To gain legal residency in Costa Rica, you generally start with temporary residency, which transitions to permanent residency after three years.
Key Temporary Residency Pathways
Inversionista (Investor): Requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in real estate, a business, or approved assets.
Pensionado (Retiree): Requires proof of a permanent, lifetime pension or retirement income of at least $1,000/month.
Rentista (Fixed Income): Requires proof of a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 for two years (often via a $60,000 bank deposit).
Vínculo (Family Relationship): Available if you are immediate family to a Costa Rican citizen (spouse or child).
Required Documentation:
(All foreign documents must be issued within six months of submission, apostilled (or notarized), and officially translated into Spanish in Costa Rica)
Letter of intent to buy land in Costa Rica and a statement that your money has been acquired legally by you. Then you need to get this notarized by your local bank and then sent to a certified apostille which will make the document official in other countries
Birth certificate
Proof of income or qualifying investment.
Marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse).
Application Process:
Submit File: File the application with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) while in Costa Rica under a valid tourist visa.
Provisional Status: Once filed, you receive an expediente (file number) allowing you to legally stay in the country while awaiting approval (typically 9 to 15 months).
Registration & DIMEX: Once approved, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA) and schedule an appointment to receive your DIMEX identity card.
Note: Temporary residency generally prohibits working as an employee in Costa Rica (though owning a business or working remotely for foreign clients is allowed). Permanent residency removes working restrictions.
FAQs
Can foreigners buy?
Yes, foreigners can own property in Costa Rica without restrictions.
What are the steps?
Decide which of Costa Rica's many microclimates you would like to live in and if you are looking for a house on the property or just land. We will do a thorough search based on your preferences, send you pictures and videos online and then you can come for a visit to see your top three or five.
Any tips for buyers?
Work with local lawyers to handle due diligence and contracts, verify property titles carefully, and consider the community and environment you would like to live in.
How long does it take?
Typically, the process takes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing.
Are there taxes?
Yes, expect annual property taxes to budget for.
What about financing options?
Financing is limited locally; many buyers pay cash or arrange loans through their home country.
Welcome to Your Gateway to Paradise
Helping you find your dream property in Costa Rica with expert guidance every step of the way.
Top 10 reasons to move to Costa Rica
Pura Vida Lifestyle: The local culture emphasizes a relaxed, low-stress, and community-focused approach to daily life.
Incredible Biodiversity: Microclimates range from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to pristine Pacific and Caribbean beaches to volcanos and hot springs.
World-Class Healthcare: Costa Rica offers high-quality, affordable public (Caja) and private healthcare options.
Stable Democracy: Known as the "Switzerland of Central America," it has a long history of political stability and no standing military.
Strong Focus on Sustainability: Over 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources, and a vast portion of the country is protected national parkland.
Ideal Climate: Year-round warm weather allows for an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle and fresh local produce.
Clean, Abundant water: Drinking unpurified water won't make you sick
Huge variety of native fruit trees, veggies and tubers that grow very well in the rich volcanic soil.
Contact
Call Erik Rogers today to discuss your Costa Rican dream home
Phone
Info@Gateway2Paradise.com
+506 8828 6811
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