Not everyone retiring or relocating to Costa Rica has a lifetime pension — and that’s exactly who the Rentista visa is designed for. It’s the go-to residency route for entrepreneurs, early retirees, remote earners and anyone with savings or stable non-pension income. Here’s how it works in 2026.
What Is the Rentista Visa?
The Rentista is a temporary residency category for people who can show stable, guaranteed income of at least $2,500 per month for two years (a total of $60,000) — without needing a pension. It’s ideal when your income comes from investments, a business, or savings rather than a retirement fund.
The Two Ways to Qualify
- Deposit route (most common): deposit $60,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank, which then disburses $2,500/month to you over 24 months. You essentially pay yourself the required income.
- Income letter route: prove a guaranteed $2,500/month income for two years via a bank or financial institution letter (harder to document, so most applicants use the deposit).
Benefits
Rentista residents can live in Costa Rica full time, enroll in the public Caja healthcare system, open bank accounts, and (unlike tourists) stop doing border runs. The income requirement can cover the applicant plus dependents. After three years as a Rentista you can typically apply for permanent residency.
Rentista vs Pensionado
The Pensionado needs only $1,000/month from a lifetime pension. The Rentista needs $2,500/month but accepts non-pension income or the $60k deposit. If you have a pension, Pensionado is cheaper; if you don’t, Rentista is the answer. Neither lets you work as an employee locally, though both allow owning a business and receiving dividends.
The Process
Applications go through Costa Rica’s immigration authority (DGME) with documents like a background check, birth certificate and the bank certification — all apostilled and translated. Most applicants use a local immigration attorney; timelines commonly run several months to a year.
Planning your move? Explore homes for sale and contact us — we’ll connect you with trusted immigration attorneys who handle Rentista applications.