Migration Categories

Temporary residents. Two years.

A - Residency through ties
This category applies to all foreigner nationals who can demonstrate ties, through consanguinity or first-degree relationship with a Costa Rican, through marriage or a child born in Costa Rican territory.

B- Residency through a business company recognized by the Department of Immigration
To apply for this condition, it is necessary to be an employee of a company that is registered in the Costa Rica Department of Immigration Migration Services as Recognized. This category holds special privileges in relation to other categories, such as less requirements and a lower time frame for application resolutions. This category applies for all applicants' family members. All children must be minors.

C- Temporary Residency for Renters
This category applies to foreign nationals with stable and permanent monthly incomes, generated outside Costa Rica or from banks affiliated to the National Banking System of Costa Rica, for an amount no less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500), includes application for all family members and minor children.

D –Residency for Retired People
This category applies to the foreign national receiving a pension, with a stable and permanent monthly minimum amount of one thousand dollars or United States legal tender ($1000) or its equivalent in colones and other international currencies accepted by the Central Bank of Costa Rica.


E - Temporary Residency for Investors
This applies to the foreign national who wishes to have an investment project for more than two hundred thousand dollars or United State legal tender ($200,000). This project must be related to investments that contribute to the country's economic development, such as residential homes, lots or building acquisitions.

According to the latest resolution of the Costa Rican Department of Immigration Services (August 28, 2009), the investment project for the foreign national wishing to reside in Costa Rica must be equal or superior to $200,000 dollars or United State legal tender. This investment may be in the form of Real Estate, Stock, Securities, and productive projects or of national interest. This investment must be properly registered in the Direct Taxation Department at the Ministry of Treasury.

F - Temporary Residency for Executives and Directors or for specific activities.
This category applies to all executives, directors or representatives of specific companies. All companies not recognized by the Department of Immigration Services are eligible to apply.

Permanent residency.

A - The foreign national, the spouse and first degree consanguinity relatives who have enjoyed a temporary residence for three consecutive years.