Wondering how to get residency in Costa Rica? There are several routes, and the right one depends on your income, plans, and whether you’re buying property. Here’s every path, compared.
Pensionado (retirees)
Requires ~$1,000/month lifetime pension income. The most popular retiree route — see the Pensionado guide.
Rentista (stable income)
Prove ~$2,500/month for 2 years (or a $60k deposit). No pension required — see the Rentista guide.
Inversionista (investor)
Invest ~$150,000+ in property or a business to qualify for investor residency — a natural fit for buyers. Browse homes.
Digital Nomad
For remote workers earning foreign income — see the Digital Nomad guide.
Family & other routes
Marriage to a citizen (vínculo), having a Costa Rican child, or naturalization over time.
The process & timeline
Gather apostilled documents, apply through Migración or a lawyer, and expect several months. Healthcare (Caja) enrollment follows — see healthcare.
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