San Jose - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. Costa Rica is pretty liberal and accepting, generally speaking. There isn't systemic oppression of LGBTQ expats, and there are accommodating activities. - May 2024
Yes. - Sep 2020
Yes and no. They can't marry but lots of LGBT exist here and live in harmony in the city at least. Not sure about the countryside. - Jul 2018
I've met a number of gay or lesbian couples, and I've found their morale to be low. I think they expected Costa Rica to be a livelier place than it is. - Feb 2016
They appear to get along OK. On the one hand, it's still a conservative Catholic country in many ways, and on the other hand, it's surprisingly open-minded. Gays and lesbians will experience both sides of that. - Apr 2014
We have several GLBT officers/couples & singles at post. The biggest issue has been that the MFA will not accredit anyone's "partner" unless they are officially married & hold a dip passport. We have one couple at post that holds a dip passport & they have received all entitlements, those that are not married do not receive tax exemption, etc. Since this is a catholic country, there's not a huge community here, but there is one. - Jun 2013
Yes. Ticos are very tolerant and opened. - Feb 2010
Yes, there is a vibrant gay community. - Jan 2010
Probably - but I have no experience with this. Younger Costa Ricans are very liberal with sexual expression (at least compared to conservative Mexico), and I can easily imagine that this extends to gays and lesbians, but I don't know for sure. - Jul 2008
