Costa Rica Investment Residency: Requirements and Available Options

(COSTA RICA) Costa Rica has kept its door open to foreign investors with a residency track that requires a minimum qualifying stake of USD 150,000, a threshold set by Law 9996 (2021) and still in force as of September 10, 2025. Officials say the program is designed to draw outside capital, boost post-pandemic recovery, and support jobs in real estate, tourism, and productive projects.

The measure offers temporary residency for two years, renewable once, then a route to permanent residency after three years and, later, citizenship after seven years of continuous residency.

How the Investor Residency Fits into Costa Rica’s Immigration System

The Costa Rica Investment Residency program (commonly called the Investor Residency) is one of three income-based pathways in the country’s immigration framework:

• Investor Residency: qualifying investment USD 150,000 (see details below).
• Rentista track: requires stable monthly income of at least USD 2,500.
• Pensionado track: requires a monthly pension of at least USD 1,000.

All applicants must meet standard requirements such as a clean criminal record and a valid entry visa. According to VisaVerge.com, demand for these categories has risen steadily as foreign retirees and entrepreneurs seek stability, healthcare access, and long-term presence in a country known for safety and environmental policy.

Investment Requirements and Eligible Forms

Under Law 9996 (2021) the Investor Residency calls for a qualifying investment of at least USD 150,000, reduced from USD 200,000 to improve access post-pandemic. Eligible forms of investment include:

• Real estate held in the applicant’s personal name (corporate-held property generally does not qualify unless strict conditions are met).
• Shares in an operating Costa Rican company, with verifiable audited records.
• Investments on the local stock market, documented with broker statements and valuations.
• Stakes in productive projects, private equity funds, or sustainable tourism infrastructure.
• Forestry projects, which have a lower minimum of USD 100,000 to encourage reforestation and green industry.

Authorities clarified that property held by a company will not count unless strict, defined conditions are satisfied. This measure is intended to prevent abuse and keep ownership transparent.

Residency Terms, Obligations, and Progression

The temporary residency under the Investor track includes specific obligations and clear progression:

• Temporary residency: valid for two years, renewable once.
• Obligations during temporary residency:
  • Maintain the qualifying investment.
  • Keep social security registration active (register with CCSS).
  • Visit Costa Rica at least once each year.
• After three years: eligible to apply for permanent residency, which removes many temporary restrictions.
• After seven years of continuous residency: eligible to apply for citizenship, which requires Spanish language skills and passing a naturalization exam.

These timeframes remain central to long-term planning for families and investors moving capital into the country.

Typical Processing Times and Professional Support

Officials report processing times usually run 6 to 12 months, depending on file completeness and immigration office workload. Common practices:

• Applicants often work with a local immigration lawyer to prepare documents, translate and apostille records, and respond to requests for additional information.
• Legal help is not mandatory, but many choose it to avoid mistakes that can delay approvals.

Standard Five-Part Application Process

Applicants generally follow these five steps:

1. Gather documents:
   • Formal application letter in Spanish
   • Completed application form
   • Passport and birth certificate
   • Police clearance
   • Proof of investment (property deeds, corporate documents, stock records)
   • CPA certifications where needed
   • Municipal permits
   • Proof of financial self-sufficiency
   • Marriage certificate for married applicants
2. File the package with Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).
3. If approved, receive a DIMEX temporary residency card (valid for two years).
4. Register with the national health fund, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), within 90 days of approval—or enroll in private health insurance if required.
5. Maintain the investment, make at least one visit per year, and keep CCSS coverage to protect status and qualify for renewal.

For official rules, forms, and filing channels consult the DGME: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).

Policy Changes (2024–2025) — Key Points

Costa Rica’s recent policy refinements aim to increase clarity while keeping access reasonable. Notable changes include:

• Investment threshold reduced to USD 150,000 (applies to approved sectors under Law 9996).
• Real estate must be in the applicant’s personal name; corporate ownership generally no longer suffices.
• Forestry projects minimum lowered to USD 100,000 to support reforestation and green initiatives.
• Residency duration & annual visits: initial two-year term with one renewal remains; annual in-country visit still mandatory.
• Health coverage: enrollment in CCSS or acceptable private insurance after approval is required.

Types of Investment and Documentation Expectations

Investors have options beyond land:

• Company shares: must be traceable, in an active and compliant company; expect CPA certifications and tax records.
• Productive projects: common examples include hotel expansions or manufacturing lines; document contracts, permits, and audited accounts.
• Stock market investments: require broker statements and valuations proving holdings meet the USD 150,000 minimum.
• Forestry projects: must be legitimate, licensed, and environmentally compliant; keep contracts, land maps, and permits.

Practical Advice and Common Pitfalls

• Real estate investors should pay close attention to title records. Since qualifying property must be in the applicant’s personal name, many buyers restructure purchases accordingly.
• Business investors need traceable corporate documentation and CPA attestations to show genuine activity and value.
• Forestry investors should ensure environmental compliance to speed vetting.
• Common causes of delay:
  • Missing apostille
  • Expired police certificate
  • Name mismatches between deed and passport
• Organize translations, apostilles, and consistent document names and numbers before filing to avoid delays.

Important: The annual in-country visit is mandatory. Skipping the visit risks issues at renewal and with future residency progression.

Impact on Applicants and Families

Main benefits for families and long-term movers:

• Residence rights and access to healthcare (CCSS).
• Ability to open local bank accounts, buy property, and enroll children in school.
• Permanent residency after three years removes time limits linked to temporary status and aids long-term business planning.
• Plan ahead for citizenship: continuous residency for seven years, Spanish language proficiency, and passing the naturalization exam.

Current Outlook and Government Signals

The government has not announced changes to thresholds or terms for 2025. Officials have suggested potential improvements to make filing smoother and hinted at incentives for sustainable tourism and the tech sector, but no formal amendments are pending.

Analysts expect Costa Rica to maintain a balance between attracting outside capital and protecting local interests and the environment. VisaVerge.com notes that steady rules and clear categories are a selling point compared with regional neighbors that change policies more frequently.

Summary — What Applicants Should Remember

• Anchor requirement: meet the USD 150,000 investment under Law 9996 (2021).
• Maintain the qualifying stake and health coverage.
• Visit Costa Rica once per year.
• Build toward permanent residency at year three and citizenship at year seven.

For official instructions, forms, and updates, begin with the DGME’s website: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).