Costa Rica Residency Process | Costa Rica Immigration

Legal residency. Real peace of mind.

Your residency journey.
One clear step at a time.

From choosing your residency route to receiving your DIMEX, understand what happens next—and how we help.

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Start by telling us about your situation. Our team will contact you by email.

How we work

Three stages. A clear path forward.

Our Costa Rica residency process begins with your circumstances, then moves through preparation, filing and registration. Explore each stage to see our role and yours.

Stage 01 · Case review & engagement

We start with your situation.

Your nationality, family circumstances, income and plans help us identify the relevant residency route before you begin collecting documents.

Compare residency options →

What we handle

Discuss your eligibility, explain the proposed scope and provide the service agreement and fee schedule.

What you do

Tell us about your plans and who will apply with you. Review the proposal, sign the agreement and make the agreed initial payment.

What this stage leads to

A defined residency route, an agreed service and a document checklist tailored to your case.

Stage 02 · Documents & application

Build the application carefully.

We guide the preparation of your application package, review the supporting records and file with the Immigration Department, known as DGME.

Read the residency guide →

What we handle

Review the required records, prepare the application and handle filing and follow-up within the agreed scope. Explain any request for additional evidence.

What you do

Obtain the requested documents, complete the applicable authentication and translation steps, and attend required appointments. Respond when further information is needed.

What this stage leads to

Proof of filing, an application under review and guidance on any additional steps requested by immigration.

Stage 03 · Approval, CAJA & DIMEX

Turn approval into your residency document.

After approval, we review the decision and guide the registration steps required for your case, including CCSS enrollment and your DIMEX identity document.

Understand CAJA enrollment →

What we handle

Explain the approval conditions and coordinate the agreed assistance with public healthcare enrollment and residency documentation.

What you do

Complete required payments, attend appointments and provide the information needed for registration. Keep your residency document and insurance current afterward.

What this stage leads to

Completed registration steps and your DIMEX, followed by a clear understanding of your renewal obligations.

Stage 1 of 3

A little preparation goes a long way.

Confirm before ordering

Start with the right checklist. Document formats, authentication and translations depend on the record and where it was issued.

Plan around the steps

Allow time for documents and appointments. Keep your travel plans flexible while immigration reviews your application.

Know the full cost

Review legal fees and separate expenses before committing. Ask for a written breakdown for everyone applying with you.

Before you begin

How long will the process take?

Document collection, government review and post-approval appointments have separate timelines. Ask for a current estimate for your category. Immigration controls its review timetable, so approval dates cannot be guaranteed.

Can we start before I travel?

Yes. We can begin the case review and document planning while you are abroad. We will identify the steps that require your presence in Costa Rica so you can plan travel around them.

What expenses should I expect?

Your written proposal sets out legal fees and the payment schedule. Government charges, foreign records, authentication, translations, CCSS contributions and any required guarantee deposit are separate costs. The total depends on the category and number of applicants.

What happens if immigration asks for more information?

We review the request and explain the documents or clarification needed within the agreed service. You provide the additional information in time to respond by the official deadline.

Where can I learn more before contacting you?

Explore our residency FAQs or read the complete residency guide. For questions about your own situation, contact our team.

Let’s start with your plan.

Tell us who is moving, where you are now and when you hope to arrive. We’ll help you identify the next step.

Request a Consultation