costa Rica.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Connectivity is usually fine (Democratic Republic of the Congo: 0.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Democratic Republic of the Congo offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Democratic Republic of the Congo safe for expats?

Costa Rica performs better than Democratic Republic of the Congo across all safety metrics.

How is healthcare in Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 2.1 doctors per 10,000 people in Democratic Republic of the Congo, compared to 26.9 in Costa Rica. Democratic Republic of the Congo scores 42 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Costa Rica: 81).

What language do they speak in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The official languages in Democratic Republic of the Congo are French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili and Tshiluba. In Costa Rica, the official language is Spanish.

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At a Glance

CR CD
Population 5,152,950 112,832,473
Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC) Congolese Franc (CDF)
Languages Spanish French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba
Driving side Right Right
Calling code +506 +243
Time zones 1 2
Emergency number 911 —