Costa Rica has increasingly attracted foreigners searching for a peaceful and secure lifestyle with ample opportunities. Its tropical weather, stable democracy, and high quality of life make it a preferred destination for thousands of individuals each year who want to relocate and establish a new life here.
Navigating the immigration process, however, can be complicated without accurate guidance. At American Law Partners, an international law firm specializing in immigration law, our bilingual attorneys have helped hundreds of clients successfully obtain residency in Costa Rica.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on obtaining residency in Costa Rica, detailing residency types, requirements, procedural steps, and estimated timelines.
Main Types of Residency in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers several residency options tailored to the needs of applicants. Knowing which category fits your situation is the first step toward a successful immigration procedure.
- Residency by Family Relationship: This option applies to spouses, children, or parents of Costa Rican citizens, making it easier for families to settle in the country together.
- Investor Residency: Applicants must invest at least $150,000 USD (about ₡76,517,366), as stipulated by Law No. 9996. This includes real estate, business ventures, or other qualified projects. This residency type promotes foreign investment and is suitable for investors and entrepreneurs.
- Pensioner Residency: For retirees with a minimum pension of $1,000 USD per month, this option allows seniors to enjoy Costa Rica’s high quality of life while maintaining a stable income.
- Rentier Residency: Applicants must demonstrate a reliable monthly income of $2,500 USD for at least five years, guaranteed by a recognized bank after depositing $150,000 USD. This category often covers family expenses as well.
- Residency for Remote Workers (“Digital Nomads”): This newer residency type enables foreign professionals to reside in Costa Rica while working remotely for international companies, reflecting Costa Rica’s modern approach to global work trends.
Requirements to Apply for Residency in Costa Rica
Applicants must provide a set of documents to the Director of Immigration of Costa Rica. Standard requirements include:
- Formal application detailing personal information, purpose, and current address.
- Official application form (available at Immigration and Foreign Affairs).
- Valid passport (original and copy).
- Criminal background certificate from your country of origin, apostilled. U.S. citizens must obtain this from the FBI.
- Proof of financial solvency according to the residency type.
- Payment of government immigration fees.
- Consular registration at the applicant’s country consulate in Costa Rica.
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, and criminal background certificates are valid for six months. Documents not in Spanish must be translated by a licensed Costa Rican translator. Applicants also undergo fingerprinting at the Ministry of Public Security, initiating local and international background checks through INTERPOL.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Residency
Although the process may seem intricate, proper preparation and guidance from experienced attorneys make it manageable. The standard procedure includes:
- Determine the Type of Residency: Our bilingual attorneys assess your situation to choose the residency category that best fits your needs.
- Prepare the Documentation: We gather and review all required documents to ensure compliance with Costa Rican immigration law.
- Submit the Application: We file your application with the Director of Immigration of Costa Rica, reducing delays and errors.
- Ongoing Follow-Up: Our team monitors the case closely, addressing any issues that may arise during the immigration procedure.
- Approval and Issuance of Residency ID: Once approved, we guide you through the final stage to obtain your residency ID, completing your transition to living in Costa Rica.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
- Submitting expired or incomplete documents
- Forgetting apostilles or proper translations
- Filing applications without legal review, causing costly delays
How Long Does It Take to Establish Residency in Costa Rica?
The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of residency and the workload of immigration authorities. With the expertise of American Law Partners, an international law firm, we often streamline this process, helping clients access their new life in Costa Rica faster.
Take the Next Step Today!
Whether you are an international client, an investor, or a professional looking to relocate, American Law Partners is ready to guide you through every step of obtaining residency in Costa Rica.
Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward living in one of the world’s most beautiful and welcoming countries.
WhatsApp: +506 6195-2407 | 
Email: info@americanlawpartners.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of residency are available in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers family, investor, pensioner, rentier, and remote worker (“digital nomad”) residency categories.
- How much money is required for investor residency?
The minimum investment is $150,000 USD (approximately ₡76,517,366) according to Law No. 9996.
- How long does the residency process take?
Typically, the process takes 6–12 months, depending on the type of residency requested.
- Do foreign documents need to be apostilled?
Yes, all documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized by the Costa Rican Consulate in the issuing country.
- Can I work in Costa Rica while my residency is pending?
Generally, no. You may reside legally while your application is processed, but work rights are limited until residency is approved.
- Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Once approved, all residents must enroll in the Costa Rican social security system (CCSS) and contribute monthly.
About the Author
This article was written by Terry Steele, Attorney in Costa Rica (cédula de identidad 08-0111-0536, bar license 36269).
With over 35 years of residency in Costa Rica and extensive experience advising international clients in real estate, corporate law, and cross-border investments, Terry specializes in helping foreigners navigate property purchases and residency applications with confidence.
