StartAbroadReviews of startabroad.com

We're a US couple who moved to Atenas, Costa Rica in September 2026. StartAbroad handled our Digital Nomad Visa (one main applicant, one dependent spouse) and helped with much more than the visa. We did most of the planning from the US, so having a team on the ground made a huge difference. -- Visa: They set up our government portal accounts, gave us a clear document list, and had their accountant review our business income. When immigration added a new requirement partway through (a hand-signed informed consent), they caught it and walked us through it. Step 2 was approved in 4 days, and both of our visas were approved about seven weeks after our final submission. For the DIMEX (residency ID card) step, they booked our appointment, went with us to the post office to present our documents, and helped with everything along the way. -- House: They found us a long list of rental listings and handled all the inquiries with owners and agents. They helped negotiate the lease, and before we signed they sent someone to the property to give us a live video walkthrough. Since we were still in the US, that walkthrough let us sign with confidence before we ever set foot in the house. -- Car: They sent us plenty of car listings, then handled the pre-sale contract, payment instructions, and the notary transfer for the used car we bought. They coordinated the closing date with the seller and made sure our international transfer landed in time. We're now on the registry as the owners. -- Pets: We brought two dogs with 3-year rabies vaccines. They got a direct answer from SENASA confirming those are accepted, which saved us from re-vaccinating both dogs before the flight. -- Along the way: A WhatsApp group with the team for any question that came up, from paperwork to where to park for an appointment, plus guides on healthcare, driver's licenses, and residency. If you're moving to Costa Rica and want one team for the visa, the house, the car, and getting settled, we can't recommend them more.

My wife and I used StartAbroad for our Costa Rica digital nomad visas and had a great experience. We worked mostly with Jimena, who guided us through the whole process, from preparing the documents and submitting our applications to arranging and accompanying us to our appointments once we arrived. There were plenty of details we weren’t familiar with, and we appreciated having someone we could turn to with questions about the paperwork, insurance requirements, timing, and next steps. Jimena was patient and helpful throughout, and having her handle the coordination took a lot of stress out of the move. Immigration made a mistake on my DIMEX but Jimena was incredible and accompanied me to the immigration office and was able to quickly get it fixed. We’re very glad we chose StartAbroad and would happily recommend them to anyone applying for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa. Thank you, Jimena and the team!

Outstanding relocation services and stellar customer support. I cannot say enough positive things about StartAbroad. I have lived in multiple countries, but found moving to Portugal to be the most complicated process I've ever experienced. StartAbroad provides detailed support that walks through every aspect of the process, from visa application to finding accommodations to arrival and the full in-country AIMA process. The literally saved me hours of time and frustration in setting up my appointments, and providing a local real estate agent that found me an apartment in my preferred location and within budget. I especially like the all-inclusive plan, so I never had to worry about hidden costs or unexpected 'add on' services. They have a well designed website and a personalized dashboard that tracks documents and progress, and offers many additional resources for language learning, pet relocation, and so much more. The optional WhatsApp group chat was invaluable for chatting with others going through the same process and sharing resources (and meeting up in person after arrival). My relocation specialist Mariana was so amazing. Not only knowledgeable, she talked me through my stressful moments and made me feel like a friend as much as a client. Using the services of StartAbroad was the best decision I made and I highly recommend them!!

Jimena and Zach did a professional and prompt job getting me (USA citizen) and my spouse (non USA citizen) a digital nomad visa, answering all our questions and walking us through scenarios. They helped facilitate everything and were pleasant to work with! Thanks for everything!

From pre-move planning, paperwork, and visa guidance to navigating taxes, banking, and local bureaucracy once we landed, the StartAbroad team has been right there with us. They are ready every step of the process, responsive, give straightforward guidance, and stay two steps ahead. Having an organized team handle the heavy lifting took a massive weight off our shoulders and let us actually focus on settling in. I couldn't recommend them more.

We have had a great experience with StartAbroad. Their representatives have expertise and helped us from the very beginning for a journey and move abroad. They make it smooth and clearly outline and explain each step. I highly recommend their services.

**Start Abroad Helped Make Our Portugal Dream a Reality** My husband and I used Start Abroad to help us through the Portugal D7 visa process, and we are happy to say that we have received our passports with our approved visas! The immigration process can feel overwhelming, but the Start Abroad team helped guide us through the required documents, application process, and next steps. They answered our questions, kept us informed, and provided helpful guidance regarding our AIMA appointments and arrival in Portugal. We especially appreciate Mariana’s assistance and patience throughout this journey. Having knowledgeable support gave us greater confidence as we prepared for such a major life change. We are incredibly excited to begin our new chapter in Portugal and grateful to Start Abroad for helping us reach this milestone. We would happily recommend their services to anyone preparing to relocate to Portugal.

I don't know how I would have done this journey without StartAbroad! They were always there, very responsive, explained everything well, and shared things I needed not listed anywhere I could find on the internet. And they found me the best house and handled the lease details, which were important for the visa process. I highly recommend!