Costa Rica ~ Person of Independent Means Visa (Rentista)
Time to Permanent Residency: 3 Year ~ Time to Citizenship: 7 Years
Costa Rica grants a temporary residency visa under the category of “rentista”, to foreign-nationals willing to immigrate to the country, who have a regular monthly income of at least US$2,500 from a guaranteed source for two years.
Usually, this requirement is met by making a bank deposit of US$60,000 at a local bank and by obtaining a commitment letter that at least US$2,500 per month will be made available. This amount includes dependents (spouse and minor children under 25 y.o., or older with disabilities); for additional dependents a higher amount may be required.
The permit has a validity of 2 years, and may be renewed on condition that you still meet the requirements, i.e. make another deposit or prove a source of income. For renewals, it must be proven that the income has been received in Costa Rica and you have lived in the country at least 4 months per year, continuous or discontinuous.
Rentista Visa holders may establish a business or work on their own, 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.
Requirements
Demonstrate with a document issued by a competent authority or institution that for a minimum period of two years, you will receive a stable and permanent income not less than the monthly amount US$2500. The above shall be applicable by verification with a document issued by a competent authority. If your income comes from abroad these must be legalized and authenticated or apostilled by appropriate authorities.
You will be required to contribute to La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (C.C.S.S.) (Social Security Fund), acquiring a seguro voluntario (voluntary insurance). The cost will depend on the income received, but is around 9-10% of the stated monthly income.
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)
