How Long Does it Take to Get Residency in Costa Rica?

If you plan on moving to Costa Rica, one of the most important things you’ll need to consider is obtaining residency. But just how long does it take to get residency in Costa Rica? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type of residency you’re applying for and the documents you need to provide.

Types of Residency in Costa Rica

Before we delve into the timeline for obtaining residency in Costa Rica, we must understand the different types of residency available. There are seven types of residency in Costa Rica:

Pension (Pensionado)

This type of residency is for retirees who receive a pension or other retirement income from a government or private entity. Learn more here about Residency from Disability or Retiree Pension…

Rentor (Rentista)

Rentista residency is for those who can deposit $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank and withdraw $2,500 monthly. Learn more here about Residency from Fixed Income – Rentor…

Investor (Inversionista)

This residency type is for investors planning to invest at least $200,000 USD in a Costa Rican business or property. Learn more here about Residency for Investors…

Foreign Work (Empleada Doméstica)

This type of residency is for domestic workers employed by a Costa Rican citizen or resident. Learn more here about Residency for Foreign Workers…

Permanent Residency (Permanente)

Permanent residency is for those who plan to live in Costa Rica permanently and have held their temporary residency for at least 3 years or longer. Learn more here about Permanent Residency…

(Citizenship) Naturalization

Foreigners who have lived in Costa Rica for at least seven years can apply for naturalization. Learn more here about Citizenship and Naturalization…

More

Click here to find out the rest of the categories.

Requirements to get Residency in Costa Rica

Regardless of the type of residency you’re applying for, there are some general requirements that you must meet:

• A background check as criminal convictions may disqualify you.
• You must provide an apostilled or legalized birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and police clearance certificate (on the federal level) from your home country for each applicant.
• Depending on your category, you may need to provide proof of income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or pay stubs.

In addition to these general requirements, there are specific requirements for each type of residency. For example, for Pensionado Residency, you must show proof of a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. For Rentista residency, you must provide a bank statement indicating a deposit of at least $60,000 USD; for Inversionista residency, you must provide proof of your investment.

Application Process for Residency

Once you’ve determined which type of residency you’re eligible for and have gathered all the necessary documents, you can begin the application process. The application process involves several steps, including:

1. We recommend consulting with a professional company to assist you in the process, such as CRIE (Costa Rica Immigration Experts).
2. You are obtaining paperwork from your home country.
3. Have said paperwork Apostilled or legalized.
4. I am submitting the original copies of the paperwork.
5. I am paying the necessary fees.

The time it takes to complete each step varies depending on various factors.

Timeline for Residency

So, how long does it take to get residency in Costa Rica? The answer depends on the type of residency you’re applying for. Generally, the timeline for obtaining residency ranges from 6 months to a year or more.

For Pensionado and Rentista residency, the application process can take 6-8 months or more. Inversionista residency can take up to a year or longer, involving investing in a Costa Rican business or property. It can vary from person to person since, once everything is turned in and in the hands of the government officials, they may proceed with your file more slowly or quickly depending on the efficiency of the government agency responsible for it.

Tips for Obtaining Residency

If you’re considering obtaining residency in Costa Rica, here are some tips to help make the process smoother:

• Start the application process as soon as possible to avoid delays.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary documents apostilled or legalized.
• Consult with an immigration expert for questions or concerns and to check your paperwork is correct before you come to Costa Rica.
• Stay organized and keep track of deadlines.
• Be patient and flexible, as the process may take longer than expected.

Conclusion

Obtaining residency in Costa Rica can be complex, but it’s worth it for those who want to live in this beautiful country. You can increase your chances of success by understanding the different types of residency, the requirements, and the application process. Remember to do your research and seek professional advice if needed.