by ZEWSNavigating the residency procedures in Costa Rica can be complex, but with the right guidance and preparation, it becomes a manageable process. LandCo, a reputable legal firm in Costa Rica, is here to help you understand and navigate the steps involved in obtaining temporary residency in this beautiful country.
Here’s a detailed guide to the requirements and procedures for securing your temporary residency in Costa Rica for the first two years.
Temporary Residency Categories
To qualify for temporary residency in Costa Rica, applicants must demonstrate eligibility under one of the following three categories:
1. Investor
Applicants can obtain residency by investing at least USD$150,000 in a property, in a Costa Rican corporation or personal name. If it is owned by a corporation, then this corporation must have a capital stock of at least USD$150,000. The investment must be clearly documented, and the corporation should be active and registered with the Ministerio de Hacienda (Tax Authority). LandCo will coordinate and obtain all necessary documentation for this investment as part of the residency application process.
2. Annuitant
Individuals who can prove a future monthly income of at least USD $2,500 for the next two years qualify under this category. All supporting documents must be duly apostilled to demonstrate the financial condition. LandCo can assist in the preparation and presentation of these documents.
3. Retiree
Retirees who receive a lifelong pension or retiree fund of at least USD $1,000 per month are eligible for this type of residency. Similar to the annuitant category, all documents must be Apostilled to validate the financial status. LandCo will guide applicants through gathering and presenting these documents.
Residency Benefits
Once the residency application is approved, residents gain several benefits, including the ability to:
- Enter and exit Costa Rica freely.
- Open bank accounts in their personal name.
- Obtain a DIMEX card (residency card).
However, according to Article 93 of the Bylaw of Immigration Procedures (Reglamento de Extranjería), temporary residents are not permitted to engage in remunerated labor until they obtain permanent residency.
Application Requirements
To apply for temporary residency, applicants must provide the following documents and meet specific requirements:
- Application Letter: Provided by LandCo and signed personally by the applicant during their visit to Costa Rica on a valid Tourist Visa.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (5cm x 5cm) with a white background.
- Payment Receipts: Proof of payment of USD $50 in local currency to Banco de Costa Rica account number 242480-0. If entering Costa Rica on a Tourist Visa, an additional payment of USD $200 is required.
- Passport Fees: Payment of C2,50 for each page of the passport plus C125,00.
- Official Filiation Form: Provided by LandCo.
- Fingerprinting: Completion of the fingerprint procedure in San José, Costa Rica, coordinated by LandCo.
- Consular Inscription: Obtained at the local embassy and officially translated to Spanish.
- Birth Certificate: Apostilled birth certificate from the country of origin. If the certificate does not include full parental names, a Sworn Declaration (Declaration Jurada) is required (provided by LandCo).
- Marriage Certificate: Apostilled marriage certificate if applying for dependents.
- Criminal Records Certificate: Apostilled criminal records from the country of origin or last known domicile for the past three years. For federal countries like the US or Canada, the records must be nationwide and based on fingerprints.
- Passport Copies: Valid passport and copies of all pages with stamps or marks. It is advisable to prepare two sets of these copies.
Special Notes for Document Preparation
- All documents in languages other than Spanish must be translated by an approved translator by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Documents have a six-month expiration period and must be recently issued.
Post-Approval Steps
Once residency is granted, applicants must:
- Pay approximately USD $423 in government fees.
- Register with the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) within 90 days of the final resolution notification. This process must be completed by the applicant, although LandCo can provide guidance.
Applying for Dependents
If you wish to include your spouse and children (under 18 years old) in your residency application, you will need to provide an Apostilled Marriage Certificate demonstrating the specific filiation.
Obtaining temporary residency in Costa Rica involves detailed procedures and document preparation.
Contact us. With LandCo’s professional assistance, applicants can navigate these requirements smoothly, ensuring a successful application process. Costa Rica offers a welcoming environment for investors, annuitants, and retirees, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to establish residency in a beautiful and vibrant country.