Costarican Info - Residency in Costa Rica

Residency in Costa Rica

Residency You can legally stay in Costa Rica as a tourist for up to three months. You may own property, start a business or make investments as a tourist. Residency is much easier to acquire in Cost Rica than it is in the US.

There are five different residency programs We know many Americans, Canadians and other foreigners who started businesses as tourists. If you plan to reside in Costa Rica full-time, however, one of Costa Rica’s residency programs will appeal to you.


Pensionado

  • Requires proof of US$600 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
  • Must remain in Costa Rica at least 4 months per year.
  • Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
  • Cannot work as an employee.
  • Can own a company and receive income.


Rentista

  • Requires proof of US$1000 per month income for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution, OR a US$60,000 deposit in an approved Costa Rican bank.
  • Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
  • Cannot work as an employee.
  • Can own a company and receive income.


Investor

  • Investment of US$50,000 in approved sectors such as tourism or export, $100,000 in reforestation, or $200,000 in any other business.
  • Must remain in Costa Rica at least 6 months per year.
  • Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
  • Income allowed from the project.
  • Can own a company and receive income.


Representante

  • Applicant must be director of a company meeting certain requirements, such as employing a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a Public Accountant.
  • Must remain in country at least 6 months per year.
  • Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
  • Can earn an income from the company.
  • Can own a company and receive income.
  • Permanent Residency Costa Rica
  • First degree relative status with a Costa Rican Citizen (through marriage to citizen or having a Costa Rican child).
  • Must visit Costa Rica at least once per year.
  • Can work.