​Costa Rica offers several pathways to residency for foreigners, whether you’re looking to retire, invest, work, or reunite with family. Below is an overview of the most common residency options and the steps to apply.

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RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT (INVERSIONISTA)

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• Who Qualifies: Individuals who invest at least $150,000 USD in Costa Rica. Eligible investments include real estate, business ventures, or projects in sectors like tourism or agriculture.

• Requirements:

  • Proof of investment (e.g., property deed, business registration).

  • Criminal background check from your home country.

  • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

• Validity: Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years, with the potential for permanent residency after 3 years.

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RESIDENCY AS A PENSIONER (PENSIONADO)

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• Who Qualifies: Retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month from a recognized source (e.g., Social Security, private pension).

• Requirements:

  • Proof of pension income.

  • Criminal background check.

  • Valid passport and copies of key pages.

• Validity: Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years, with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years.

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RESIDENCY AS A RENTIONER (RENTISTA)

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• Who Qualifies: Individuals who can demonstrate a stable, ongoing income of $2,500 USD per month for at least 2 years OR deposit $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank account.

• Requirements:

  • Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, or other official documentation).

  • Criminal background check.

  • Valid passport and copies of key pages.

• Validity: Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years, with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years.

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RESIDENCY THROUGH MARRIAGE

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• Who Qualifies: Foreigners married to a Costa Rican citizen.

• Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate issued in Costa Rica.

  • Criminal background check.

  • Proof of financial stability.

• Validity: Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years, with the potential for permanent residency after 3 years.

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RESIDENCY BY FAMILY RELATION

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• Who Qualifies: Parents of Costa Rican children or minor dependents of Costa Rican citizens.

• Requirements:

  • Birth certificate of the Costa Rican child or proof of familial relationship.

  • Criminal background check.

• Validity: Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years, with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years.

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GENERAL STEPS TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY

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1. Gather Documents:

   • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).

   • Criminal background check (must be authenticated with an apostille or legalized).

   • Birth and/or marriage certificates (if applicable).

   • Proof of income or investment (based on the residency type).

   • Photocopies of all documents.

2. Translate and Authenticate Documents:

   • Documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and authenticated by a Costa Rican consulate or through the apostille process.

3. Submit Application:

   • Applications are submitted to Migración y Extranjería (Immigration Office) in Costa Rica.

   • Pay the required application fees.

4. Wait for Approval:

   • Processing times vary but typically range from 3 to 12 months.

   • You may be issued a temporary visa while awaiting approval.

5. Register with Caja:

   • Once approved, you must enroll in Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), Costa Rica's social security system.

6. Receive Residency Card ("DIMEX"):

   • Once all steps are complete, you’ll receive your residency card, known as a DIMEX, which must be renewed periodically.

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BENEFITS OF COSTA RICAN RESIDENCY

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• The right to stay in Costa Rica long-term without visa renewals.

• Access to healthcare through the CCSS system.

• Eligibility for permanent residency and eventual citizenship (after 7 years for most categories).

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Whether you’re retiring, investing, or starting a new life in Costa Rica, the process is straightforward with proper planning and documentation. It’s often helpful to consult an immigration lawyer or expert to ensure a smooth application process.