Immigration
Entry Requirements
You will not need a visa to enter Costa Rica as an American, but a passport valid for up to 90 days with a blank visa stamp page and a return ticket are required.
Many airlines will not permit passengers without a round-trip ticket to board flights to Costa Rica unless they can verify having Costa Rican citizenship, residency or a visa.
Details are available at this U.S. Department of State webpage. Just click on Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements.
Temporary Residency
The specific type of visa required for Temporary Residency depends on the purpose of your stay in Costa Rica. Here is a partial listing:
Temporary Residence as Spouse of Costa Rican. This visa requires that you must reside in the country for at least one day per year. The marriage is registered in the Civil Registry of Costa Rica, which provides an official copy of the marriage certificate as required. At the expiration of two years, a temporary resident is given permanent status. With this status, you can obtain a work permit.
- Temporary Residence for Religious People. This visa is issued to those of religious orders for religions that have been accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Cultures. The religious congregation where the applicant is going to work must send to the Consulate a letter requesting the visa and indicating the functions that the person will have. This letter should include the name of the applicant, passport number, dates of anticipated stay in the country and contact details.
- Temporary Residence for Executives, Managers and Technical Personnel. This visa is granted to those who work for corporations that are established in the country. This includes specialized workers that are independent workers but their technical expertise is required.
- Temporary Residence for Investors. Investments of US$50,000 to US$200,000 into certain business ventures in Costa Rica will grant you inversionista status. The minimum investment of US$50,000 should be in tourism and low-income housing. Any business venture outside of these would be considered non-priority and would require an investment of US$100,000 to US$200,000 to obtain a temporary visa as an investor. A local accountant and attorney will be able to help you with the details of this program.
- Temporary Residency as Scientist, Professional or Intern. This visa is granted for those seeking to do work or an internship in Costa Rica. On top of the general requirements for a visa, you also need authenticated job contracts indicating monthly salary along with a sworn statement by your employer certifying your experience and specifying your position. One month prior to your application, you should also have a certification indicating that your company or institution is registered as a legal person along with certified company documents and a receipt proving that it pays its taxes on time.
- Temporary Residency for Athletes. This is given to sports figures recognized by the National Council on Sports and Recreation.
- Temporary Residency for International Press Correspondents. Otherwise known as a journalist or media visa, this is offered for journalists and representatives of foreign media.
- Temporary Residency for Rentistas. Issued to those receiving regular income of US$2,500 monthly for five years from a business or investment. The petitioner is not allowed to work for wages. Evidence must be provided. This requirement applies to both single persons and married couples with a child or spouse, regardless of social status of dependents. For proof of receipt of non-production income, a notarized letter can be granted from your bank stating that you have at least US$150,000 in your account and transfers to Costa Rica will be US$2,500 or more monthly. You must exchange this amount for local currency. You also must reside in the country for a total of 121 days or four months each year, but this period does not have to be consecutive. After three years, you can apply for Permanent Residency.
- Temporary Residency for Pensionados. This status is for those who are retired and receiving income (not less than US$1,000 per month) lifelong from a pension fund, such as social security, private pension, 401K plans or some annuities. A resident with this status agrees to exchange US$1,000 a month for local currency. This requirement applies only to the applicant. A married couple should present only one (either spouse) confirmation of receipt of a minimum retirement income of US$1,000 for two. You must live in Costa Rica for a period of four months or 121 days per year. At the expiration of three years, you can apply for Permanent Residency.
More information can be found at this Embassy of Costa Rica webpage.
Permanent Residency
After three years you may submit a letter indicating your reasons for applying for Permanent Residency. It should include your full name, nationality, age and occupation. Also, include the address where you live (or receive mail) and a signature that is authenticated by a notary or attorney.
A US$50 payment indicating the name of the person applying will also be required. If the person applying for Permanent Residency is entering Costa Rica via a tourist visa, there is an additional US$200 fee for a change in category.
Applicants must also submit two recent passport-size photographs of the applicant, proof of registration issued by the Ministry of Public Security (for 12 years and over) and proof of consular registration. The requirements for registration will be determined necessary or not by the Consulate.
You must also submit a birth certificate, issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or stamped, a Criminal Record Check from the applicant’s country of origin or place where they have lived legally the last three years, duly certified and authenticated/stamped and photocopies of all passport pages applicable to the applicant. Photocopies must be certified, providing an original copy certified by an official or notary public.
Further information on visas can be found at the Costa Rican Directorate of Immigration website.
Work Permits
Generally, you may not work in Costa Rica unless you have a skill that is needed but cannot be provided by a Costa Rican worker. You must also have either a Temporary Residency visa or a Permanent Residency visa to work in the country.
For specific details on the type of Work Permits available in Costa Rica, please visit this Costa Rican Directorate of Immigration website.
Retirement
If you wish to retire in Costa Rica, you should apply for either a Rentista or Pensionado visa. Rentisa visa holders must show income of US$2,500 per month for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution, or make a deposit of US$150,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank. You must change at least US$2,500 a month into local currency and live in Costa Rica at least four months of the year.
Those seeking a Pensionado visa must prove they have a minimum income of US$1,000 per month from a qualified pension or retirement account or from Social Security. You must also exchange at least US$1,000 a month from dollars into local currency and you must live in Costa Rica at least four months out of the year.
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