Obtaining a Costa Rica residence permit opens the door to a vibrant and enchanting lifestyle in this tropical haven, where lush landscapes and warm hospitality await. Explore the possibilities of calling Costa Rica home with ease and tranquility.
What is required for a residence permit in Costa Rica?
To secure a residence permit in Costa Rica, you need to initiate the process at the Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). Before doing so, it's essential to acquire a provisional visa from a Costa Rican consulate in your home country or the nearest consulate if one is not available locally.
Residence permit in Costa Rica: special category
Costa Rica offers two primary categories of residence permits: permanent and temporary. A Permanent Costa Rica Residence Permit is granted based on familial ties or after three years of residing in the country with a temporary permit. Temporary permits cater to a diverse range of purposes, including retirement (Pensionado), investment (Inversionista), spousal affiliation, and employment in various capacities. Notably, while a permanent permit is indefinite and grants rights similar to those of a Costa Rican citizen, temporary permits are issued for a maximum of two years, may not automatically confer work rights, and require renewal. Eligibility for a permanent permit is limited to those with blood relations to a Costa Rican, while others may apply after three years of temporary residency.
Residence permit in Costa Rica: requirements
When Applying for a Provisional Visa at the Consulate
Letter of Application:
Personal Documents:
Family Relationship Proof (if applicable):
Photographs:
Financial Proof:
- Addressed to the Consul of Costa Rica.
- Clearly state the request for a Residency Provisional Visa.
- Include personal details: full name, nationality, birthplace and date, passport number, arrival details in Costa Rica, address in Costa Rica, occupation, and contact information.
- Explain the reason for seeking a Costa Rica residence permit.
Personal Documents:
- Birth certificate.
- Certificate of police clearance from your country.
- Valid passport and copies of all passport pages, including blank ones.
Family Relationship Proof (if applicable):
- If you have a Costa Rican relative, provide a birth/marriage certificate proving the family relationship from the Civil Registry of Costa Rica (not older than two months).
Photographs:
- Three recent passport-size pictures.
Financial Proof:
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means.
When Applying for a Residence Permit at the Immigration Department
Application Form (Formulario de Filiación).
Letter of Application:
Additional Documents:
Letter of Application:
- Addressed to the head of immigration with the same details as the consulate letter.
- Do not sign; sign it in front of the Immigration official during the application.
Additional Documents:
- Proof of registration with the Costa Rica consulate.
- Birth certificate.
- Certificate of police clearance from your country.
- Valid passport and notarized copies of all passport pages after arrival in Costa Rica.
- Family relationship proof if you have a Costa Rican relative (not older than two months).
- Three recent passport-size pictures.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Proof of paid residence permit application fee.
- Any documents related to the purpose of travel (e.g., proof of investment, retirement, employment contract).
Do I have to leave every 90 days once I start my residency?
If you are in Costa Rica under a tourist visa, it is mandatory to exit the country every 90 days. This practice is commonly referred to as "border runs." Conversely, individuals holding a valid residency permit are exempt from the requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
How much does it cost to apply for residence permit in Costa Rica?
To obtain a residence permit in Costa Rica, there is a mandatory fee of $50, and an additional $200 is required to convert your visa into residency.
How long does residence permit take in Costa Rica?
The processing of applications can take anywhere from three months to a year.
