Costa Rica Residency Services
Costa Rica offers several legal pathways to residency, each designed for different lifestyles and financial situations. Whether you are retiring, investing, earning remotely, or joining family, we will guide you to the right visa and handle every step of the process.
Choose Your Pathway
Each residency category has unique requirements and advantages. Explore the details below or contact us for a personalized recommendation.
Pensionado (Retiree)
$1,000/monthFor retirees with a guaranteed pension or Social Security of at least $1,000 USD per month.
Requirements
- Proof of pension or Social Security of at least $1,000 USD/month
- Pension from a recognized government or private entity
- Identity History Summary from the FBI (US) or equivalent (apostilled)
- Birth certificate — apostilled and translated to Spanish
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity recommended)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
- All documents must be issued within 6 months of application submission
Benefits
- All the rights of a natural-born Costa Rican except voting and taking a job from a Costa Rican citizen
- Can own a business but cannot work as an employee
- Access to Costa Rica's public healthcare system (CAJA)
- Must visit Costa Rica at least once during each 24-month period
- After 36 months of legal status, can apply for permanent residency which allows you to work in the local labor force
Rentista (Fixed Income)
$2,500/monthFor individuals who can demonstrate $60,000 USD available in a local bank, disbursed at no more than $2,500 USD per month over 24 months.
Requirements
- Bank letter on letterhead confirming $60,000 USD available at $2,500/month for 24 months (apostilled)
- Identity History Summary from the FBI (US) or equivalent (apostilled)
- Birth certificate — apostilled and translated to Spanish
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity recommended)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
- All documents must be issued within 6 months of application submission
Benefits
- All the rights of a natural-born Costa Rican except voting and taking a job from a Costa Rican citizen
- Can own and operate a business but cannot work as an employee
- Access to Costa Rica's public healthcare system (CAJA)
- Applicant, spouse, and children under 18 (or under 25 if full-time students) can be included in application
- Must visit Costa Rica at least once during each 24-month period
- After 36 months of legal status, can apply for permanent residency which allows you to work in the local labor force
Inversionista (Investor)
$150,000 investmentFor those making a direct investment of at least $150,000 USD in Costa Rican real estate, business, or securities.
Requirements
- Minimum investment of $150,000 USD in a Government-approved investment in Costa Rica
- Investment can be in real estate, business, or securities
- Proof of investment produced by a certified accountant in Costa Rica
- Identity History Summary from the FBI (US) or equivalent (apostilled)
- Birth certificate — certified long-form copy, apostilled and translated
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity recommended)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
- All documents must be issued within 6 months of application submission
Benefits
- Cannot work at your investment — can only supervise the books to ensure profits
- Build equity in Costa Rican assets
- Access to public healthcare (CAJA)
- Family members included in application
- After 36 months of legal status, can apply for permanent residency which allows you to work in the local labor force
Vínculo (Family Ties)
N/AThe fastest path to residency — for those married to a Costa Rican citizen or who have a child born in Costa Rica.
Requirements
- Marriage certificate to a Costa Rican citizen, or birth certificate of a child born in Costa Rica
- Identity History Summary from the FBI (US) or equivalent (apostilled)
- Birth certificate — apostilled and translated to Spanish
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity recommended)
- All documents apostilled and translated to Spanish
- All documents must be issued within 6 months of application submission
Benefits
- Fastest processing time of all categories
- Leads directly to permanent residency
- Full work authorization
- No income or investment requirements
- Access to public healthcare (CAJA)
- Path to citizenship after 5 years (by marriage)
Compare Residency Options
A side-by-side look at the four main residency categories so you can quickly identify which pathway fits your situation.
| Category | Pensionado | Rentista | Investor | Family Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Income / Investment | $1,000/month | $2,500/month | $150,000 investment | N/A |
| Can Work as Employee? | No | No | No (supervise only) | Yes |
| Processing Time | Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months | Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months | Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months | Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months |
| Path to Citizenship | 7 years | 7 years | 7 years | 5 years (by marriage) |
| Path to Permanent Residency | After 3 years | After 3 years | After 3 years | After 3 years |
Pensionado
- Minimum Income / Investment
- $1,000/month
- Can Work as Employee?
- No
- Processing Time
- Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months
- Path to Citizenship
- 7 years
- Path to Permanent Residency
- After 3 years
Rentista
- Minimum Income / Investment
- $2,500/month
- Can Work as Employee?
- No
- Processing Time
- Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months
- Path to Citizenship
- 7 years
- Path to Permanent Residency
- After 3 years
Investor
- Minimum Income / Investment
- $150,000 investment
- Can Work as Employee?
- No (supervise only)
- Processing Time
- Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months
- Path to Citizenship
- 7 years
- Path to Permanent Residency
- After 3 years
Family Ties
- Minimum Income / Investment
- N/A
- Can Work as Employee?
- Yes
- Processing Time
- Processing time based on Immigration backlog. Currently running, 9-10 months
- Path to Citizenship
- 5 years (by marriage)
- Path to Permanent Residency
- After 3 years
Document Requirements by Nationality
Each residency application requires specific documents depending on your nationality and visa type. Below you will find detailed checklists with links to obtain every required document.
American Applicant — Pensionado Status
- 1Passport (no additional requirements):
- For all persons listed on application.
- We suggest that your passport be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the time of application.
- 2Birth Certificate (must be apostilled):
Request certified copy from your state of birth at their Department of Health or order through VitalChek at: www.vitalchek.com
- 3Marriage Certificate (must be apostilled):
Request certified copy from the state where you were married or through VitalChek at: www.vitalchek.com
- 4Proof of pension income — applicant must be entitled to a minimum of US$1,000.00 per month either in the form of a private pension guaranteed for life (must be apostilled).
If income is from a Government pension or Social Security: Contact your local Social Security office or the Federal Office to request a Social Security Benefit Letter in SPANISH. National phone number: 1 (800) 772-1213. This document does not need to be apostilled.
- 5Identity History Summary — American Citizens must contact the FBI and obtain an “Identity History Summary.”
- 6Upon receipt, your FBI report must be apostilled.
See information regarding Apostille agents at: apostille FBI background check
- 7Translation — The FBI report must be translated into Spanish along with items #2, #3, possibly #4 and item #5. We offer the services of our long-term Government-approved translator here in Costa Rica who has been our go-to person for the past 20 years plus. Simply send or bring your documents to us upon arrival here in sunny Costa Rica and we will start and complete the full Immigration process with you.
- 8All documentation other than your passport must have been issued within 6 months of the time we submit your application(s) to Immigration on your behalf here in Costa Rica.
- 9All documents required by Immigration must be submitted at one time. No partial applications can be accepted.
How the Process Works
Our proven process takes the complexity out of Costa Rica immigration so you can focus on planning your new life.
Free Consultation
We start with a no-obligation consultation to understand your situation, goals, and timeline. We recommend the best residency pathway and provide a clear overview of costs and documents required.
Gather Your Documents
We provide a personalized checklist with direct links to obtain every required document based on your nationality. US citizens can order birth and marriage certificates through VitalChek or their state Department of Health. Canadians contact their Province's Vital Statistics office. See our detailed Document Requirements section below for step-by-step instructions.
Apostille Your Documents
All foreign documents must be apostilled. US citizens can find apostille agents for their FBI report online. Canadian documents are apostilled through Global Affairs Canada. We provide guidance on approved apostille agents for every document to ensure your paperwork meets Costa Rica's legal requirements.
Visit Costa Rica
You visit Costa Rica to sign a limited power of attorney and gather local paperwork. You have the option to stay or return home while we handle the rest of the process on your behalf.
Application Filing & Follow-Up
We prepare and file your complete residency application with Costa Rica Immigration (DGME). We actively monitor your case, respond to government requests, and provide regular status updates.
Approval, CAJA & DIMEX Card
Upon approval, we assist you with enrollment in Costa Rica's medical program (CAJA) and obtaining your DIMEX residency card.
Maintain Your Status
Your DIMEX must be renewed before the 24-month period lapses. You must visit Costa Rica at least once during each 24-month period to maintain your residency status.
Apply for Permanent Residency
After 36 months of legal temporary residency status, you can apply for permanent residency, which allows you to work in the local labor force.
Important Tax & Import Benefits
Under Costa Rica Incentive Law #9996, residents can import up to 2 vehicles (cars/trucks, boats, or airplanes) duty-free — a maximum of 2 entities in any combination. Household furnishings and personal effects are also not subject to duty. Anyone who has applied before July 2026 and gets their application approved can apply for these benefits. All foreign-sourced income is exempt from Costa Rican tax with no time limitation.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Every situation is unique. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and our team will evaluate your circumstances, answer your questions, and recommend the best residency pathway for your goals.