Guide to Residency in Costa Rica

Obtaining a residency visa in Costa Rica is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Costa Rica gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Determine the type of residency you qualify for
  • Research the different residency categories, such as pensionado (retiree), rentista (fixed income), inversionista (investor), or vinculo (related to a Costa Rican citizen).
  • Visit the official Costa Rican immigration website for detailed information: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.
• Gather the necessary documents
  • Obtain a valid passport and ensure it has at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Request a birth certificate and a police clearance certificate from your country of origin, both apostilled or authenticated by the Costa Rican consulate.
  • Acquire proof of income or financial statements that meet the requirements of the residency category you are applying for.
  • Get a health certificate from a licensed Costa Rican doctor.
  • Obtain passport-sized photographs.
• Apply for a Tax Number (known as a DIMEX)
  • Visit the nearest branch of Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) to request a tax number application form.
  • Fill out the application form with your personal information.
  • Submit the form and pay the processing fee at the bank.
  • Wait for the tax number to be issued, which you will need for the residency application.
• Submit your residency application
  • Complete the official residency application form, which can be obtained from the immigration office or downloaded from their website.
  • Attach all the gathered documents to your application form.
  • Pay the application fee at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and attach the payment receipt to your application.
  • Submit your application in person at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or through a legal representative.
• Wait for the application to be processed
  • Be prepared for a waiting period that can last several months.
  • Check the status of your application periodically either online or by visiting the immigration office.
• Register with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)
  • Once your residency is approved, you must affiliate with the CCSS for health insurance coverage.
  • Visit the nearest CCSS office with your residency card (DIMEX) to enroll.
  • Provide proof of income and pay the corresponding fee based on your income level.
• Obtain your residency card (Cédula de Residencia)
  • After your residency is approved and you have registered with the CCSS, you will be issued a residency card.
  • Go to the immigration office or a BCR branch to have your biometric data collected (photograph and fingerprints).
  • Pay the card issuance fee and collect your residency card once it is ready.
• Keep your residency status up to date
  • Be aware of the expiration date on your residency card and renew it in a timely manner.
  • Continue to fulfill any financial requirements associated with your residency category.
  • Stay informed about any changes in Costa Rican immigration laws that may affect your residency status.

Please note that the process for obtaining residency in Costa Rica can be complex and may require the assistance of a legal professional, especially if you are not fluent in Spanish. It is also important to keep in mind that immigration policies and procedures can change, so it is advisable to verify the current requirements with the Costa Rican authorities or a trusted immigration lawyer.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Costa Rica?

"Visitors from certain countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and most countries in Europe, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay for up to 90 days. To stay longer than 90 days, visitors must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which can be valid for up to two years and can be renewed. To apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of financial solvency, a medical certificate, and a copy of their criminal record. To obtain residency in Costa Rica, applicants must provide an application form and supporting documents such as property titles, financial information, and a copy of their visa as well as a medical certificate and a valid passport. As part of the residency application process, applicants are also expected to take a brief Spanish language test. Once all documents have been reviewed and approved, applicants receive an identification card and a cedula, the document that grants them residency in the country," commented one member living in Costa Rica.

"Upon entrance, tourists and visitors are generally granted a 90 day VISA. To enter Costa Rica, you must have a valid Passport. Residency is categorized into different areas of qualification. These options are Retiree (Pensionado), Legal Resident (Rentista), Business/Investor (Inversionista), Marriage/Relation (Vinculo). If you wish to become a resident, the requirements are different for each category and immigration attorney's are often used to assist you should you choose to hire one. If you plan to live in Costa Rica full time, residency is highly recommended as residents are not restricted to a 90 day VISA," mentioned one expat living in Costa Rica.

"Tourist visas for the US and I believe most of Europe etc. are 90 days no real questions asked. They can also be renewed by a 3-day stay out of the country. As a result, many expats are "perpetual tourists" who just take short trips to Nicaragua or Panama every three months. This probably isn't good, and "perpetual tourists" can and sometimes are prevented from re-entering, but it works for tens of thousands of foreigners over many years. There are three ways to obtain legal residency (in addition to through marriage). One way is to come in as a pensioner. This only requires showing a minimum of $1000 a month income for life, as well as of course dealing with a lot of paperwork and paying fees. Those who can't or prefer not to show the $1000 a month income for life can obtain residency as either rentistas or investors. Rentista residency now requires showing $2500 a month income for a shorter period of time as well as the same fees and paperwork. . I'm not sure how to obtain residency as an investor, and I believe it depends upon the kind of investment, but some people seem to get it by just buying a house valued at either $200,000 or $250,000. Of course, people need a clean criminal record too, but otherwise it's either $1000 a month guaranteed for life or a fair amount of money in a lump sum for either rentista or investor residency," said an expat in Costa Rica.