Costa Rica ~ Investor Residence Visa (Inversionista)
Time to Permanent Residency: 3 Year ~ Time to Citizenship: 7 Years
Costa Rica grants a temporary residency visa under the category of “inversionista”, to foreign nationals willing to immigrate to the country, and who have made an investment.
The required investment amount is US$200,000 and may be in active business, real estate, stocks or securities, or in forest plantations (required investment of US$100,000). An applicant’s spouse, children under 25 years or older with disabilities may be included in the application.
The permit has a validity of 2 years, and may be renewed on condition that you still keep the investment. For renewal, it must be proved that you have lived in the country at least 6 months per year, continuously or discontinuously.
Inversionista visa holders may establish a business or obtain income from their investments, but may not work as employees.
Once you have legally resided in Costa Rica with any temporary residence permit for 3 or more years, you may be eligible for permanent residence.
Permanent Residency in Costa Rica allows working as an employee for a Costa Rican employer and the minimum requirement of annual stay is to visit the country once a year for 72 hours. Permanent residence is individual and does not include dependents.
Permanent residency must be renewed every 5 years.
Foreigners who have a first-degree relationship with a Costa Rican citizen, either spouse or child, may also apply for the permanent residence visa, even if they do not fulfill the residency requirement.After 7 years living legally with a temporary or permanent residency visa, a foreigner may apply for citizenship by naturalization. Citizenship by naturalization gives the right to obtain the Costa Rican passport. Dual citizenship is de facto allowed; naturalized citizens are not usually required to renounce to previous citizenship.To become citizen, you will be required to have knowledge of spoken and written Spanish, pass a test about Costa Rican history and values and have 2 witnesses that can testify to your conduct and livelihood.
Foreigners who have a first-degree relationship with a Costa Rican citizen, either spouse or child, may also apply for the permanent residence visa, even if they do not fulfill the residency requirement.After 7 years living legally with a temporary or permanent residency visa, a foreigner may apply for citizenship by naturalization. Citizenship by naturalization gives the right to obtain the Costa Rican passport. Dual citizenship is de facto allowed; naturalized citizens are not usually required to renounce to previous citizenship.To become citizen, you will be required to have knowledge of spoken and written Spanish, pass a test about Costa Rican history and values and have 2 witnesses that can testify to your conduct and livelihood.
Requirements
For investment in business or projects of national interest:
– Detailed description of investments, productive projects or projects of national interest.
– Original or certified copy of municipality permits.
– Certification of the insurer, indicating that the company is up to date on the payment of the risk policy, or original proof of payment or duly certified.
– Certificate of legal status of the company.
– Certified copy of the company’s articles of incorporation or original and copy thereof to be confirmed by a public official.
– Certification issued by Authorized Public Accountant proving investment in applicant’s personal capacity.
– Registration with the Dirección General de Tributación Directa.
For investments in immovable properties:
– Detailed description of the investments in real estate and movable assets that you own.
– Certification issued by the Property Registry showing that the movable or immovable property is duly registered.
– Proof of registration and payment of taxes to the Dirección General de Tributación Directa and the corresponding Municipality, which demonstrates the real value of the property.
For investments in stocks or securities:
– Detailed description of the investment in stocks or securities by Notary Public.
– Certified copy of the articles of incorporation of the company.
– Certification of income by an Authorized Public Accountant, by means of which the economic solvency of the applicant is demonstrated, according to the financial statements of the last period duly audited.
– If the investment is generated from abroad, the documents must be duly legalized or apostilled.
– Certification of legal status of the company or company with a date of issue not exceeding one month to the application for temporary residence as an investor.
– Certificate of registration and payment of taxes before the Dirección General de Tributación Directa.
For investments in Forest Plantations:
– Certification issued by Authorized Public Accountant, where it is verified that the foreign person made an initial investment of US$100,000.
– Certified copy of the resolution of approval of the Investment Management Plan, in activities of establishment, management and use in forest plantations. The Management Plan must be programmed to a minimum term of 3 years.
– Certified copy of the forest manager contract.
– Certified copy of municipal permits
Documents Required
- Receipt of payment of fees
- Two passport-size photos
- Proof of fingerprints record
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- Original and photocopy of passport
- Proof of consular registration
- Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
