Have you thought about coming to live in Costa Rica? Learn about the legal ways to reside in Costa Rica as a foreigner. Depending on the purpose or activities they intend to perform within the country, foreigners have several options for temporary or permanent residency. These include options for investors, retirees, pensioners, relatives of Costa Ricans, employees, and digital nomads.

This article will explain these residency options for foreigners in Costa Rica.

• Main requirements: Investment of $150,000 in approved sectors, such as tourism or exports; $100,000 in reforestation; or $150,000 in real estate, shares of an operating Costa Rican company, or productive or national interest projects. Investors must prove ownership of and the value of their assets in Costa Rica.
• Initial Duration: A temporary license is valid for two years and is renewable.
• Renewal/permanent: Renewed every two years as long as the investment remains active.
• Benefits/Restrictions: You must have stayed in the country for at least six months per year. You may receive income as a salaried employee and own a company and receive income.

• Main requirements: A fixed life pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Apostilled pension certificate required.
• Initial Duration: A temporary card is valid for two years and can be renewed.
• Renewal/permanent: Renewed every two years as long as the pension is maintained.
• Benefits/Restrictions: The pensioned resident must have stayed in the country for a minimum of four months per year. Pensioned residents can be affiliated with the public health system (CCSS), own a business, and receive income; however, they cannot work as salaried employees.

• Main requirements: – Stable foreign income of at least $2,500 USD per month for two years. Proof of this income can be provided by a bank or certified accountant’s letter. Alternatively, you can deposit US$60,000 in a bank account at an approved Costa Rican bank.
• Initial Duration: Temporary ID valid for three years, renewable.
• Renewal/permanent: Renewable every three years.
• Benefits/Restrictions: Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application. A resident can open businesses in Costa Rica and receive passive income without any problem. They must also remain in the country for at least four months per year.

• Main requirements: – Proof of relationship with a Costa Rican citizen (e.g., marriage certificate, de facto union registration, or birth certificate with parents’ names). This applies to spouses, minor children, disabled children, parents, or minor siblings of a Costa Rican citizen.
• Initial Duration: In practice, it begins with temporary authorizations. By law, it corresponds to “permanent residence by bond,” but the authorities usually grant temporary, renewable cédulas for two years for the first three years.
• Renewal/permanent: Renewed every two years for the first three years. After that period, free permanent residence status is consolidated (or directly according to law).
• Benefits/Restrictions: You must visit the country at least once a year and you may own a company, receive a salary, and receive income. It grants permanent residence (free status) and unrestricted living (it only subtracts the right to vote).

• Main requirements: Be a remote worker or service provider based outside of Costa Rica with a minimum monthly foreign income of $3,000 ($4,000 if including dependents).
• Initial Duration: One-year permit
• Renewal/permanent: Renewable for another year. After up to two years, you may evaluate other immigration options, but this visa does not lead directly to permanent residency.
• Benefits/Restrictions: Exemption from local taxes on foreign income and the ability to open domestic bank accounts. You can import work equipment with lower tariffs. It does not authorize working for Costa Rican employers or pursuing regular studies as an initial residence.

• Main requirements: A formal employment offer in Costa Rica. The company must process the foreign worker as a “specific occupation worker,” presenting a labor letter detailing the reasons for the position, its activities, and the duration of the contract. The employer’s identity card, the company’s solvency, and other standard documents (passport, criminal record, etc.) will also be required.
• Initial Duration: Usually granted for the duration of the employment contract, up to two to three years depending on the case.
• Renewal/permanent: Renewable as long as the employment continues. After working with a continuous contract for several years (approximately 3-5 years, depending on regulatory changes), the worker may apply for permanent residency.
• Benefits/Restrictions: The permit allows you to reside and work only for the authorized employer. If you change jobs, you must apply for a new permit. There are no special restrictions beyond the above.

• Main requirements: Hold temporary residence in Costa Rica for the required time (generally three consecutive years in the same migratory category) or have a close family relationship with a Costa Rican citizen. The common requirements must be met (e.g., health, no criminal record, etc.), and minimum economic solvency must be demonstrated.
• Initial Duration: The permanent residency card is indefinite and renewed every 10 years. In practice, it gives “free status.”
• Renewal/Permanent: Since it is permanent, it is technically no longer renewed under the same conditions. It remains in force with ID renewals without a review of requirements.
• Benefits/Restrictions: A permanent resident receives “free status” with no employment or residency restrictions. They basically have the same rights as nationals, except the right to vote.

In conclusion, obtaining an extended stay permit in Costa Rica is relatively simple if you have the necessary documentation and evidence to support your reason for staying in the country. Similarly, the digital nomad visa has gained popularity in recent years and is highly attractive to young people from many parts of the world.

At Nativu, our advisors provide the best service to help you find your ideal home in Costa Rica. As part of this process, we provide relevant information on how to apply for residency in Costa Rica. Contact our advisors to learn more about available Costa Rican properties.