residence permits

So you have decided to live for a while or even permanently in our beautiful Costa Rica? First of all, congratulations!
Below you will find information about the currently valid laws and regulations, but please note that these are subject to constant change. However, we are happy to help you choose the right choice and the right path!

However, we are happy to help you make the right choice and find the right path!

“Winter” in Costa Rica as a “tourist”

Since March 2010, people who just want to “overwinter” in Costa Rica have been able to do so with their tourist visa. This is clearly encouraged by the new law. With an EU, Swiss or American passport you can extend it for another 90 days after the first 90 days, but unfortunately this is a complex procedure.

Important; If you stay in Costa Rica illegally, you will now be charged a fine of USD 100 for each month of illegality. In addition, an entry ban is imposed for three times the length of illegal stay (in days).

Residence permit / Residencia in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not see itself as an immigration country like Paraguay, South Africa or Panama, where you can get a permanent residence permit for little money, often with a corresponding work permit.
On May 17, 2012, the new Costa Rican immigration law came into force. Advantages can be found primarily in the areas of entry for families with children as well as in tourist visas.

Pensioner / Pensioner – Pensionado

• Requires proof of US-$ 1000 per month from pensions and pensions.
• Must stay in the country at least 4 months per year.
• Spouses and dependents under 18 are eligible.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
• After 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.

People who are suitable for such a residence permit must provide proof that they receive at least USD 1,000 in pension per month. With such a permit you have the right to carry out independent work under your own name (e.g. freelancer).
After three years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
In addition, you also need proof of membership in the “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social” (state health insurance company)!

Income from abroad – Rentista

• The applicant must demonstrate monthly income of at least $2,500 for at least 2 years. The easiest way is to make a notarized deposit at a bank and agree that 2,500 US dollars per month will be transferred to Costa Rica from this account. It is also necessary to change the 2,500 US dollars per month into the local currency Colones. One amount covers the entire family.
• Must stay in the country at least 4 months per year.
• Spouses and dependents under 18 are eligible.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
• After 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.

Since permanent residency can only be applied for after 3 years, you may have to show another 60,000 $ after two years.

If you are not yet retired, you have the opportunity to provide proof of income from abroad of at least USD 2,500 per month (guaranteed for Monday for the next five 2 years) and can therefore apply for a corresponding permit. This permit includes spouses and children. For families with two children, for example, the costs for the residence permit are therefore cheaper than before.
With this permit you can also carry out self-employed work under your name.
After three years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
In addition, you also need proof of membership in the “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social” (health insurance company)!

Business Investment – Inversionista

• Investment of at least $150,000 in a property, business, stock fund, reforestation, etc.
• Must stay in the country at least 6 months per year.
• Spouses and dependents over 18 are not eligible.
• Income from the project is allowed.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
• After 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.

Requirements for the recognition of income from commercial operations:
– Excerpt from the commercial register and certification (the company must have existed for a long time)
- Confirmation from the tax advisor that the company exists and generates income, this must be certified by the notary plus certification (apostille) at the regional court.
-Confirmation from the IHK that the company exists and certification from the IHK

Tip: Only have this type of residency carried out by a lawyer who has proven experience with this type of residence permit.

You can apply for this residence permit if you make an investment of at least USD 150,000. However, it should be noted that various requirements are imposed here and legal fees are incurred. As a rule, there is a very complex process behind this type of approval. All business activities must also be disclosed and a detailed business plan must be drawn up.

Marriage of a citizen or kinship

By marrying a Costa Rican citizen, you can go through a simple approval process and then have a permanent residence permit. If you become or are the parent of a child (who is a Costa Rican citizen), you will also be included in this simplified procedure, but DNA evidence must be provided!
A Costa Rican citizen (should be a lawyer) must vouch for you and apply for the residence permit.

naturalization

1. – By marriage:
• Marriage to a Costa Rican citizen.
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.

• After 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.

Naturalization or obtaining citizenship in Costa Rica is acquired through birth or marriage. 
In addition, if you already have a valid residence permit, you can acquire citizenship through a corresponding procedure after a period of 7 years! But be careful: not many countries allow dual citizenship!

2. – Vínculo in first degree relatives
• First degree relationship (child/parents, unmarried siblings)
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
• Can work.
• Can own a business and receive income.
• Permanent residency from the start and you can work with this residency.

The procedure is relatively complex.
It is therefore necessary to contact the Costa Rican embassy in your home country before taking such a step. Information about which documents are required can be found on the website of the Embassy of Costa Rica:http://www.botschaft-costa-rica.de/cms/de/node/52

Further information at:

Migration from Costa Rica: http://www.migracion.go.cr/

http://www.costaricalaw.com/Immigration-and-Residency/
services
http://www.ambassador-costarica.de/index…89&lang=de
ARCR (Casa Canada); http://www.arcr.net/ 

Certification of certificates/documents (apostille)

At the end of 2011, Costa Rica also ratified the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 and thus accepts foreign certificates and documents from member states (e.g. EU/Switzerland) without authentication from the embassy.

In the EU and Switzerland, the apostille is issued by the state chancellery (in each canton). Certificates and documents are recognized in the EU and Switzerland without further authentication by the embassy if they bear the Costa Rica apostille (the apostille is issued in Costa Rica by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Necessary documents:

1. Application letter.
2. 6 passport photos from the front.
3. An international birth certificate, with an apostille for use abroad.
4. A police clearance certificate with an apostille for use abroad. Must not be older than six months when applying.
5. International marriage certificate, with apostille for use abroad.
6. Copy of passport (every page, including cover sheet)
7. Application letter to immigration. (Reasons why you want to go to Costa Rica.)
8. Proof of lifetime pension income.
9. Fingerprints at the national police.
10. Joining the CCSS (state health insurance company).
11. Confirmation of registration from the embassy.
12. Payment of immigration fees.

Important: The information listed above is for guidance and is subject to change at any time. Only the information provided on the Migracion website in Spanish is relevant: http://www.migracion.go.cr/