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main categories of residence

Types of Legal Residency in Costa Rica

Temporary, Special, or Permanent? Find out what suits you best.
Now that we have clarified the general requirements for obtaining legal residency in Costa Rica, it is time to go into detail. Each category comes with different requirements and benefits, and the purpose of this guide is to help you identify the right option, without ambiguity and without unnecessary promises.

Discover the Main Types of Residence

Discover the main types of legal residence in Costa Rica and the criteria required for each category.

Now that we have clarified the general steps for obtaining legal residency in Costa Rica in the previous chapter, it is time to get to the heart of the matter: what type of residency is right for you?

Each category has its own conditions, required documents, advantages, and limitations.

The purpose of this guide is not to sell you exotic dreams, but to give you a realistic and well-researched picture of what each option entails.

In this chapter, we will analyze one by one the most common categories of residence: Temporary, Special, and Permanent – for those who already have a close connection to the Costa Rican state, either through family or years of legal residence.

Not all residencies “sound good” in theory and work in practice – but with the clear explanations in this article, you will be able to make an informed decision. Let’s take them one at a time, without confusion.

A stable status for those who wish to remain indefinitely

Permanent Residence

Available to those who have already established a stable legal relationship with the Costa Rican state

Persons who meet the following conditions may opt for permanent residence:

  • The citizen, their spouse, and first-degree relatives who have had temporary residency for three years in a row.
  • Citizens who are first-degree relatives of a Costa Rican citizen; This includes parents, minor or adult children with disabilities, and minor or adult siblings with disabilities.
  • Persons granted this status by the Restricted Visa and Refugee Commission.

The granting of permanent residence implies that the citizen will be able to work in any remunerated professional or intellectual activity.

For more information, please refer to the Regulations for Foreigners at the following link:

https://migracion.go.cr/normativa-legal-migratoria/

Citizens applying for permanent residence must meet the requirements listed under General Requirements and state their intention to apply for permanent residence in their application. They must also meet the following specific requirements:

  • Proof of payment to the Government of fifty US dollars (US$50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the permanent resident category.
  • Certification issued by the Civil Registry of Costa Rica, proving the relationship with the Costa Rican person, issued less than two months prior to the date of submission of the residence application.
  • In the case of Costa Rican siblings/adults with disabilities, these must be proven by a medical report and guardianship certification issued by a judge, where applicable.
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Types of Legal Residency in Costa Rica

Temporary Residence

The person applying for a temporary residence permit must meet the requirements indicated as General Requirements

Indicate, in the application, his/her intention to apply for a temporary residence permit. He/she must also meet the following specific requirements:

marriage to a Costa Rican citizen

1. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migration category of temporary resident.

2. In the case of cohabitation, the court decision duly certified by the competent court, recognizing said union, must be presented. In the event that the marriage with a Costa Rican person was concluded abroad, it must be registered in the Civil Registry of Costa Rica.

3. Both spouses must appear at the Service Platform for the Management of Foreigners or at the regional delegation where the application is submitted, to undergo an individual interview to confirm the data, which must be signed by both spouses, in accordance with article 73 of the law. If necessary, the Professional Migration Police must verify the information provided by the interested parties.

4. Present evidence that demonstrates mutual knowledge between the two spouses.

5. Photocopy of the Costa Rican identity card of the spouse, which must be certified either by comparing it with the original in front of the official at the service platform or regional headquarters, or through a notary public.

religiously consecrated persons and those in need

1. Proof of payment to the government in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migration category of temporary resident.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the kinship relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, where applicable, by the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.
3. Certificate of the religious congregation signed by the legal representative, indicating that the foreigner belongs to that congregation, the period and reasons for which he will remain in the country.

4. Original certificate of legal personality of the religious congregation to which the foreigner belongs, with a date of issue no later than three months from the date of submission of the residence application. If the religious congregation does not have legal personality, it must certify its existence by other appropriate means.

5. Certificate attesting that the religious association or congregation is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs.

In the case of Catholic monks, in addition to the requirements mentioned above, they must present:

a) a letter issued by the Episcopal Conference guaranteeing the foreigner’s residence and indicating the place where he will carry out his activity; and

b) a letter from the religious congregation within which he will carry out his activity.

Religious foreigners who belong to a religious association or congregation registered with the General Directorate of Emigration and Catholic monks are exempt from presenting the documents mentioned in points 3) and 4).

directors, legal representatives, managers, specialized technical personnel and their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident, in accordance with article 255 of the law.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, by the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

3. Duly authenticated copy of the employment contract, in the case of employees, in the basis of articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code, indicating the monthly salary received, which must be 25% higher than the legal minimum salary for the same position.

4. In the case of directors and managers, a certification signed by the legal representative of the contracting company must be presented, indicating that the person will work for the company, the position they will hold and the period they will remain in Costa Rica, indicating the monthly salary they will receive.

5. Certificate issued by the appropriate insurance company, attesting that the company is up to date with the payment of the insurance policy against work accidents or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or compared with the original.

6. Certificate of legal personality of the company, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the temporary residence application.

7. Proof that the company is up to date with the payment of national and municipal taxes.

8. Income certificate issued by a certified accountant and balance sheet.

The foreigner working for a COMPANY registered with the General Directorate of Emigration must meet the requirements established in the Enterprise Regulation No. 36576-G-COMEX.

Self-employed professionals and their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident.
2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the previous (general) requirements, the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the kinship relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.
3. Copy of the appropriate diplomas or accreditations that demonstrate that he/she has the necessary qualification to exercise the profession; in the case of diplomas issued abroad, these must be legalized or apostilled.
4. If the business is incorporated as a company, it must present the legal personality, license, operating authorization from the Ministry of Health and certification of income by a certified accountant.
5. Be registered with the General Directorate of Taxes and be up to date with tax obligations, a situation that will be verified through the system when the application is evaluated.

6. If the citizen exercises a profession for which a special qualification is required, the authorization will be conditional on the possession and, where appropriate, the recognition of the corresponding title and, if necessary, enrollment in the corresponding professional college.

Specialized employees in a dependent employment relationship, as well as for their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

3. Employment contract in accordance with articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code.

4. Affidavit signed by the employer, certifying the worker’s experience, specifying the specialized functions and knowledge required for the position.

5. Certification of the worker’s qualifications and experience that qualify them for the position they will occupy, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled if they were obtained abroad.

6. Municipal license, sanitary operating authorization, proof of tax payment or exemption form submitted to the Ministry of Finance or the tax collection body.

Investors and their dependents.

1. Proof of payment to the government in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident, in accordance with article 255 of the law.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by the judge.

The Investor, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, must complete the procedure with the documents provided depending on the type of investment.

Investments in productive projects or projects of national interest

1. Detailed description of the investments, productive projects or projects of national interest. For these projects, a certified copy of the project feasibility study must be submitted.
2. Certified copy or, failing that, the original and a copy to be verified by a public official, of the municipal and SETENA permits, if required depending on the nature of the project.
3. Certificate from the appropriate insurance company, indicating that the enterprise is up to date with the payment of the professional risk insurance policy or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or verified with the original.
4. Certificate of legal personality of the company, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.
5. Certificate issued by a certified accountant proving that the investment was made in his own name.

Investments in real estate and registerable movable property

1. Detailed description of the investments in real estate and movable property that you own.
2. Certificate issued by the Property Registry proving that the property is registered.
3. Be registered with the General Directorate of Taxes and be up to date with tax obligations, a situation that will be verified through the system when the application is assessed.
4. In the case of real estate, a certificate issued by the corresponding municipality, attesting to the real value of the real estate.
5. In the case of movable property that can be registered, a copy of the stamps or other taxes corresponding to the nature of the property, indicating its tax value.

Investments in shares or securities

1. Detailed description of the investment in shares or securities by a notary public.
2. Certified photocopy of the company’s articles of association.
3. Income certificate issued by a certified accountant, demonstrating the applicant’s financial solvency, based on duly audited financial statements from the last fiscal period.
4. If the investment comes from abroad, the documents must be duly legalized or apostilled.
5. Certificate of legal personality of the company, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.
6. Proof of registration and payment of taxes with the General Directorate of Direct Taxes.

The investment is made in forest plantations

1. Certification by a certified public accountant, attesting that the foreign person has made an initial investment of $100,000; this certification must also state the total value of the investment, as provided in the Forest Management Plan.
2. Copy of the resolution approving the Investment Management Plan for the establishment, management and exploitation of forest plantations. The management plan must be scheduled for a minimum period of 3 years, in which the minimum initial investment of $100,000 is established, in accordance with Article 70 of Law 7575.
3. Certified copy of the forest manager’s contract.
4. Certified copy or, failing that, the original and a copy to be verified by a public official, of the municipal and SETENA permits, if required depending on the nature of the project.
5. Be registered with the General Directorate of Taxes and be up to date with tax obligations, a situation that will be verified through the system at the time of application evaluation.

The person granted temporary residence as an investor and his/her dependents may not carry out any remunerated manual or intellectual activity.

scientists, professionals, interns and their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by the judge.

3. Copy of the employment contract duly authenticated, in the case of employees, pursuant to articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code, indicating the monthly salary received.

4. Affidavit signed by the employer, certifying the worker’s experience, specifying the specialized functions and knowledge for the respective position.
5. Certification of the worker’s qualifications and experience that accredit him for the position he will occupy, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled if they were obtained abroad.

6. Company certificate signed by the legal representative, specifying that the foreigner will carry out the internship within the respective company or institution, the duration and the tasks he will perform in the country.

7. Certificate of legal personality of the company or institution, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreigner.

8. In the case of scientists and professionals, they must be enrolled in the appropriate professional college.

9. The citizen who carries out an internship in a governmental or non-governmental institution, association or organization, registered with the General Directorate of Migration, is exempt from presenting the requirement in point 7.

specialized technicians and their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

3. Employment contract in accordance with articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code.

4. Affidavit signed by the employer, attesting to the worker’s experience, specifying the specialized functions and knowledge for the respective position.

5. Certification of the worker’s qualifications and experience that accredit him for the position he will occupy, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled if they were obtained abroad.

6. Certificate issued by the appropriate insurance company, attesting that the company is up to date with the payment of the insurance policy against work accidents or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or compared with the original.

7. Certificate of legal personality of the company or partnership, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.

8. Proof that the company is up to date with the payment of national and municipal taxes.
Income certificate issued by a certified accountant and balance sheet.

athletes officially accredited by the National Council for Sports and Recreation (ICODER) or UNAFUT, and for their dependents

1. Proof of payment to the government in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident in accordance with article 255 of the law.

2. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

3. Copy of the employment contract in accordance with articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code, duly authenticated.

4. Certificate issued by the National Council for Sports and Recreation or by the public or private entity that holds the national representation of a sport, which certifies foreign athletes who participate in its championships.

5. The company must be up to date with its obligations towards the CCSS, in accordance with the provisions of article 74 of the Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, its Regulations and amendments; in this regard, the unit carrying out the procedure will verify the situation, through the means available to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund; in the event of a situation of non-payment, the appropriate prevention will be issued, without prejudice to the request for the original document, if deemed necessary.

6. Certificate issued by the corresponding insurance company, indicating that the company is up to date with the payment of the occupational risk insurance policy or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or compared with the original.

7. Certificate of legal personality of the company or institution, with the date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.

8. Proof that the company or institution is up to date with the payment of national and municipal taxes.

Correspondents and staff of news agencies and their dependents

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; it must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migration category of temporary resident, in accordance with article 255 of the law.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

5. Criminal record from the country of origin or from the place where he/she has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. For this purpose, they must additionally demonstrate the legality of their stay in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

6. Photocopy of the pages of the passport in which the foreigner’s qualifications are mentioned, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

7. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, by the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.
Copy of the employment contract in accordance with articles 23 and 24 of the Labor Code, duly authenticated.

8. Affidavit signed by the employer, attesting to the worker’s experience, specifying the specialized functions and knowledge required for the position in question.

9. Certification of the worker’s qualifications and experience that accredit him for the position he will occupy, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled if they were obtained abroad.

10. If the company is registered in Costa Rica, it must be up to date with its obligations towards the CCSS, in accordance with the provisions of article 74 of the Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, its regulations and amendments; for this purpose, the unit carrying out the procedure will verify the situation, through the means available to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund; in the event of non-payment, the appropriate warning will be issued, without prejudice to the request for the original document, if deemed necessary.

11. If the company is registered in Costa Rica, it must present a certification from the corresponding insurance entity, indicating that the company is up to date with the payment of the labor risk insurance policy or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or compared with the original.

12. Certificate of legal personality of the company or institution, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.

Proof that the company or institution is up to date with the payment of municipal and fiscal taxes, if registered in Costa Rica.

Renter and his/her dependents

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; it must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; it must be signed by the foreigner in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migratory category of temporary resident, in accordance with article 255 of the law.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

5. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the place where he/she has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he/she must additionally demonstrate the legality of his/her stay in that country by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

6. Photocopy of the pages of the passport in which the foreign person’s qualifications are mentioned, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by his/her nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

7. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, the spouse must present a legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, by a guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

8. It must be demonstrated, by means of a document issued by the competent authority, that, for a period of at least two years, a stable and permanent income of at least two thousand five hundred dollars (2500.00 USD) per month will be received, in the currency of the United States of America or the equivalent in colones at the selling exchange rate established by the BCCR. The above will be applied by verification with a document issued by the competent authority; if the income comes from abroad, it must be legalized and authenticated or apostilled by the appropriate authorities.

Retired person and their dependents

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; it must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Proof of payment to the government of fifty dollars ($50.00) or the equivalent in colones at the BCCR reference exchange rate, corresponding to the application for legal residence in the migration category of temporary resident, in accordance with article 255 of the law.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

5. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he/she has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. For this purpose, they must additionally demonstrate the legality of their stay in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

6. Photocopy of the pages of the passport in which the foreigner’s qualifications are mentioned, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

7. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the requirements indicated in letters a) to j), the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, the guardianship certificate issued by a judge.

8. Demonstrate, with a document issued by the competent authority, that you benefit from a life pension whose value cannot be less than one thousand dollars per month (1000.00 USD) in the currency of the United States of America or its equivalent in colones at the selling exchange rate established by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. If the certificate is issued abroad, it must be duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

regulation of the migration situation

Special Temporary Residence

The General Directorate has the power to authorize the entry and stay on the national territory of foreign persons through special migratory categories, in order to regulate migratory situations which, by their nature, require a different treatment from the other migratory categories.

In exercising the powers conferred by law, before resolving the application for the assignment of a special category submitted by the foreign person who intends to carry out professional activities in the country and benefit from legal residence, the Foreigners Management Service will analyze, as appropriate, the applicant’s technical studies, the recommendatory reports issued by the MTSS, as well as other relevant criteria of opportunity and convenience.

Cross-border workers

Cross-border workers will be foreign individuals residing in the areas bordering the borders with Costa Rica and who are authorized by the General Directorate to enter and exit the national territory, in order to carry out paid activities, authorized by the General Directorate, taking as reference, among others, the technical studies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. These workers will have to contribute to the social security system of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social and to the professional risk insurance system of an insurance entity.

The neighboring geographical area permitted on the Costa Rican side will be the same as that established in article 62 of the Regulation on Migration Control, for neighboring permits, as well as any other geographical area established by the General Directorate, once a new migration control point has been opened. The employer or interested foreign individual will submit the application for cross-border worker to the nearest regional office of the General Directorate.

The General Directorate will grant authorization for foreign cross-border workers who meet the following requirements:

1. Identity document.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Letter from the employer or job offer, specifying the functions and the place where the foreigner will work. If the employer is a legal entity, it must present the legal personality of the company.

4. Proof of the employer’s financial solvency by means of a certification issued by a certified accountant, a salary certificate or any other requirement indicated in the general requirements.

5. Employer’s identity document.

6. Document issued by the delegation of the Ministry of Public Security in the place of residence, certifying the applicant’s domicile.

Temporary workers

The General Directorate, through the Foreigners Service or regional delegations, will grant special authorizations for temporary foreign workers, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension, who meet the following requirements:

1. Written application addressed to the General Directorate for Migration, signed by the legal representative of the company or the employer, explaining the paid activities that will be carried out, the period and the area in which they will work.

2. Certified copy of all pages of the passport or valid travel permit of the foreigner, showing his/her photograph and personal data or, in his/her absence, the original and the copy to be verified in front of a public official.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Proof of consular registration.

Before a decision is made on the foreigner’s application, there must be a recommendation issued by the Ministry of Labor authorizing the enterprise or employer to hire foreign labor. Said authorization must indicate the authorized number, the work area, and the activity.

The above requirements must be met by all applicants in a special category, such as temporary workers, with the exception of foreigners who benefit from bilateral agreements signed by Costa Rica and third countries, in which case they must meet the requirements established in said agreements.

Workers for specific occupations employed by legal entities

The General Directorate, through the Foreigners Service, will grant special authorizations for persons carrying out specific activities requested by legal entities, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension, to foreigners who meet the following requirements:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested party, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

6. Duly authenticated job offer, indicating the functions, work schedule, salary to be received, signed by the employer.

7. The company must be up to date with its obligations towards the CCSS, in accordance with the provisions of article 74 of the Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, its Regulations and amendments; in this regard, the unit carrying out the procedure will verify the situation, through the means available to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund; if the existence of arrears is found, the appropriate warning will be issued, without prejudice to the request for the original document, if deemed necessary.

8. Certificate of income, balance sheet and financial situation, issued by a certified accountant.

9. Certificate from the appropriate insurance company, indicating that the enterprise is up to date with the payment of the professional risk insurance policy or proof of up-to-date payment, duly certified or compared with the original.

10. Certificate of legal personality of the company or partnership, with the date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.

11. Proof that the company or partnership is up to date with the payment of municipal and fiscal taxes.

Workers for specific occupations employed by individuals

The General Directorate, through the Foreigners Service, will grant special authorizations for persons carrying out specific activities as natural persons, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension, to foreigners who meet the following requirements:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the person concerned, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional office where the application is submitted.

6. Duly authenticated job offer, indicating the functions, work schedule, salary to be granted, signed by the employer.

7. Certified copy or, failing that, the original and a copy to be verified by a public official, of the employer’s valid identity document.

8. Verification of the employer’s financial solvency through a certification issued by a certified accountant, a salary certificate or any other requirement indicated in article 22 of this regulation, depending on the specific case.

Workers for specific occupations, independent (self-employed)

Those foreigners who own a duly constituted business or those who work in specific sectors, such as agriculture, construction and services, depending on the country’s labor needs, will be considered as persons carrying out a specific activity on their own account.

The General Directorate, through the Foreigners Service, will grant authorization for self-employed workers with a specific occupation who own a duly constituted business, for a period of one year, which may be extended, to those foreigners who meet the following requirements:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested party, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

6. Municipal license.

7. Health permit to operate.

8. Income certificate issued by a certified accountant.

9. Proof of tax payment or exemption form filed with the Ministry of Finance or the tax authority.

10. In the event that the citizen exercises a profession for which a special qualification is required, the authorization will be conditional on possession and, where applicable, homologation of the corresponding diploma and, if necessary, registration with the professional college.

Workers for specific occupations, on a business visit

A business visitor is defined as a person who visits the country to carry out activities such as buying or selling goods or services, negotiating contracts, discussing with colleagues or participating in business activities, provided that they do not receive salaries or fees in the country and that they do not need to reside on the national territory to carry out their activities.

A foreigner who requests a special category in the business visitor subcategory, transferred personnel and after-sales service personnel, will receive a residence permit for a period equivalent to double their visa.

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested party, the claims, the domicile where he will reside in Costa Rica and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Photocopy of the pages of the passport indicating the qualifications of the foreigner, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by his nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

4. Proof of payment in the amount of two hundred dollars (USD 200.00), in accordance with the provisions of article 89 of the law.

Workers for specific occupations, internally transferred (transfer staff)

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the domicile where he will reside in Costa Rica and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Photocopy of the pages of the passport indicating the qualifications of the foreigner, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by his nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

4. Letter from the company indicating the reasons for moving to the country and the tasks he will perform.

5. Proof of payment of the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00), in accordance with the provisions of Article 89 of the law.

Workers for specific occupations, involved in after-sales services

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested party, the claims, the domicile where they will reside in Costa Rica and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Photocopy of the pages of the passport that mention the qualifications of the foreigner, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

3. Letter from the company indicating the reasons for which they must remain in the country and the tasks they will perform.

4. Certified copy of the contract that generates the obligation to provide services.

5. Proof of payment of the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00), in accordance with the provisions of Article 89 of the law.

Pupils, students, researchers, teachers and volunteers, as well as dependents of students

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the person concerned, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.

2. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

3. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

4. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

5. In the case of students, researchers and teachers, they must present a certificate issued by the educational institution and signed by the legal representative or the director of the institution, stating that the foreigner is a student, teacher or researcher of the recognized educational institution.

6. In the case of teachers and researchers, they must present a job offer that specifies the functions, work schedule, salary to be received, signed by the employer, as well as a description of the research project, duly authenticated.

7. In the case of volunteers, they must present a certificate issued by the institution responsible for the volunteer program and signed by the legal representative, describing in detail the volunteer project and indicating the tasks to be performed, the duration of the stay in the country and the details regarding its financing.

8. In the case of students, financial solvency must be demonstrated by means of a certificate issued by a certified accountant, indicating their origin. If they are a scholarship student, they must present a certificate issued by the institution granting the scholarship, indicating the amount, duration and expenses covered.

Any application for legal residence of an unaccompanied minor, managed by a third party, must be accompanied by a special power of attorney issued by the person or persons exercising parental authority, granted before the competent authority of the country of origin, duly legalized by the Costa Rican consular authorities in that country and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs of Costa Rica, or apostilled. The special power of attorney must also indicate the authorization granted to the third party, so that he can manage the exit permit from the corresponding country. If the document is in a language other than Spanish, an official translation must be presented.

Foreign citizens dependent on students

In the case of dependents of the student, i.e. the father, mother, spouse, minor or adult children with disabilities, of the foreign person applying for residence as a student, the following requirements must be presented:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the passport pages containing the qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional office where the application is submitted.

6. In the case of dependents, in addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements, the spouse must present the legalized or apostilled marriage certificate to prove the family relationship, the application for minor children must be submitted by the parents, and in the case of adult children with disabilities, this must be proven by a medical opinion and, in cases where necessary, by the guardianship certificate issued by the judge.

7. Proof of the financial solvency necessary to subsist in the country, by presenting

Special guests of the state or its institutions, as well as persons whose presence is justified for reasons of public safety, as assessed by the Ministry of Security, including whistleblowers or witnesses in judicial or administrative proceedings

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed by the foreigner in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

6. In the case of special guests, they must present a certificate issued by the public institution or state body, indicating the reasons for which they will remain in the country, the activities they will carry out and the period of stay.

7. In the case of foreign persons who, for reasons of public security, are requested by the Ministry of Security, they must present an official letter from the latter, indicating the reasons for which the foreign person will remain in the country, the activities they will carry out and the period of stay.

8. The person filing a complaint or being a witness in judicial or administrative proceedings must present an official letter signed by the respective authority, indicating the need for him/her to remain in the country during the proceedings; this shall indicate the type of proceedings, their current status, the file number, as well as the reasons justifying his/her stay in the country during the judicial or administrative proceedings.

Artists, athletes and members of public performances, renowned professionals and technicians, or people invited to carry out activities of interest to the country

The General Directorate, through the Foreigners Service, will grant special authorizations for artists, athletes and members of public performances, renowned professionals and technicians or persons invited to carry out important activities for the country, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension, to foreigners who meet the following requirements:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the person concerned, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

3. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

4. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if required by their nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

5. Certificate issued by the institution, natural or legal person or company concerned and signed by the legal representative, indicating the reasons for which the foreigner will remain in the country, the activities they will carry out and the period of stay.

6. Letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth or UNAFUT, or the person delegated in this regard, in the case of artists, athletes and members of public shows, or from a state minister in the case of renowned professionals or technicians or invited persons of importance for the country. This document must indicate the support given to the activity for which the foreigner will enter the country.

7. In the case of public performances, the authorizations issued by the Office for Public Performances of the Ministry of Justice and Peace and by the Prosecutor’s Office for Public Performances of the National Theater must be presented, both for the entire duration of the event.

8. The original and copy or certified copy of the contract concluded between artists, athletes or members of the public performances and the person in charge of the event.

Workers involved in specific projects or in public interest projects

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the person concerned, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.
4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.
5. Photocopy of the passport pages containing the qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

6. Letter from the ministry, state institution or company for which the work will be carried out or the project will be developed, detailing the importance of the project or work and its scope.

7. If necessary, a certified copy of the award publication or a certified copy of the declaration of public interest will be provided.

8. Certified copy of the works or project contract, duly countersigned, if necessary.

9. The employer must be up to date with its obligations to the CCSS, in accordance with the provisions of article 74 of the Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, its regulations and amendments; in this regard, the entity carrying out the procedure may verify the situation, through the means available to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund to verify the information; in the event of a situation of non-payment, the requested procedure will not be carried out.

10. Certificate issued by the insurance body, indicating that the company has a risk insurance policy and that it is up to date with its payments.

11. Certificate of legal personality of the company or society, with a date of issue no older than one month from the submission of the application for temporary residence for the foreign person.

12. Proof that the company or society is up to date with the payment of national and municipal taxes.

Stateless person

1. Resolution issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs, declaring that the person in question is stateless.
2. Application of the interested person.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs

Asylum seeker

1. Resolution issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs, declaring the person as an asylum seeker.
2. Request from the interested person.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Certified copy of all pages of the valid passport or travel document of the foreigner or photocopy and original to be verified in front of an official.

Special category for humanitarian reasons

In exceptional circumstances, the General Directorate may examine and resolve individually, for humanitarian reasons, cases which, due to their special conditions, involve a special situation of vulnerability, derived from his age, gender, disability, among others, the regularization of his migratory status being a necessary condition to remedy this situation.

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested party, the claim, the basis of the claim, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; it must be signed in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer. The reasons for the application must be proven by appropriate means, depending on the situation presented and according to the requirements of the Directorate General. In order to make a better decision, the Directorate General may request a technical assessment of the circumstances essential for the analysis of the case from the competent public institutions.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he/she has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. For this purpose, they must additionally demonstrate the legality of their stay in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport in which the foreign person’s qualifications are mentioned, the entry stamp in Costa Rica and the entry visa, if their nationality requires it, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional headquarters where the application is submitted.

6. In the event that the interested person is to carry out remunerated activities, they must present a duly authenticated job offer, indicating the functions, the work schedule, the salary to be received, signed by the employer.

7. The Director General will transmit monthly to the Minister of the Interior and the Police the report with all the decisions authorizing the special category for humanitarian reasons, with the appropriate justification for each case.

Other special categories

1. Special category by connection with a Costa Rican citizen: children of legal age up to 25 years of age, unmarried brothers and sisters of legal age up to 25 years of age who are economically dependent.

2. Special category by connection with a permanent resident: spouse or life partner (condition established by a judge), parents, mothers, minor children and legal age up to 25 years of age, the latter in conditions of economic dependence.

3. Special category by connection with a temporary resident: financially dependent parents and legal age children up to 25 years of age, in both cases financially dependent.

4. Special category due to connection with a legal guardian or curator: is granted to minors or adults with disabilities, whose guardian or curator has permanent, temporary or Costa Rican resident status.

5. Special category due to connection with a researcher, teacher, professional or volunteer: the spouse and economically dependent minor or adult children with disabilities, whose institution is in the register of educational institutions registered with the General Directorate.

6. Special category for children of diplomatic agents, consular officials, government officials, representatives and delegates of permanent missions or delegations accredited to international organizations in Costa Rica who, upon reaching the age of 25, are excluded from the primary family nucleus and, therefore, are no longer covered by the status granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship.

7. Special category for minors under the legal guardianship of the National Child Protection Agency (PANI): minors in a form of public or private, institutional or family protection, declared or not in a state of abandonment by the court and who cannot opt for another migration category that would grant them permanent or temporary residence rights.

8. Special category for residents of border areas who have permanent residence near the border defined by the General Directorate or by bilateral agreements on border areas, who must not engage in any remunerated manual or intellectual work, for a period of one year, which may be extended.

9. Special category for officials designated by other states or international partner organizations, involved in the implementation of international cooperation projects or programs, as well as for their dependents and a member of the service or domestic staff: the family nucleus, the spouse or common-law partner of the official, as well as the minor and unmarried children of one or the other, and first-degree relatives by blood, with a relationship of economic dependence, who do not exercise any gainful activity and who have demonstrated that they permanently reside with the official.

The foreign person, under the above assumptions, must provide the following requirements:

1. Application for legal residence indicating the qualifications of the interested person, the claims, the current domicile and the place or means of notification; this must be signed by the foreigner in the presence of a public official or duly authenticated by a lawyer.

2. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

3. Birth certificate issued in the country of origin, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.

4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the place where he has legally resided for the last three years, duly legalized and authenticated or apostilled. To this end, he must additionally prove the legality of his residence in the country in question by means of a certified copy of the migration document obtained within the indicated period.

5. Photocopy of the pages of the passport that contain the foreigner’s qualifications, the Costa Rican entry stamp and the entry visa, if required by nationality, which must be certified by a notary public or compared with the original by the official of the Service Platform or the regional office where the application is submitted.

6. Certificate issued by the Civil Registry of Costa Rica for the Costa Rican person, proving the relationship, in the case of a spouse with permanent residence whose marriage took place outside the national territory, must be legalized and authenticated or apostilled, with a date of issue no more than two months at the time of submitting the application for permanent residence.

7. In the case of older siblings of a Costa Rican citizen with disabilities, a medical certificate must be presented certifying the disability in question.

8. In the case of unmarried siblings up to 25 years of age, a legalized and duly authenticated or apostilled certificate of celibacy must be presented.

9. In the case of a relationship with a guardian or curator, the foreigner must present a decision issued by the competent judge establishing this representation. If the decision is issued abroad, it must be presented legalized and duly authenticated or apostilled.

10. Unmarried siblings under the age of 25 of a Costa Rican citizen, children under the age of 25 of a permanent resident, the father, mother and children under the age of 25 of a temporary resident must demonstrate their economic dependence on the holder by means of a certificate issued by a certified public accountant, a salary certificate or any other requirement indicated in article 22 of the regulation on foreigners, depending on the specific case.

Our advice

Before You Pay… Check!

Take a few simple steps to avoid risks:
Check the name of the firm or lawyer

in Costa Rican National Registry, Bar Association and Notaries Association.

Always ask for a written contract

with clear details about the services offered, deadlines and costs.

Ask for references from other clients

not just social media reviews, but real contacts.

Request a tax invoice

in Costa Rica this is mandatory and in electronic format.

Ask anything you don't understand.

If you are not given clear answers, take a break and reevaluate.

playa del coco

Conclusion

Emigrating to Costa Rica is possible and for some people, it can be an excellent choice.

But it’s not an easy road, and it’s certainly not one to enter with your eyes closed and your credit card ready.

Get informed, look for reliable sources, ask for opinions, double-check before you sign or pay. Better slow but fair than fast and bad.

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