Top 3 Destinations for Costa Rica Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 4,100 Costa Rican citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, down 15% from the year before:
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | United States | ~2,583 (63% of overall Costa Rican outflow) |
| Costa Rica | Mexico | ~328 (8% of overall Costa Rican outflow) |
| Costa Rica | Germany | ~287 (7% of overall Costa Rican outflow) |
63% to the US. Mexico at #2 is the regional neighbor pick. Germany at #3 rounds out a varied top three.
So if Costa Ricans are headed to the US, Mexico, and Germany, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of US citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~13% went to Spain, 10% to the United Kingdom, and 10% to Canada.
Emigration of Mexican citizens (to OECD countries) was 217,000 in 2023. ~88% went to the United States, 4% to Spain, and 3% to Canada.
Emigration of German citizens (to OECD countries) was 145,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Switzerland, 14% to Austria, and 13% to Poland.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Spain | ~13,520 |
| Mexico | United States | ~190,960 |
| Germany | Switzerland | ~26,100 |