costa rica
Minimum investment
$15,000
processing time
9-12 months
residency by investment in costa rica
Costa Rica offers several residency programs for those seeking to relocate. Below is a concise overview of the main temporary residency options, ideal for retirees, investors, and independent individuals.
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Eligibility: Guaranteed lifetime pension of $1,000/month.
Requirements: Authenticated proof of pension, spouse & dependents included.
Conditions: 2-year renewable residency; cannot work as employee; permanent after 3 years.
Benefits: Access to healthcare system (CCSS), ideal for retirees.
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Eligibility: $2,500/month passive income (or $60,000 deposit).
Requirements: Certified income or deposit proof; includes spouse & dependents.
Conditions: 2-year renewable residency; deposit $2,500/month into CR bank; permanent after 3 years.
Benefits: Great for passive income earners, foreign income tax-exempt.
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Eligibility: $150,000 investment (real estate, business, stocks, or projects).
Requirements: Proof of investment; maintain investment.
Conditions: 2-year renewable residency; permanent after 3 years; 183+ days/year for citizenship.
Benefits: Business-friendly, citizenship after 7 years (5 for certain nationals).
discover Costa Rica Residency options
| Program | Eligibility | Requirements | Benefits | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏝 Pensionado (Retiree) | Lifetime pension of $1,000/month (Social Security, government, or private pension) | Authenticated proof of pension; includes spouse & dependents under 25 | Access to national healthcare (CCSS); straightforward retirement path | 2-year renewable residency; no employment; can own a business; must visit Costa Rica once per year; permanent residency after 3 years |
| 💼 Rentista (Independent Means) | $2,500/month passive income for 2 years OR $60,000 deposit in Costa Rican bank | Certified income/deposit proof (apostilled if abroad); includes spouse & dependents under 25 | Ideal for passive income earners; foreign income tax-exempt | 2-year renewable residency; must deposit $2,500/month into CR bank; at least 1 day per year in CR (some sources: 4 months/year); no employment; permanent residency after 3 years |
| 🌱 Inversionista (Investor) | $150,000+ investment (real estate, business, stocks, or approved projects; $100,000 forestry projects) | Proof of investment via business plan or CPA certification; must maintain investment | Business-friendly; favorable tax regime; citizenship eligibility after 7 years (5 years for certain nationalities) | 2-year renewable residency; must visit CR once per year; permanent residency after 3 years; 183+ days/year required for citizenship |
