Kim P. Says:
We are looking into the possibility of retiring in Costa Rica. How do we apply for a visa to make that happen?
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Kim,
All applications for residence must be filed in your country of origin, through your local consul, or directly with the Department of Immigration in San José.
It’s recommended you hire an attorney in Costa Rica to handle your residence application, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
Most of the government officials you will interact with will not speak English. Plus, attorneys are familiar with the process and will help you avoid unnecessary delays due to missing documents or other issues.
Expats typically apply for residency through one of three main programs.
The Pensionado Program
Among the five categories of residence, most expats, especially retirees, opt for the Pensionado Program. It requires proof that you have at least $1,000 per month in income from Social Security, disability, a pension, or other retirement plan with income guaranteed for life. You won’t be able to work as an employee in Costa Rica, but you can own a company and receive dividends from it. The program allows you to bring in a spouse and dependents under 18 years of age.
The Rentista Program
The Rentista Program is for people without a fixed retirement income. It requires proof of $2,500 monthly unearned income (in other words, it cannot be from a job but rather interest, savings, or dividends) for at least two years or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank approved by immigration authorities. If you choose to deposit the money, you can spend the money or not, but you will have to show that you have $60,000 in the bank when you renew it for the next two years. Other provisions of the Rentista Program are like those for pensionados.
The Inversionista Program
If you don’t qualify for the other two ways, you can invest at least $150,000* in a Costa Rican business or commercial or residential property (including your home).
There’s also the Permanent Residency Program, designed primarily for spouses of Costa Rican citizens, although anybody can apply after three years as a temporary resident. Permanent residents can work, unlike the other categories.
For a full guide to applying for residency in Costa Rica, including the list of required documents and contact details for attorneys, be sure to read Chapter 5 of our Escape to Costa Rica guidebook.
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