Costa Rica

Costa Rica Residency & Citizenship By Investment

Costa Rica offers a variety of residency-by-investment options, allowing foreign nationals to reside in this vibrant Central American nation. Below is a detailed overview of the available programs, eligibility criteria, investment requirements, application fees, and information on who can be included in the application.

Residency by Investment Options in Costa Rica

1. Investor Residency (Inversionista)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum Investment: USD 150,000 in one of the following sectors:
    • Real Estate: Purchase of property within Costa Rica.
    • Shares: Investment in an operational Costa Rican corporation.
    • Securities: Participation in the Costa Rican stock market.

 

Investment Requirements:

  • Real Estate Investment: A minimum of USD 150,000 in property.
  • Corporate Shares: Investment of at least USD 150,000 in shares of an active Costa Rican company.
  • Stock Market: Investment of USD 150,000 in Costa Rican securities.

 

Additional Details:

  • Validity: The residency permit is valid for two years and can be renewed, provided the investment is maintained.
  • Physical Presence Requirement: Residents must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
  • Path to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.

2. Retiree Residency (Pensionado)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum Monthly Pension: USD 1,000 from a government or private entity.


Additional Details:

  • Validity: The residency permit is valid for two years and can be renewed, provided the pension income continues.
  • Physical Presence Requirement: Residents must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.

 

Path to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.

3. Person of Independent Means Residency (Rentista)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum Monthly Income: USD 2,500 from investments or business.
    • Alternatively, a bank deposit of USD 60,000 in a Costa Rican bank, ensuring a monthly income of USD 2,500 for two years.

Additional Details:

  • Validity: The residency permit is valid for two years and can be renewed, provided the income requirements are met.
  • Physical Presence Requirement: Residents must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
  • Path to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.

 

Who Can Be Included in the Application?

  • Spouse: Legally married partner of the principal applicant.
  • Children:
    • Under 18 years old.
    • Unmarried and financially dependent children between 18 and 25 years old.
    • Children of any age with disabilities.

Application Fees and Additional Costs

Government Fees:

  • Main Applicant: Approximately USD 2,815.
  • Dependents: Approximately USD 1,685 per dependent.

Other Expenses:

  • Immigration Fees:
    • Deposit of USD 200 at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR).
    • Deposit of USD 50 at BCR.
    • Deposit of 1,000 colones at BCR.
  • Documentation:
    • Application letter and special power of attorney.
    • Directorate of Immigration information consent letter.
    • Four passport-size photographs.
  • Legal and Processing Fees:
    • Costs can range between USD 250 to USD 500 per person, depending on the complexity of the application.

Application Process

Document Preparation:

Gather all required documents, including proof of investment or income, valid passport, clear criminal record, and other necessary certifications.

Submission:

Submit the application and supporting documents to the Costa Rican Immigration Department.

Approval:

Upon approval, register with the Costa Rican social security system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) within 90 days.

Residency Permit Issuance:

Receive a temporary residency permit valid for two years.

Renewal:

Renew the residency permit every two years, ensuring all requirements continue to be met.

Permanent Residency:

After three years of temporary residency, apply for permanent residency, which allows employment without restrictions.

Citizenship:

After seven years of residency, apply for Costa Rican citizenship.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Immigration, residency, and citizenship programs, as well as tax policies, are subject to change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee that all information reflects the latest legal and regulatory developments.
To ensure you receive the most current and relevant information for your specific situation, we strongly recommend scheduling a strategy consultation with our experts. This allows us to provide you with tailored advice and guidance based on the latest updates to your program of interest.
Bluewater Immigration does not provide legal or tax advice. Any decisions based on the information on this website should be made in consultation with qualified legal, financial, or tax professionals.

For personalized guidance and the latest updates, contact us directly.

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