Immigration & Other Services
Costa Rican Residency…
Why Pursue Your Residency in Costa Rica?
According to International Living Ranking, Costa Rica is the first choice of retirement for foreigners worldwide.
This country has attracted tourists and retirees from all parts of the world for years, thanks to its tropical climate, low cost of living, and beautiful landscapes. Costa Rica offers foreign residents the perfect combination of relaxation, culture, nature, technology, medical & health security, safety, and much more… always surrounded by friendly Ticos.
Becoming a Costa Rican Resident can be difficult if you try to do it on your own, especially if you do not speak Spanish. So, it’s best to hire a reliable and reputable Law Firm to assist with the complicated process of maneuvering through Costa Rica’s bureaucracy.
Our Boutique Law Firm has vast experience in Immigration, for more than eight years we have been serving clients who move to Costa Rica and seek help to overcome their immigration processes. We keep track of all application files once presented to the Immigration Office and work together with our clients to efficiently accomplish all the requirements.
Registration into our National Medical and Health System (“La Caja – CCSS”)
At Boutique Law Firm Gomez Tristan & Tristan, we assist our clients from the day they request an initial informative meeting into the immigration process until they become Residents and proudly possess their Legal Resident Status Card (DIMEX Card). With this clear objective, we divide our services into four stages:
• Creation of the Application File
• Submission of the Application File into the Costa Rican Immigration Office, which comes with the initial benefit of allowing a 90-day unrestricted stay in the country.
• Registration into “La Caja – CCSS” (Social Security of Costa Rica – National Medical and Health related support)
• Request for the final appointment in the National Immigration Office for the issuance of the DIMEX.
Residency for Retired Foreigners (As a Pensioner)
Residency for Retired Foreigners (As a Pensioner) – To apply for this category, the principal applicant or his/her spouse must receive a monthly lifetime pension of at least US$ 1,000. Keep in mind that while the US$ 1,000 will cover the family, it is not possible to combine the spouse’s pensions to reach the minimum US$ 1,000.
General Terms:
• Requires proof of US$ 1,000 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
• Can claim spouse and dependents under 18 years of age.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
Initially, the applicant will become a Temporary Resident, and he/she is also allowed to obtain Temporary Residency for a spouse and children as dependents, under certain conditions. Temporary Residency under this category is valid for two years and it can be renewed consecutively for additional two-year terms.
Residency for Foreigners on a Fixed Income (As a Rentista)
Residency for Foreigners on a Fixed Income (As a Rentista) – To apply for this category, the principal applicant or his/her spouse must prove access to a continuous, permanent, and uninterrupted income of US$ 2,500 (minimum) for 24 months (total of $60,000). The main requirement is that this minimum monthly amount must be deposited in a personal bank account in Costa Rica.
General Terms:
• Requires proof of US $2,500 per month income for at least two years, guaranteed by a banking institution, or a US
$60,000 deposit in an approved Costa Rican bank. One amount covers the family.
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
• Can claim spouse and dependents under 18 years of age.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
Initially, the applicant will become a Temporary Resident, and is also allowed to obtain Temporary Residency for a spouse and children as dependents, under certain conditions. Temporary Residency under this category is valid for two years and it can be renewed consecutively for additional two-year terms. After three years of holding the Temporary Residency, the applicants become eligible for Permanent Residency.
Residency for Foreigners by Investment (As an Investor)
Residency for Foreigners by Investment (As an Investor) – To apply for this category, the principal applicant or his/her spouse must have invested US$ 150,000 in qualifying projects, or US$ 100,000 in a forestry project. There are four qualifying investments for this Category:
1. New Business – Residency is available for people who invest in a startup business. Whether it is a hotel, a restaurant, a factory, a service company, or any other business, as long as the investment is US$ 150,000.2. Existing Business – Residency is available for people who purchase stocks or shares of an existing company, whether purchasing 100% of the business or just part of it, as long as the investment is US$ 150,000.
3. Real Estate & Vehicles – Residency is available for people who purchase real estate and/or vehicles, regardless of types as long as the investment is US$ 150,000.
4. Forestry Projects – Residency is available for people who invest in a forestry project, regardless of types as long as the investment is US$ 100,000 and all permits from the Costa Rican Environmental Agency (SETENA) and the local municipality have been attained and complied with.
General Terms:
• Investment of US $150,000 in a business or property.
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once a year.
• Can claim spouse and dependents under 18 years of age.
• Income allowed from the project.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.
Initially, the applicant will become a Temporary Resident, and is also allowed to obtain Temporary Residency for a spouse and children as dependents, under certain conditions. Temporary Residency under this category is valid for two years and it can be renewed consecutively for additional two-year terms as long as the applicant remains linked to the investment. After three years of holding the Temporary Residency, the applicants become eligible for Permanent Residency.
Extended Stay Permits (Special Dispensations)
Extended Stay Permits (Special Dispensations) – is available to any foreigner (Non-Costa Rican Resident) who intends to enter and remain in the country without the intention of residing permanently. In other words, is the legal means by which it is possible to obtain an authorization to enter the country and extend the normal period of visit determined by Costa Rican Immigration Law, including the general visa guide lines.
Eligibility for the Extended Stay Permit is possible to any of the following types of foreigners, as long as they are legally in the country and his/her visa authorized stay period has not expired.
1. Corporate Visitors – Business Agents, Traveling Agents or Commercial Delegates.
2. Distinctive Visitors – People of special relevance in the scientific, professional, religious, cultural, sports, economic or political fields.
3. Health / Medical Visitors – People who require specialized medical treatment in a recognized hospital center.
4. Media & Press Visitors – Reporter, Cameraman and other Media Personnel.
5. Regional Ground Cargo Transporters – Multiple permit for Central American carriers.
6. Tourist Visa Extension – People who have entered the country as tourists.
Note: The foreigner with an Extended Stay Permit may enter and leave the country as many times as necessary, as long as they do not exceed the authorized stay period.
Residency for Foreigners Married to Costa Ricans (By Marriage)
Residence for Foreigners Married to Costa Ricans (By Marriage) – To apply for this category, the principal applicant must prove the existence of a marriage registered in the Civil Registry of Costa Rica with a Costa Rican citizen. Additionally, the couple must undergo an interview at the Immigration Office to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.
Initially, the applicant will become a Temporary Resident. Temporary Residency under this category is valid for one year and it can be renewed consecutively for additional one-year terms as long as the applicant remains linked to the Costa Rican citizen. After three years of holding the Temporary Residency, the applicants become eligible for Permanent Residency.
Residency for Foreigners Parents of a Costa Rican Child (By Family Connection)
Residency for Foreigners Parents of a Costa Rican Child (By Family Connection) – To apply for this category, the principal applicants must present themselves as parents of a Costa Rican citizen registered in the Civil Registry. Both parents will be primary applicants and must be reflected in the Birth Certificate (on record at the Civil Registry) of a Costa Rican born child and the result of the application will be Permanent Residence.
Likewise, the son or daughter of a Costa Rican citizen, not Costa Rican, can request the Residency as dependents must be recorded as such within the Civil Registry.
Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa – To apply, the principal applicant must sign and pay the established fee of US$ 100 and provide the required documentation, including among other, proof that his/her salary is generated abroad and there is not an income source in Costa Rica, and proof of a stable income of US$ 3,000, or US$ 4,000 in case dependents.
General Benefits:
- The visa is granted for 12 months this can further be extended for an additional 12 months, provided the applicant gives proof of stay in Costa Rica for a minimum of 180 days.
- The income earned would be fully exempted from income tax, provided income originated outside Costa Rica
- Ability to open a bank account in a local financial institution.
- Foreign driver’s license recognition throughout the term of the visa.
The main reasons for becoming a Digital Nomad are freedom from traditional office settings, opportunity to travel and learn about a new culture, time to engage in outdoor hobbies, and of course, more control over your own time. The rise in short-term home and offices available in Costa Rica, via online platforms means it is easier than ever to book a stay. Boutique Law Firm Gomez Tristan & Tristan will provide assistance to our clients in processing their application, providing follow up until final resolution, and in all post approval requirements, until the Digital Nomad Visa is officially granted.
Legal & Notarial Services
• Registration and Dissolution Corporations (S.A. – SRL)
• Wills (closed and open)
• Civil Marriage and/or Divorce (mutual consent)
• Real Estate transactions and other assets such as vehicles
• Due Diligence on Real Estate transactions
• Registration of mortgages/pledges
• Cancellation of liens (mortgages and pledges)
• Labor contracts for housekeepers, security, and gardeners
• Authentication of signatures for use abroad
• Processing of Apostille and Legalization
• Assignment of Office positions in companies with a member of the Firm
• Estate Process Processes
• Granting of Powers of Attorney
• Sworn declaration (Affidavit)
• Rectification of Surveys
• Certification of photocopies
• Land Mergers
General Assistance Services
• Process of opening Bank Accounts
• Assistance with procedures before Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS) “Social Security”
• Assistance with procedures before Municipalities (payment of property taxes, land use, etc.)
• Labor contracts / Calculation of employee benefits for labor liquidation
• Receipt of correspondence / sending and receipt of faxes
• Assistance with translations and contact with official translators