Who needs a residence permit in Costa Rica?

Anyone who wants to stay in Costa Rica for a period of more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit in Costa Rica, regardless of citizenship.

Types of residence permits in Costa Rica

There are two main types of residence permits in Costa Rica: permanent and temporary.

A permanent residence permit in Costa Rica is issued for the following reasons:

• If you have a family member from Costa Rica who is related by blood (father, brother or sister, or child)
• After you have lived in Costa Rica with a temporary residence permit for at least three years.

A temporary residence permit in Costa Rica, on the other hand, is issued for a wider range of purposes. Subcategories of Costa Rican residence permits offered to foreigners include:

• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for pensioners (Pensionado)
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for rentista
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for investors (Inversionista)
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for spouses of a Costa Rican citizen

Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for foreign workers:

1. Specialized independent employees
2. Employees in dependency relations
3. Scientists, professionals or interns
4. Specialized equipment
5. Athletes
6. Correspondents and news agencies
7. Religious figures or missionaries

Difference between permanent and temporary residence permits in Costa Rica:

• A permanent residence permit is indefinite, and a temporary residence permit is issued for a maximum of two years with the possibility of extension.
• Depending on the type, a temporary residence permit doesn’t automatically grant you the right to work – you will also need to obtain a work permit.
• A permanent residence permit grants the holder the same rights as a Costa Rican citizen, including employment rights.
• You can only apply for a permanent residence permit from the very beginning if you have blood relatives with Costa Ricans. Otherwise, you can apply for permanent residence after three years with a temporary residence permit.

• You were in Costa Rica to a Costa Rican family.
• You were born in Costa Rica to foreign parents, but are registered in civil status register. Your parents must register before you turn 18, or you must register yourself before you turn 25.

1. Seven years: the standard for most applicants
2. Five years: for people from other Central American countries, Spanish citizens, and Latinos by birth.
3. Two years: for those married to a Costa Rican citizen. This is sometimes referred to as citizenship by marriage. Your marriage must be concluded in Costa Rica and registered with the Civil Registration Department. If your wife is a permanent resident, you can apply for temporary residence. After three years of marriage, you have the right to permanent residence. Please note that the state must legally recognize your marriage in Costa Rica.

• 18 years and older.
• The proof of legal residence.
• No criminal record.
• The proof of source of income while living in Costa Rica.
• You can speak, read and write Spanish.
• Successfully pass the Costa Rican history and values exam of the Ministry of Education. You also meet the requirements if you provide an official proof of Education in Costa Rica.
• Two witnesses can testify to your behavior and earnings.