Temporary and
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Find here the information of the General Direction of Immigration of Costa Rica about temporary and permanent residences, as well as the Special Categories

 

General information about Temporary Residency

In order to apply for a temporary residence in Costa Rica, remember that you have to legalize at the Consulate the birth certificate, criminal record check, and certifications of income for pension plans and permanent rent generated abroad, in the case of applications to temporary residency as retired or rentier, respectively.  Please review the section “Legalization of Documents” to have the documents properly signed before sending them to the Consulate.

For the application to temporary Residency as Retiree (“Pensionado”), the applicant must prove a life-income of US$1.000 per month generated by a pension plan abroad.

For the application to temporary Residency as Rentier (“Rentista”), the applicant must prove a permanent and stable income of US$2.500 per month, for a minimum period of five years.

All foreigners wishing to acquire a temporary residence have to register at the Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS) and pay the corresponding fees.

You will find below details about each category of temporary residence provided in the national legislation, with a complete list of corresponding requirements.

 

1. Temporary residence as an investor (in spanish)
2. Temporary residence as Retiree (in spanish)
3. Temporary residence for religious (in spanish)
4. Temporary residence as Rentier (in spanish)
5. Temporary residence for scientists, professionals, technicians   and their dependents (in spanish)
6. Temporary Residence for staff correspondents and news agencies (in spanish)
7. Temporary residence for athletes (in spanish)
8. Temporary residence for executives, agents, managers and technical staff (in spanish)
9. Temporary Residence for specialized technicians (in spanish)
10. Temporary Residence for self-employed worker (in spanish)
11. Temporary Residence for specialized dependent workers (in spanish)
12. Temporary Residence for spouses of Costa Rican citizens (in spanish)