Residency Visas
Costa Rica offers several residency visa categories for foreigners looking to establish legal residence.
Legal Advice Recommended
Residency applications involve legal documentation, apostilles, and government processes. Working with an experienced Costa Rican immigration attorney is strongly recommended. Budget $800-$3,000 for legal fees depending on the visa category.
Visa Categories
Pensionado (Retiree)
For retirees with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,000 from a pension or retirement fund.
Requirements
- Proof of at least $1,000/month pension income
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- Valid passport
- Consular registration
- Application through immigration (DGME)
Benefits
- Legal residency in Costa Rica
- Access to CAJA (public healthcare)
- Can own property and vehicles
- Path to permanent residency after 3 years
- Import household goods duty-free (one-time)
Rentista (Income Earner)
For individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 from investments or stable income sources (not employment in CR).
Requirements
- Proof of at least $2,500/month stable income for 2 years, or $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Valid passport
- Application through DGME
Benefits
- Legal residency in Costa Rica
- Access to CAJA (public healthcare)
- Can own property and vehicles
- Path to permanent residency after 3 years
Inversionista (Investor)
For individuals who invest at least $150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, business, or approved projects.
Requirements
- Proof of investment of at least $150,000 in Costa Rica
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Valid passport
- Application through DGME
Benefits
- Legal residency in Costa Rica
- Access to CAJA (public healthcare)
- Can own and operate a business
- Path to permanent residency after 3 years
Marriage/Family (Vinculo)
For spouses of Costa Rican citizens or first-degree relatives.
Requirements
- Marriage certificate or proof of family relationship
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Valid passport
- Spouse's Costa Rican ID
Benefits
- Legal residency in Costa Rica
- Access to CAJA (public healthcare)
- Work permit included
- Path to permanent residency after 3 years
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in 2022 for remote workers earning at least $3,000/month (or $4,000 for families) from sources outside Costa Rica.
Requirements
- Proof of remote employment or freelance income of $3,000+/month
- Health insurance valid in Costa Rica
- Valid passport
- Application can be done online or at a consulate
Benefits
- Stay for up to 1 year (renewable for 1 more year)
- Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income
- Can open a bank account
- No need to leave the country every 90 days
Apostilled Documents
Most residency applications require documents (birth certificate, criminal background check, marriage certificate) to be apostilled in your home country. An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. The process varies by country — in the US, it is done through the Secretary of State's office. Allow several weeks for processing.