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Legal Residency Guide

Costa Rica Legal Residency

A very comprehensive source for information on legal residency in Costa Rica. No matter what your objective is, use this guide to determine which type of residency is best for you.

Your Path to Costa Rica Residency

If offshore retirement is in your crosshairs, this is an excellent place to start. The process is outlined in-depth and Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties (CRRVP) has assisted hundreds of folks just like you in investigating the benefits of relocating to Costa Rica. We are also highly helpful in the Legal Residency process.

Our Costa Rica Real Estate operation covers the entire country and is very knowledgeable about each of the areas. Being certain that the location you choose matches your objectives is important — and be sure to consider whether Costa Rica is right for you.

You may also set up an interview with Robert Shannon & Kevin McNamee to get a full, complimentary, in-depth consultation.

Kevin McNamee

Our company was founded over 20 years ago with the goal of helping individuals and families who wish to relocate to Costa Rica, and in some cases, find employment here. We specialize in guiding our clients through the process of acquiring legal residency, and we also assist with every aspect of the relocation journey.

My wife Sammy and I have called Costa Rica home for over 30 years, having moved here from Vancouver, British Columbia. When we first connect with a client, we take the time to understand their unique plans and collaborate with them to develop a personalized action plan.

We are proud to serve clients from all over the globe, and one of the greatest joys of our work is that many of our clients become lifelong friends. We look forward to welcoming you and making your transition to Costa Rica as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Legal ID & Recognition

Get a Costa Rica ID number recognized throughout the country for driver's licenses, bank accounts, and more.

No 180-Day Exit Required

Once approved, you no longer need to leave the country every 180 days like tourists.

Invest US$150,000 in Real Estate

Qualify for Resident Investor status through a property investment of US$150,000 or more.

Free Real Estate Tour

Qualify for our complimentary Best Real Estate Tour in the Costa Rica Central Valley.

If the Costa Rica Central Valley with its spring-like climate is your desire, find out about the Best Real Estate Tour in Costa Rica that we offer for free — if you qualify.

Costa Rica Residency FAQ

Review the most frequent questions asked by people seeking residency

The legal status provides you with an I.D. number which is recognized throughout Costa Rica and reflects the fact that you have "ties" — physical and financial — within the country. It is necessary to obtain, among other things: driver's licenses, post office boxes, opening bank accounts and many other typical requirements. With one's legal status they do not need to leave the country every 180 days as you are no longer considered a tourist.
No. Once your residency application has been applied for and Immigration advises that it is accepted, you no longer are considered to be a tourist but rather a person in process.
There are slightly differing requirements regarding the financial amounts which differ with regards to the status being applied for. The common requirements include a birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), and proof of good standing from your national police force in your home country.
Yes. That is called Resident Investor status and this requires an investment of US$150,000 in Costa Rica real estate or another qualifying investment.
Depending on the details, typically required documents include: a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, letter of good standing from your home country's national police force, and in some cases, proof of financial responsibility.
An 'Apoderado' is a legal representative in Costa Rica who can act on your behalf. Typically, by means of a limited power of attorney — limited or restricted to the specific acts that you want them to accomplish on your behalf.
Yes. You will have to have your fingerprints taken in your home country to facilitate the requirements of your home country's police force. As far as Costa Rica is concerned, you also have to have fingerprints taken here as part of the residency application process.
Your residency as first provided to you is valid on an ongoing basis. It is renewable after 24 months and typically for another 24-month period.
You are legally required to be in Costa Rica at least for one day every year to maintain your temporary residency status.
A 'Cédula' is a Costa Rican ID card, while 'DIMEX' refers to the ID card specifically for residents. For all intents and purposes, both names are interchangeable.
Free Consultation

Reserve Your Free Costa Rica Residency Consultation

Residency should be handled early in the process of relocation. Understanding the residency choices is important as it will guide you to find the best location and assist in meeting your objectives in Costa Rica. We make it easy!

Book Free Consultation

Be sure to see some ideal retirement locations in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Legal Residency

A Very Comprehensive Source for Information on Legal Residency in Costa Rica

If offshore retirement is in your crosshairs, this is an excellent place to start. No matter what your objective is, you should use this comprehensive guide to determine which type of residency is best for you.

The process is outlined in-depth and Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties (CRRVP) has assisted hundreds of folks just like you in investigating the benefits of relocating to Costa Rica. We are also highly helpful in the Legal Residency process.

Our Costa Rica Real Estate operation covers the entire country and is very knowledgeable about each of the areas.

If the Costa Rica Central Valley with its spring-like climate is your desire, find out about the Best Real Estate Tour in Costa Rica that we offer for free. . if you qualify. Review the most frequent questions asked by people seeking information on Costa Rica Residency below.

You may also set up an interview with Robert Shannon & Kevin McNamee to get a full, complimentary, in-depth consultation.

Being certain that the location you choose matches your objectives is important. Also, be sure to consider whether Costa Rica is right for you.

Costa Rica Residency Frequently Asked Questions

Kevin McNamee:

Our company was founded over 20 years ago with the goal of helping individuals and families who wish to relocate to Costa Rica, and in some cases, find employment here. We specialize in guiding our clients through the process of acquiring legal residency, and we also assist with every aspect of the relocation journey.

My wife Sammy and I have called Costa Rica home for over 30 years, having moved here from Vancouver, British Columbia. When we first connect with a client, we take the time to understand their unique plans and collaborate with them to develop a personalized action plan.

We are proud to serve clients from all over the globe, and one of the greatest joys of our work is that many of our clients become lifelong friends. We look forward to welcoming you and making your transition to Costa Rica as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

What are the benefits of getting a residency in Costa Rica?

The legal status provides you with an I.D. number which is recognized throughout Costa Rica and reflects the fact that you have “ties” physical and financial, within the Country. Necessary to obtain, among other things; driver’s licenses, post offices boxes, opening bank accounts and many other typical requirements. With one’s legal status they do not need to leave the County every 180 days as you are no longer considered a tourist

Am I required to leave the country every 180 days to renew my visa while my paperwork is being processed?

No, once your residency application has been applied for and Immigration advises that it is accepted you no longer are considered to be a tourist but rather a person in process.

What documents do I need to apply for residency?

There are slightly differing requirements regarding the financial amounts which differ with regards to the status being applied for. The common requirements include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, if married, proof of good standing from your national police force in your home country.

Can I invest in real estate if I apply for the investment category?

Yes, that is called Resident Investor status and this requires an investment of US$150,000.

What if I married a Costa Rican outside of Costa Rica? What documentation do I need?

Depends on the details but typically required would the following documents. A. valid passport B. birth certificate. C. marriage certificate. D letter of good standing from national police force of your home country. E in some cases proof of financial responsibility.

What is ‘Apoderado’?

An ‘Apoderado’ is a legal representative in Costa Rica who can act on your behalf. Basically, this person is permitted to act on your behalf. Typically, by means of a limited power of attorney. Limited or restricted to the specific acts that you want them to accomplish on your behalf.

Can I have my fingerprints taken in my own country?

Yes. You will have to have your fingerprints taken in your home country to facilitate the requirements of your home country’s police force. As far as Costa Rica is concerned you have to have fingerprints taken here as part of the residency application process.

How long is residency valid for?

Your residency as first provided to you is valid on an on going bases. Renewable after 24 months and typically for another 24 months.

How long can I be out of Costa Rica before I lose my temporary residency?

You are legally required to be in Costa Rica at least for one day every year.

What’s the difference between a ‘Cedula’ and a ‘DIMEX’?

A ‘Cedula’ is a Costa Rican ID card, while ‘DIMEX’ refers to the ID card for residents. For all intents and purposes both names are interchangeable.

I wish to reserve for the free Costa Rica Residency consultation

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties

Residency should be handled early in the process of relocation.

Understanding the residency choices is important as it will guide you to find the best location and the best profit, and assist in meeting your objectives in Costa Rica. Take advantage of our free in-depth consultation as…

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Be sure to see some ideal retirement locations in Costa Rica.

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