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Visa & Residency Options in Costa Rica (2026 Guide)

Costa Rica offers four clear legal pathways for expats — the Pensionado visa for retirees, the Rentista visa for those with savings or passive income, the Inversionista visa for investors, and the Digital Nomad visa for remote workers. Most Americans qualify for at least one of them.

The three main residency categories all lead to permanent residency after three years and Costa Rican citizenship after seven. This guide covers every step — which visa fits your situation, exactly what documents you need, what the process costs, and what happens once you're approved.