To qualify for Temporary Residency as an Investor (Inversionista) in Costa Rica, the main requirement is to demonstrate a minimum investment of $150,000 USD in a qualifying Costa Rican asset or project. This investment must be verifiable, legitimate, and properly documented.

Acceptable Types of Investment:

• Real Estate: Purchase of land, a home, or commercial property.

• Business Investment: Capital contribution to a registered Costa Rican company or entrepreneurship.

• Sustainable Tourism or Forestry Projects: Certified government-backed investments.

• Investment in Government Projects or Infrastructure

Important Notes:

• The investment must be in your name (or a company you own).

• You must provide documentation proving the value of the investment (e.g., property title, certification from a public accountant, corporate records).

• If applying through real estate, the registered value must meet or exceed $150,000 USD in the national property registry.

• The investment must remain in place for the duration of your residency.

This residency type is ideal for foreign nationals looking to live in Costa Rica while actively investing in its economy, whether through real estate, entrepreneurship, or large-scale projects.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

To qualify for Temporary Residency as an Entrepreneur in Costa Rica, the main requirement is to have an operating business legally established in the country.

There is no official minimum investment amount required. However, the applicant must demonstrate that the business is real, active, and economically viable.

Key Supporting Criteria:

• The business must be duly registered with:

  • The National Registry (Registro Nacional)

  • The Tax Authority (Ministerio de Hacienda)

  • The Social Security System (CCSS or “Caja”)

• Proof of income generation is important—this may include:

  • Financial statements

  • Invoices

  • Bank statements

  • Proof of employees or contracts

• The applicant must show that they are directly involved in the business.

Summary:

This type of residency is designed for foreign nationals who want to build and manage a business in Costa Rica, from cafes and tourism ventures to tech startups and service providers. While it offers flexibility in terms of investment size, success hinges on proper registration and demonstrating real economic activity.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

The main requirement is to be legally married to a Costa Rican citizen, with the marriage registered in Costa Rica’s Civil Registry (Registro Civil).

Key Points:

• The marriage must be legally recognized in Costa Rica.

• Both spouses will be interviewed by Immigration to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

• This residency category grants permanent residency from the start, unlike most others.

In short: You must be the legal spouse of a Costa Rican citizen, with the marriage duly registered in the national civil system.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

The main requirement is to be the biological or legal parent of a child born in Costa Rica, with the child’s birth registered in the Civil Registry (Registro Civil).

Key Points:

• The child must be a Costa Rican citizen by birth.

• This category grants permanent residency from the start.

• Applicable to both mothers and fathers, regardless of marital status.

In essence: You must be the parent of a Costa Rican-born child with official registration, allowing you to apply directly for permanent residency.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

The main requirement is to be officially sponsored by a religious organization that is registered and recognized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

Key Points:

• The sponsoring religious entity must provide:

  • A formal letter of sponsorship

  • Proof of legal registration in Costa Rica

  • A description of the religious activities to be performed

• The applicant must show they are a religious worker, such as a priest, nun, pastor, missionary, or minister.

In short: You need a valid invitation and sponsorship from a registered religious organization to qualify for this residency category.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

The main requirement is to demonstrate a guaranteed, stable monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for a minimum of two years.

Key Points:

• The income must come from a reliable source outside Costa Rica (e.g., investments, trusts, rental income).

• The applicant must deposit $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank account (covering 24 months at $2,500/month) or provide legal documentation proving the income source.

• This category is for individuals who are not employed in Costa Rica but can support themselves financially.

In short: You must show a secure income of $2,500/month for two years, typically by depositing $60,000 in a local bank or proving equivalent income through official documentation.

Step 1: Document Procurement

Estimated Time: 1 to 3 months

• Time needed to gather all necessary documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

• Includes legalization/apostille, official Spanish translations, and preparing the full application package.

• Duration varies depending on your country’s processing times for police records, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

Step 2: Filing the Application Package

Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months

• After submission to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), your application enters review.

• Processing time depends on the accuracy of your documents, category of residency, and backlog at Immigration.

• Legal representation can help speed up filing and minimize errors.

Step 3: Registration and DIMEX

Estimated Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• After approval, enroll in CAJA (Costa Rican public healthcare) and schedule your DIMEX appointment.

• Once completed, your residency card (DIMEX) is delivered by mail within 2–3 weeks.

• Final government payments are made during this phase.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.

The main requirement for naturalization is to have legal residency in Costa Rica for a continuous period, with the required time depending on nationality and personal circumstances:

• 2 years for:

  • Spouses of Costa Rican citizens

• 7 years for people who have been legal residents (temporary or permanent) in CR.

• 20 years for nationals of all other countries

Additional Key Requirements:

• Demonstrated integration into Costa Rican society (language, culture, community ties)

• Clean criminal record

• Proof of economic activity or means of support

• Passing a Spanish and civics exam (unless exempt)

In summary: The main requirement is long-term legal residency in Costa Rica—ranging from 5 to 20 years depending on your situation—along with proof of cultural integration and legal good standing.

The application for naturalization takes between three and six months for being processed.

Residency Service Fees

Choose the plan that works best for you. All options include full legal support. Government and third-party fees are billed separately.

One-Time Payment – $750 USD
Pay in full at signup. Best value with no further payments.

Two Installments – $1000 USD
$500 at signup, $500 upon approval. Balanced flexibility and commitment.

Three Payments – $1200 USD
$400 at signup, $400 at filing, $400 upon approval. Ideal for staggered budgeting.

Monthly Plan – $75/month for 18 months
Total of $1350 USD. All payments due upon approval. Eases upfront financial pressure.

IMPORTANT

These fees do not include government fees and expenses. Government filing fees are $251 USD. Expenses are at least $250 USD. And at the end of the process you must pay a security deposit, said amount will depend on your country of origin.