How to Get Residency in Costa Rica

Dream of living in paradise? Find pura vida in beautiful Costa Rica!

To get residency in Costa Rica, you must apply for one of several temporary residency programs, such as for investors, retirees, or those with independent income. After holding a temporary residency permit for three years, you can apply for permanent residency. All official documents submitted must be translated into Spanish and apostilled. 

Temporary residency options-

Pensionado (Retiree)

This category is for retirees receiving a lifetime pension from a government or private entity. 

• Income requirement: You must prove a minimum monthly income of $1,000 USD from your pension source. For a married couple, only one spouse needs to prove the income.

• Key benefit: You are not required to live in the country full-time, only visiting for at least 72 hours per year. 

Rentista (Independent income)

This is for individuals who are not yet retired but have a stable, guaranteed income from investments, savings, or other passive sources. 

• Income requirement: You must prove a minimum monthly income of $2,500 USD for at least two years. One way to do this is by depositing $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank, from which $2,500 will be transferred to a local account each month.

• Key benefit: Allows you to live in Costa Rica without needing employment. 

Inversionista (Investor)

This path is for individuals who make a significant investment in Costa Rica. 

• Investment requirement: A minimum investment of $150,000 USD in real estate, shares of a Costa Rican corporation, or certain forestry projects ($100,000 USD).

• Key benefit: Allows you to legally enter and stay in Costa Rica based on your economic contribution. 

Digital Nomad Visa

This relatively new visa is for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Costa Rica for an extended period. 

• Income requirement: You must earn at least $3,000 USD per month working remotely. The requirement is $4,000 USD per month if you include family members.

• Key benefits: The visa is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year. Holders can also open a local bank account and get a Costa Rican driver's license. 

General application process

1. Gather your documents: Collect and get an apostille on your birth certificate and a police clearance certificate from your country of residence (valid for six months). You will also need a valid passport and passport photos.

2. Translate documents: All foreign-issued documents must be officially translated into Spanish.

3. Apply from within Costa Rica: You must be in Costa Rica to submit your application to the Immigration Department (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

4. Pay fees: Application fees vary depending on the category and can reach $250 USD, plus additional costs.

5. Submit fingerprints: You must register your fingerprints with the Ministry of Public Security in San José.

6. Wait for approval: Processing times can take several months. During this period, you are generally allowed to remain in the country, though you may need to leave and re-enter to renew your tourist visa to stay legally.

7. Register for social security: Once approved, you must register and pay into the public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CCSS).

8. Obtain residency card (DIMEX): After completing all steps, you will receive your temporary residency card. 

Important considerations

• Legal assistance: Due to the detailed process, many people hire an immigration lawyer or facilitator to navigate the application process and prepare the required documents.

• Work restrictions: Temporary residents in the Pensionado and Rentista categories are not permitted to work as employees in Costa Rica. They can, however, own a business and hire Costa Rican citizens.

• Path to permanent residency: After three years of holding temporary residency, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency, which allows you to work without restrictions. 

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a low-cost, Pura Vida lifestyle, stunning beaches and much more. It’s home to a large expat and retiree community and is known as one of the safest countries in Central America.

It operates under a territorial tax system, meaning the only income you need to pay tax on is the income earned within the country. The same principle applies to corporate tax, as foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt.