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The Legal Side of Costa Rica

Featuring Articles Written by Oscar Hernandez, Attorney

Oscar Hernandez is an Immigration Attorney

Located in San Jose, Costa Rica. He & His Team at

Expat Legal Advisors understand the needs

of the Expat who has begun a NEW LIFE in Costa Rica.

They know that the best way to enjoy the Pura Vida Lifestyle is to

have complete knowledge of the Laws of the Land. .

Understanding the Law & Living the Dream. .

Living the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica means more than enjoying its beaches, jungles and peaceful rhythm.

It means embracing a new way of life built on respect, knowledge and connection.

At Expat Legal Advisors, we believe that the more you understand the laws of the land,

the more fully and confidently you can enjoy the beauty of your new home.

These insightful articles, written by Attorney Oscar Hernández, who practices law in San José,

are designed to guide you through the legal landscape of Costa Rica with clarity and purpose.

From legal residency & real estate to healthcare & daily living, Oscar’s experience and dedication help demystify complex legal topics, empowering expats to make informed decisions

and live freely within the framework of Costa Rican law.

Knowledge is Peace of Mind. . and Peace of Mind is Pura Vida. .

Here, you’ll find practical wisdom, trusted guidance and the tools to help you thrive

as a well-informed member of Costa Rica’s expat community.

Enjoy this Article

Written Especially

for You. .

The Step-by-Step Guide in

Getting Legal Residency in Costa Rica. .

Gaining legal residency in Costa Rica is an achievable goal for many expats, offering benefits such as long-term stability, access to healthcare, and the freedom to stay without frequent visa runs. Costa Rica provides several residency categories to meet different needs. This guide focuses on three popular options—Pensionado (Retiree), Rentista (Fixed Income), and Inversionista (Investor)—and explains the requirements and application process for each.

Pensionado (Retiree Residency) is designed for individuals who receive a lifetime pension or retirement income. This category typically suits U.S. Social Security recipients, military or government pensioners, and private company retirees. The key requirement is that the pension must be guaranteed for life. One-time lump sums or retirement programs like 401(k)s do not qualify since Costa Rica requires a lifelong monthly benefit. Applicants must demonstrate a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD per month for life, coming from sources such as Social Security or a government or private pension. For married couples, only one pension of $1,000 is required to cover both spouses. Pensionado residents are granted temporary residency for a two-year term, renewable, and can apply for permanent residency after three years. They cannot work as employees but may own a business or earn investment income. Required documentation includes a letter from the pension administrator certifying the lifetime benefit, duly apostilled and translated into Spanish.

Rentista (Fixed Income Residency) applies to individuals who are not necessarily retired but can prove stable, recurring income from abroad, such as rental income, dividends, or trust distributions (salary does not qualify). Applicants must prove a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for a minimum of 24 months, certified by a financial institution. The income must come from non-employment sources and be deposited in Costa Rica through the national banking system. The former option of depositing $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank as proof of income has been eliminated. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) now requires evidence of an actual recurring monthly income. Rentista residents are granted temporary status for two years, renewable, and may apply for permanent residency after three years. They cannot work as employees but may own businesses or receive passive income. Required documentation includes a bank certification letter guaranteeing the $2,500 monthly income for 24 months.

Inversionista (Investor Residency) is for individuals who invest significantly in Costa Rica, typically in real estate, businesses, or government-approved projects. As of 2023, the minimum investment is $150,000 USD (reduced from $200,000 under Law No. 9996). Qualifying investments include real estate purchases, shares in a company, new business ventures, or investments in government-approved initiatives like reforestation or sustainable tourism. Investor residents receive temporary residency for a two-year term, renewable, and may apply for permanent residency after three years. They cannot work as employees but may manage or earn income from their investment. Proof of investment must be provided—such as a property deed, share certificate, or equivalent document recognized under Costa Rican law.

Common Application Steps for All Categories include gathering the required documents—passport, birth certificate, criminal background check (e.g., FBI report for U.S. citizens), marriage certificate if applicable, and recent photos. All documents must be issued within six months, apostilled, and translated into Spanish. Category-specific documents include a pension letter for Pensionado, a bank certification for Rentista, and investment proof for Inversionista. Applications are submitted to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) in San José, with government fees paid upon filing. Processing generally takes 9–12 months, though investor cases may take longer. During this period, applicants can remain in Costa Rica legally even if their tourist visa expires.

After approval, applicants must pay a refundable guarantee deposit (equal to the cost of a return flight home), register for CCSS health insurance, and obtain their DIMEX residency card, valid for two years and renewable.

Costa Rica’s residency options provide a welcoming path for those wishing to make the country their home. Meeting the financial requirements and following each step carefully can lead to a smooth transition from temporary to permanent residency, unlocking the full “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Because regulations can change, it’s wise to consult an experienced immigration attorney for up-to-date advice.

Need Expert Guidance?

At Expat Legal Advisors, we specialize in Costa Rican immigration, residency, and investment law. Our legal team provides full assistance with document preparation, immigration filings, translations, and coordination with DGME. If you’re ready to begin your residency process or determine which category fits best, schedule a complimentary consultation at https://calendly.com/legal-expatlegaladvisors

. We’ll handle every step—so you can focus on your move and enjoy Costa Rica with peace of mind.

Lic. Oscar Andrés López Hernández

Attorney-at-Law

Expat Legal Advisors