Rentista Residency
in Costa Rica
Have stable income and plans to live in Costa Rica? We help you review the income evidence, prepare your documents, and apply for Rentista residency.
Request a Rentista ConsultationTell us about your income source and who will apply with you. Our team will contact you by email.
A residency route based on stable income
Rentista residency in Costa Rica is a temporary category for applicants who can document qualifying stable income. It offers an alternative to a lifetime pension or qualifying investment, but approval depends on the income evidence and a complete application.
US$2,500 per month
The income threshold is US$2,500 monthly or its equivalent. Your supporting certification must establish that the income meets the applicable requirements.
A two-year income plan
The published service description requires income for at least two years. US$60,000 is the arithmetic equivalent of 24 monthly payments, not an application fee.
Evidence that fits your source
A balance, portfolio statement, or regular transfer alone should not be assumed sufficient. We review the proposed evidence before you arrange financial documents.
Check the income evidence before moving funds
Confirm the certification
We review where the income comes from, its stability, and the wording and authentication of the proposed financial certification. Confirm the current accepted documentation before relying on a bank letter.
Avoid assumptions about a deposit
Do not assume every US$60,000 account balance qualifies or that depositing money in Costa Rica automatically meets the requirement. The financial arrangement and evidence need to be assessed together.
Distinguish income from work
Rental, investment, trust, and annuity arrangements require individual review. Salary or freelance earnings should not be treated as equivalent to qualifying Rentista income without checking the applicable criteria.
Read our detailed Rentista guide. If you receive a lifetime pension, compare Pensionado residency.
What documents will you need?
Confirm a personal checklist before ordering certificates. The income arrangement, nationality, residence history, and accompanying family determine the supporting records needed.
Income and family evidence
- Accepted financial certification establishing qualifying income.
- Supporting evidence of the source and required duration.
- Authentication and translation of foreign financial documents where required.
- Marriage and birth records for eligible family applicants.
Personal application documents
- Passport and required copies.
- Birth certificate and required criminal background certificate.
- Application form, supporting letter, photographs, and payment receipts.
- Local fingerprints and consular registration where applicable.
- Accepted authentication and Spanish translations of foreign documents.
Plan validity periods around filing. Our apostille guide and background check guide explain key foreign-document steps.
Legal fees and application expenses
The main-applicant legal service fee is US$1,200 in three US$400 payments. The income requirement is separate from legal fees, government payments, and document expenses.
Three payments
- US$400 at signup.
- US$400 when the application is filed.
- US$400 when residency is approved.
Your written proposal confirms the work included and the cost of any dependent applications.
Government payments
Budget for applicable filing and change-of-status charges, DIMEX documentation, and any required security deposit. The category and nationality affect the applicable payments.
Document expenses
Financial certifications, birth certificates, background checks, apostilles, translations, and shipping are separate expenses. Their cost depends on the issuing authority and documents needed.
After approval
CAJA contributions and future renewals are ongoing obligations. Request guidance for your circumstances rather than assuming a single insurance percentage applies to every applicant.
Review our government fees explanation and CAJA guide when planning your budget.
How the application moves forward
Confirm your income evidence
We review the proposed income arrangement and coordinate financial and personal documents before filing.
Submit the application
We prepare the file for DGME and follow up on the application, including requests for additional information.
Coordinate CAJA and DIMEX
After approval, complete the applicable insurance, payments, and immigration identity-document appointment.
The process graphic linked from the source page gives a 6–12 month processing estimate and 2–3 weeks for DIMEX delivery after the relevant registration steps. These are planning references, not guaranteed deadlines. Financial documentation and other preparation add time before filing; confirm current scheduling and delivery arrangements for your case.
Questions about Rentista residency
Is Rentista residency permanent?
No. Rentista is a temporary category. After three consecutive years of qualifying temporary residency, eligible applicants can request permanent residency through a separate application.
How much income do I need?
The threshold is US$2,500 per month. The published service description calls for evidence covering at least two years. We review the source and accepted certification before you arrange documents.
Is US$60,000 a government fee?
No. It is US$2,500 multiplied by 24 months. It describes the two-year income amount, not a payment to Immigration or a guarantee that any deposit arrangement will qualify.
Can I use savings or a bank deposit?
A balance alone does not establish that the financial arrangement meets the income and documentation rules. Review the proposed certification and arrangement before moving or committing funds.
Can I use employment or freelance income?
Do not assume earned income meets Rentista requirements. Describe its source and terms so we can assess the appropriate category, including whether another route fits your work plans.
Can my spouse and children apply with me?
Qualifying spouses and children can apply as dependents. Article 82 permits the principal applicant’s qualifying amount to support eligible dependents; each person still needs documents and an individual expense assessment.
Can I work in Costa Rica?
Temporary residency does not mean unrestricted permission to take local employment. Proposed work or business activities must be checked against the authorization applicable to your status.
How much are your legal fees?
The main-applicant fee is US$1,200 in three US$400 payments: signup, filing, and approval. Government charges, document expenses, and dependent applications are separate.
How long will the application take?
The linked process graphic gives a 6–12 month estimate. Preparation and post-approval steps add time. Ask for a current estimate for your circumstances; approval timing is not guaranteed.
What happens at renewal?
You need to establish ongoing compliance with the applicable category and renewal requirements. Review income evidence, insurance obligations, and document timing before the renewal deadline.
Explore the legal framework
Article 82 of Law 8764 sets out the Rentista income threshold and family provisions. Review current documentary requirements with DGME. Our complete residency guide compares the available routes, and our team page explains who will assist you.
Let’s review your Rentista residency plans
Tell us your income source, monthly amount, and whether a spouse or children will apply with you.
Request a Rentista ConsultationOur Zoho inquiry form opens next. We will contact you by email. An inquiry does not commit you to hiring us.