RESIDENCY CATEGORIES

RESIDENCY FOR RETIRED PEOPLE

If you, or your spouse, are receiving a lifetime monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD per month (individually) you could qualify for temporary residency as a retired person in Costa Rica.

Under this category, the principal applicant is allowed to obtain residency for additional family members such as spouse, parents, and children. While the $1,000 USD will cover the family, you cannot combine the spouse’s pensions to reach the minimum $1,000 USD.

RESIDENCY FOR PEOPLE WITH FIXED INCOME

If you, or your spouse, receive an income of at least $2,500 USD per month ($30,000 per year), individually, you could qualify for temporary residency as a person with fixed income in Costa Rica.

Under this category, the principal applicant is allowed to obtain residency for additional family members such as spouse, parents, and children.

RESIDENCY FOR INVESTORS

If you, or your spouse, have invested $200,000 USD in qualifying projects, or $100,000 USD in a forestry project, individually, you could qualify for temporary residency as an investor in Costa Rica.

Under this category, the principal applicant is allowed to obtain residency for additional family members such as spouse, parents, and children.

RESIDENCY THROUGH MARRIAGE

If you are married to a Costa Rican citizen are eligible for temporary residence through marriage.

• The temporary residency under the Marriage Category is valid for one year.
• It can be renewed for additional one-year periods.
• After three years of holding temporary residency, you will become eligible for permanent residency.

RESIDENCY FOR PARENTS OF COSTA RICANS

If you are the parent of a child or children born in Costa Rica, or who are Costa Rica citizens, you could qualify for permanent residency as a parent of a Costa Rican.

Any dependent minor children who are not Costa Rican citizens are allowed to obtain residency as dependents.

RESIDENCY FOR SELF EMPLOYED SKILLED WORKER

The name is very self-explanatory. This category is available for people who are self-employed and possess some sort of skill. Regarding the skill, the law means any sort of skill the person has acquired either through education or experience. Any kind of professional who has graduated from college or technical school can qualify for this category, as well of people who are experts in any given industry regardless of whether they went to school or not.

Special Category for Self Employed People with a Registered Business
Unlike the previous category which is applicable to people who have a skill, in this category, the skill does not matter. The main requirement is to have a registered operating business.