Costa Rica is the Latin American country that attracts the most foreign millionaires as highlighted in the 2025 Henley Private Wealth Migration Report.  According to data from New World Wealth, Costa Rica holds the fifth spot on the global list of fastest-growing destinations for millionaires—following Montenegro, the UAE, Malta, and the United States, and just ahead of Latvia and its southern neighbor Panama.

A quiet but powerful shift is taking place in the world of global real estate migration—and Costa Rica is right at its center. According to the latest Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth, an estimated 350 high-net-worth individuals (millionaires) are expected to relocate to Costa Rica in 2025. This places the country as the leading destination in Latin America for wealthy international movers. This momentum reflects more than just a favorable climate or scenic coastline. It signals a broader recognition of Costa Rica’s unique blend of lifestyle, institutional stability, and investment appeal.

NOTE: ‘Millionaires’ or ‘HNWIs’ in this article refer to individuals with liquid investable wealth of $USD 1 million or more.

For affluent individuals seeking not only lifestyle but also a sense of peace, privacy, and potential, Costa Rica stands out. With an estimated $2.8 billion in total wealth expected to follow this migration, the impact goes far beyond property purchases. Many of these families bring with them a demand for high-end services—both personal and professional—that is reshaping the local economy. Costa Rica offers an educated high-level service offering that complements the nature, peace, and lifestyle sought-after in the country.

A family moving into a coastal estate or mountain villa often seeks more than real estate. Their needs range from private chefs and wellness practitioners to security teams, chauffeurs, bilingual tutors, and executive assistants. In many cases, they continue managing international businesses remotely, which drives demand for concierge-level office solutions, legal advisors, and global tax consultants on the ground.

For example, a recent client who relocated to the Santa Ana hills also contracted a local architecture firm for a major home renovation, hired a private chef trained in vegan cuisine, and enrolled their children in an international school with customized support programs. Another family settled in Guanacaste and brought along a full-time assistant and relies on local partners for logistics, events, and property management while they split time between Costa Rica and California.

These new residents raise the bar—not just for the real estate market, but for the service economy as a whole. Luxury homebuyers expect a global standard, and local providers are stepping up to meet that expectation with discretion, sophistication, and seamless delivery.

Indeed, the presence of these individuals not only supports luxury home sales—it energizes a wide spectrum of industries. As more international families choose Costa Rica for its quality of life, trusted legal framework, and natural beauty, the ecosystem that surrounds high-end real estate must continue to evolve in tandem.

When high-net-worth individuals choose to relocate, the impact goes far beyond the purchase of a luxury home. Their presence often brings long-term benefits to the countries they move to—especially in growing, globally connected destinations like Costa Rica. Here’s why this matters:

• Foreign Investment Boost
  These individuals typically move with significant capital. Their financial inflow has a similar effect as large export revenues, strengthening local currencies and contributing to economic stability.
• New Business and Job Creation
  A notable percentage of migrating millionaires are entrepreneurs and company founders. They often launch new ventures that generate local employment and stimulate innovation. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the likelihood of starting new businesses is even higher.
• Increased Market Activity
  Wealthy residents invest in local stock markets, support capital markets, and sometimes even list their companies publicly—enhancing financial infrastructure and access to capital.
• Upscale Service Demand
  Their lifestyle needs generate employment across luxury sectors—fine dining, wellness, boutique hospitality, real estate, and private education—benefiting both the service class and skilled professionals.
• Multiplier Effect on Wealth
  Their arrival can trigger rising asset values, especially in prime property markets. This uplift can grow the local high-net-worth population as existing residents benefit from appreciation in their own assets.
• Strengthening the Middle Class
  The companies and ecosystems created around these individuals often produce large numbers of high-quality jobs, which support a growing and more prosperous middle class over time.

Costa Rica’s rising appeal to this global elite isn’t just about luxury—it’s a strategic opportunity for national progress and sustainable economic growth.

Watch the video for key data insights including Costa Rica’s positioning amongst global millionaires on the move.

As the world continues to shift and high-net-worth individuals seek more than just financial return, Costa Rica’s appeal is only expected to grow. The country offers a rare combination of modern infrastructure, international connectivity, and a deep connection to nature and wellness—values that increasingly define the priorities of today’s elite buyers.

For The Agency Costa Rica and those of us already on the ground, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Costa Rica isn’t just selling homes and properties. It’s welcoming a new kind of resident—one whose presence can enrich communities, elevate local services, and reinforce the country’s position as a top-tier global destination.