How do you import household goods to Costa Rica when you move in 2026?

An authorised agente de aduanas files a Documento Único Aduanero (DUA) under the menaje modality in the name of the person consigned on the bill of lading or air waybill. Endorsement or transfer of that consignee right is not allowed. Goods must come from the country where the importer lived and stay in quantities a household actually uses: furniture, appliances, bedding, kitchenware, a personal computer, hand tools, a bicycle, and similar items. Construction materials, vehicles, boats, professional machinery, and workshop equipment stay off the list.

The declaration rides a sworn itemised list with estimated values line by line. Consolidated “global invoices” are rejected. Foreigners who acquire residence can use the modality once, counted from the date residence is granted, through a customs agent. Tourists and people in transit cannot. Align the shipment with a real lease address and residence trail: How to rent a home, Apply for a residence permit, and Get a DIMEX.

Since 14 July 2026, new foreign-resident claims under the Law 9996 household-goods exemption are closed. Expect import duty at each tariff line, the 1% Law 6946 levy, any selective consumption tax that applies, and 13% VAT stacked on the customs value plus prior taxes. Put that cascade inside Monthly budget and How expensive is Costa Rica rather than hoping an old US guide still describes a free container. Returning Costa Ricans after twenty-four months abroad follow a separate Law 6986 exemption path through Hacienda’s exemptions channel; that track is not the new-foreigner route.

Vehicles are never menaje; treat cars as a separate import and registration problem after COSEVI and customs rules: Convert a driving licence. Civil documents for residence still need their own authentication calendar: Apostille or legalise documents. Pay brokers from a Costa Rican account once KYC exists: Open a bank account. Keep the human immigration checklist moving in parallel: Paperwork after moving.