Residency Types

Costa Rica offers several types of residency options for foreigners, each catering to different needs and situations.  Our legal team can assist with all of the different types and will let you know which one is best for you.

Here’s an overview of the most common types:

Pensionado (Retiree) Residency

  • Who It’s For: Retirees who receive a regular pension from a government or private entity.
  • Requirements: You must prove a monthly pension income of at least $1,000 USD from a permanent source, such as Social Security or a private pension plan.
  • Benefits: Pensionado residents are allowed to import a car and household goods tax-free (with some limitations). They must reside in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Rentista (Fixed Income) Residency

  • Who It’s For: Individuals who can demonstrate a steady income but don’t qualify as retirees.
  • Requirements: You need to show a monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for a minimum of two years or make a deposit of $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank, which will be withdrawn in monthly amounts of $2,500 USD.
  • Benefits: Similar to the Pensionado residency, including tax exemptions for importing a vehicle and household goods. Rentistas must also reside in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Inversionista (Investor) Residency

  • Who It’s For: Foreigners who wish to invest in Costa Rica.
  • Requirements: You must invest at least $150,000 USD in a business, real estate, or another government-approved venture. Investments in certain areas, like reforestation, may have different thresholds.
  • Benefits: Inversionista residents must spend at least six months per year in Costa Rica. They can also apply for permanent residency after three years.

Vinculo (Family Relationship) Residency

  • Who It’s For: Foreigners who are married to a Costa Rican citizen or have a child who is a Costa Rican citizen.
  • Requirements: Proof of marriage or birth certificates must be provided. There is no minimum income requirement for this type of residency.
  • Benefits: This residency allows for work authorization in Costa Rica and is one of the more straightforward paths to residency.

Permanent Residency

  • Who It’s For: Foreigners who have held temporary residency (such as Pensionado, Rentista, or Inversionista) for at least three years or those with a close family relationship to a Costa Rican citizen (such as a spouse or child).
  • Requirements: To apply for permanent residency, you typically need to have been a temporary resident for three years or more.
  • Benefits: Permanent residents have the right to work in Costa Rica and do not need to renew their residency as frequently. They can live in the country full-time without restrictions.

Temporary Worker Residency

  • Who It’s For: Foreigners who have been offered a job in Costa Rica and have a contract with a local employer.
  • Requirements: Proof of employment with a Costa Rican company is required. The employer must sponsor the visa.
  • Benefits: This visa is usually tied to the duration of the employment contract. It allows you to work legally in Costa Rica, but you may need to renew it periodically.

Student Residency

  • Who It’s For: Foreigners who are enrolled in an educational institution in Costa Rica.
  • Requirements: Proof of enrollment in a recognized school, college, or university in Costa Rica. This visa does not typically allow for work.
  • Benefits: Students can legally reside in Costa Rica for the duration of their studies.

Digital Nomad Visa

  • Who It’s For: Remote workers or freelancers who work for companies or clients outside of Costa Rica.
  • Requirements: Proof of income of at least $3,000 USD per month for individuals or $4,000 USD per month for families.
  • Benefits: This visa allows you to live in Costa Rica for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for an additional year. It provides tax exemptions on income earned outside Costa Rica.

Each of these residency types has its own application process and documentation requirements, so it’s important to discuss which one will work best for you.

For more information, email us at info@yourcostaricacontact.com.