Over 20 Years of Experience

Costa Rica Immigration Experts has helped many clients achieve their dream of living in Costa Rica. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful residencies, we are one of the oldest and most trusted immigration firms in the country.


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Making your relocation to paradise a reality and living the dream! Move to Costa Rica!

As a team of committed professionals, we specialize in delivering exceptional services tailored to your needs as you transition to life in Costa Rica. Our dedication to your unique requirements sets us apart. Reach out to us today and discover how we can facilitate your journey.

Helping Clients Since 2000

Costa Rica Immigration Experts specializes in preparing and filing applications for prospective Costa Rican residents.
Start your process with us, and you won’t have to leave Costa Rica every 180 days anymore.
Find out more about us.

Check Your Status

Costa Rica’s Immigration ministry offers an online system to verify and check the status of your immigration file.
Click here
for instructions and an English translation.

Residency Categories

Several options are available if you want to move to Costa Rica and apply for residency.
Click here
for migratory categories and their specific requirements.

CRIE is a reputable private company that has been providing immigration services in Costa Rica for over 20 years.

It’s essential to understand that CRIE is not the official migration authority. We strictly adhere to the regulations and timelines set by the Costa Rican government for immigration and foreign affairs to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Your Reliable Partners!

Once you are comfortable with our assessment, we will provide a clear roadmap of the process, requirements, and timelines from start to finish.

What Services Do We Offer?

Residency & Immigration Services

Permanent residency categories, renewals, dependents, and legal stay guidance.
Learn more here.

Documents & Translations

Guidance on obtaining background checks, birth/marriage certificates, apostilles, and certified translations for immigration purposes.
Learn more here.

Status Checks & Follow-Ups

Help understanding your file status, notifications, and what to do next during processing.
See instructions here.

Main Benefits Of Getting Residency In Costa Rica

CRIE has been helping individuals and families with Costa Rica residency for over 20 years. Getting legal residency isn’t about shortcuts or “perks” — it’s about legal certainty, stability, and reducing risk if tourist rules change in the future.

  • You can live in Costa Rica legally long-term without relying on tourist status.
  • No more border runs or worrying about how many days you’ll be given on entry.
  • You’re protected if tourist rules change or enforcement becomes stricter.
  • You avoid the risk of being denied entry after repeated tourist stays.
  • You receive a DIMEX residency ID, which simplifies daily life.
  • Easier to open and maintain bank accounts compared to tourists.
  • Easier to sign long-term leases, utilities, phone plans, and service contracts.
  • Required access to Caja (public healthcare), with the option to also use private care.
  • More predictable healthcare access as you age or if medical needs increase.
  • Your driver’s license validity is no longer tied to tourist entry stamps.
  • Less stress dealing with immigration officers at borders.
  • Legal stability for retirees, families, and long-term residents.
  • Clear legal path to permanent residency after the required time.
  • Eventual path to Costa Rican citizenship for those who qualify and want it.
  • Better long-term planning for property ownership, vehicles, and finances.
  • Greater credibility with local institutions and government offices.
  • Reduced risk if immigration starts targeting “perpetual tourists.”
  • Peace of mind knowing you are fully compliant with Costa Rican law.
  • Protection if borders temporarily close or entry rules tighten.
  • More security if you plan to stay during global or regional instability.
  • Ability to truly settle, integrate, and build a long-term life in Costa Rica.

Temporary residency also puts you on the path to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship if you meet the requirements.



MAKE YOUR MOVE TO COSTA RICA!

Testimonials



Today I received temporary residency in Costa Rica. At the end I came close to tears.
I am very grateful, thankful, appreciative of Johanna and her team. Honestly, if it had not been for them, I know without a doubt, I would have given up trying to received the residency status.
I am trying to learn but I am not able to communicate in Spanish. Very few employees with the police and immigration that I had to deal with spoke any English. There is no way I could have completed this process if it had not been for Johanna and Byron as well Fatima & Jonathan , that works with her.

H Lynn Kivett-Ward

H Lynn Kivett-Ward

“Thank you so much. You and your staff have been truly outstanding to work with. I cannot imagine anyone trying to do this on their own without the help of a professional to guide them through the bureaucratic maze of the process. Please pass along my sincere thanks to your entire staff.” —Charles from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Charles

Charles

“We would like to thank you for all of the work that you have done for us. We will continue to recommend your services to others. Thank you again.” —Gordon from San Diego USA

Gordon

Gordon

Costa Rica Immigration Experts helped me get residency in Costa Rica. The service was excellent throughout. The skilled and professional personnel made the procedure easy. I found all the information I wanted since its website is simple to use. I strongly recommend Costa Rica Residence & Immigration Experts for Costa Rica residency.

James

James

“Johanna, thank you for all your help. You are an amazing woman and such a great example of an honest and professional person you are. You really do work with your heart. I am recommending you to all the foreigners that cross my path.” — Allan from Canada

Allan

Allan

“Johanna and her team are professional experts in their field. I recommend their full service in immigration” —Kim from the USA

Kim

Kim

“Hello Johanna, I wanted to thank you for your incredible service in obtaining my cedula approval in such a timely matter! Compared to my first experience of paying $30,000.00 for my wife and I and our 2 children in 1994, and it took a year and a half. You made this a painless and wonderful experience. Thank you for everything! So very much appreciated.” — Steven (Ontario Canada)

Steven

Steven

“Hi, I wanted to migrate to Costa Rica but had no idea how to even get started. Then i came to know about CRImmigrationExperts.com. I contacted them online & told them about my ambition. They helped me in a way i never expected. It’s amazing and it was  fast.” –James and Elizabeth from the USA

James and Elizabeth

James and Elizabeth

“The first immigration company we used was hopeless, and then I found Johanna and she managed to sort out all the mistakes the first company made and also get us our residency. Thanks…” —Daniel and Peggy from the UK

Daniel and Peggy

Daniel and Peggy

 

“You and the company are amazing and I consider you guys my friends por vida!! I am so very lucky and very fortunate… totally blessed to have you.” — Mitchell (from USA)

Mitchell

Mitchell

CRIE helped me apply for residence. The crew was great throughout. They offered step-by-step directions and answered all my inquiries. Their grasp of Costa Rican immigration rules and processes amazed me. Anyone seeking Costa Rican residency should use this business.

John and Linda

John and Linda

“CR Immigration Experts is exceptionally professional and efficient. They are always very cordial in answering any questions in a timely manner. They go the extra mile in providing an excellent service. I have already recommended CRIE to others friends, who already signed up for their services and they are also very happy.” —Annabel from the UK

Annabel

Annabel

“This was my first experience using an immigration service and I was extremely satisfied with how things turned out. If I had questions, answers from CRIE were only an email away, and with very quick responses. Everything went smoothly.” —Julie from the USA

Julie

Julie

Johanna and her team of experts are always an email or phone call away. Professional, courteous and very efficient. Naturalization was a breeze. Pura Vida!

Ross Tatum

Ross Tatum

CRIE did a great job with my application for permanent residence. Excellent service. When I called them, I felt safe. They were knowledgeable, worked professionally, and were always available to answer my questions. Before moving on, they went over everything. I always felt supported and sure of myself because of the team’s experience. CRIE should be used by anyone who needs help with immigration.

Harald

Harald

“First of all, I want to thank you especially Johanna and Glenn for the expert work that you did to complete my residency request. I am going to spread the word to everyone I know! Thank you again for your excellent work on my behalf.” —Paula from the USA

Paula

Paula

 

“Thanks so much! It was a pleasure to have you guide us the whole way. You’re amazing and we both appreciate all your help!!!” –Brooke from USA

Brooke

Brooke

I recently used CRIE’s services and was very happy with them. The website was easy to use, and their team was very responsive and helpful throughout the process. They gave me a clear and detailed understanding, and the result was even better than I had hoped. I highly recommend CRIE to anyone who wants top-notch services.

— Elizabeth from Florida, USA

Elizabeth

Elizabeth



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Get In Touch

Escazú, San José, Costa Rica

Visit Our Office

Call CR: +506 8373-2085

Call Us

WhatsApp: +506 8706 3888

Message Us on WhatsApp

Call USA: +1 305 906-6784

Call Us

info@crie.cr

Email Us

Need a Consultation?

If you would like to start your residency process, the best way to begin is with a consultation with one of our experienced immigration specialists.

Our Immigration Team

Our immigration consultants can help you navigate Costa Rica’s residency process and requirements with clarity and confidence.

Glenn Tellier

Founder and former CEO

Johanna Álvarez

Chief Executive & Operations Officer | Immigration Expert

Jonathan Morales

Chief Executive & Strategy Officer

Fernán Pacheco

Attorney

Alan Parker

Residency & Relocation Advisor