About 3-4 thousand Russian-speaking people live in Costa Rica. Among them, approximately a thousand are graduates of Soviet universities who maintain a love for Russian culture and language. Many of them are married to Russians.

The first wave of Russians, mostly women, arrived in Costa Rica in the 60s-80s, mainly due to marriage. They quickly adapted to the local culture and language, found jobs in their field, secured housing, and live well. However, many of them have divorced and now live alone or have married Costa Ricans, while some have married Russians from the second wave.

The second wave of migration occurred in the 90s when perestroika and crisis began in the Soviet Union. These people came as whole families, sometimes to relatives or friends, and sometimes without any connections, capital, or knowledge of the language. They had a hard time, and many still do not have residency, living illegally. However, their children, studying in local schools, have adapted to life in Costa Rica, speak Spanish fluently, and do not want to leave.

The Russian community in Costa Rica is actively developing. Believers have built an Orthodox church, a newspaper in Russian has been published for a year, now called 'Russian Newspaper.' There is also a small Sunday school where children learn the Russian language. Guests are always welcome, as the local beaches and fruits are truly wonderful.

Since May 25, 2019, there has been an agreement on mutual visa cancellation between Russia and Costa Rica.