🌎 Visa & Residency Options in Costa Rica

Thinking about making Costa Rica your new home? 🏝️ Whether you’re coming for a few months, a year, or the long haul, understanding your visa and residency options is key. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can plan with confidence.

✈️ Tourist Stay

U.S. citizens can stay up to 180 days without a visa.
Many other countries have 90-day stays, so always double-check your passport country rules.
You must show proof of onward travel (like a return ticket).

👉 Tip: Tourist visas can’t officially be “renewed” inside the country. Many do a “border run,” but keep in mind immigration officers may question frequent exits and re-entries.

👉 Great for: Scouting trips, seasonal stays, or testing out life in Costa Rica.

👩‍💼 Digital Nomad Visa

Yes, Costa Rica still has a Digital Nomad Visa 🖥️☕.

Allows you to live in Costa Rica for 1 year (renewable to 2).
You must show a steady monthly income of at least $3,000 USD (or $4,000 for families).
Income must come from outside Costa Rica.

This is perfect if you work remotely and want to enjoy Costa Rica without constantly leaving for visa runs. 🌴

💰 Investor Residency

Want to put down deeper roots? Consider Investor Residency:

You must invest at least $150,000 USD in Costa Rica (real estate is the most common choice).
Investment must be in your personal name — not a corporation.

👉 Recommendation: Always consult with a qualified attorney in Costa Rica before purchasing property or investing in a business. There are pros and cons to investing as an individual versus a corporation, and local experts are critical in helping you choose the right structure for your goals.

💼 Rentista (Fixed Income Residency)

Must show at least $2,500 per month guaranteed income for 2 years, OR
Deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.
Renewable every two years.

👉 Great for: Self-employed people, business owners, or those without a pension but with stable income.

🧾 Pensionado Residency

For retirees ready to relax:

You need a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month.
Popular with U.S. Social Security recipients and other government or company pensions.
Spouse and dependents can be included.

👉 Great for: Retirees with steady pension income who want a straightforward path to residency.

⭐Each of these programs starts you off with temporary residency, but they can all lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship:

⏳ Temporary Residency

Granted for 2 years, renewable.
You must continue to meet the conditions of your residency type (pension, rentista deposit, or maintaining your investment).
Lets you live full-time, apply for a local driver’s license, open bank accounts, and enroll in Costa Rica’s healthcare system (Caja).

🌱 Permanent Residency

After 3 years of holding temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
No more need to show proof of pension, deposits, or maintain the minimum $150K investment — those requirements drop away.
Permanent residents enjoy nearly the same rights as citizens, except voting.

⭐Citizenship

After 7 years as a permanent resident (or 5 years if married to a Costa Rican), you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship grants you a Costa Rican passport and full rights, including voting.
Dual citizenship is allowed, so you don’t have to give up your original nationality.

👉 In short: Whether you enter Costa Rica through the Investor, Rentista, or Pensionado program, the path is the same — Temporary Residency ➝ Permanent Residency ➝ Citizenship.

✨ Tips for Success

✔️ Start early — paperwork can move slowly in Costa Rica.
✔️ Use a trusted immigration attorney to avoid delays.
✔️ Keep copies of everything you submit.
✔️ Learn some Spanish — it helps a lot when dealing with local offices.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Assuming tourist visas are unlimited—immigration tracks entries and exits.
❌ Starting the residency process without all documents apostilled from your home country.
❌ Investing through a corporation if applying under the Investor option—it must be in your personal name.
❌ Relying on rumors—rules do change, so always confirm before acting.

⚖️ Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration laws in Costa Rica may change, and requirements can vary based on your nationality and personal situation. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney or official government source before making decisions.