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Costa Rica Residency

Costa Rica is a peaceful country in the middle on of America. The culture and history along with the multicultural legacy have turned Costa Rica in not only the highest literacy country in Latin America, but the development of industry has grown quite a lot in the last 20 years. For this reason a lot of people have decided to relocate in our grounds: some looking for a better life, looking to improve the many business and opportunities available in the country and some who have decided that maybe the peace and incredible locations in the area must be a great choice to start a new life. We have created an easy to follow guide for you to know acknowledge the requirements to get a residency card in this country; whether you want a work permit for a few months or desire to become a Costa Rican. Please read the following points carefully and if you may have any doubt or question, please contact our in house attorney for further guidance on the matter:

• Birth Certificate
• National Police Record
• Marriage License

All of the above are to be properly certified in the Secretary of State, if applicable and authenticated in the Costa Rican Consulate in the originating jurisdiction. Also required:

• Fingerprints (taken in Costa Rica)

The common regimes where the Costa Rica residency may be approved for foreign citizens are:

• Resident Annuitant and Resident Pensioner Regimes:

They permit a fast and positive outcome for residency applications based on receiving a monthly income of no less than $1000 for at least 5 years, in a permanent, irrevocable and constant manner or receiving a life pension of no less than $600 that comes from a government entity. In both cases, both the applicant's spouse and children under eighteen years old can be covered in the regime.

• Company recognition status:

Companies established in the country and with an accounting net worth currently higher than $145 000 to be granted, after filing a series of corporate and legal documents from the Immigration Authorities, will be allowed to obtain residencies for its foreign employees. The residency allows the beneficiary to stay in the country as long as he or she works for such company. This residency covers the main applicant's spouse and children under eighteen years old, who may study but not work while in the country.

• Residency for Students:

It’s a temporary residency to foreign students in the country. The applicant must be enrolled in a private or public school authorized by the government. An individual with local residency must guarantee the applicant's stay in the country and prove the sponsor's sound financial status will be required. This sponsor will be responsible for the student while in Costa Rica and in the case of minors, a power of attorney issued by the parents is required. The beneficiary is not allowed to work while under this type of residency.

• Entrepreneur's residency:

Applicable only to financially sound people who wish to establish a business venture in Costa Rica. This business plan must be presented to the immigration authorities as part of the application and prove that the applicant will not be a burden to the country and that his or her enterprise will produce enough revenue to support the applicant while residing in Costa Rica. Although this is a permanent residency, it is forbidden for the beneficiary to be hired as an employee and may only work as administrator to his own business.

• Temporary Work Permit:

A residency based on the existence of a labor contract with a local company, attaching a copy of the labor contract and an application by the company.

• Financially Sound Immigrant Residency:

Applicable only to financially sound foreign citizens who want to reside permanently in Costa Rica, determining how their income will be generated after they are established in the country.

All of these regimes required a fee to be paid to the immigration offices depending on the type of residency you are interesting in acquiring. There are certainly many benefits from attaining residency in Costa Rica as a foreigner; some are access to social security, permission to engage in labor relationships, freedom from worries about immigration checkpoints and possible deportation and more. If you would like more information regarding Costa Rica residency, please contact our in house attorney who gladly share all his knowledge with you and help you get the proper residency regime for your needs.