COSTA RICA INVESTOR RESIDENCY
Costa Rica offers several pathways to legal residency depending on an individual’s circumstances. For those considering purchasing property in Costa Rica, the Investor Residency category may be particularly relevant.
Under current Costa Rican immigration law, foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment of at least US$150,000 in Costa Rica may be eligible to apply for temporary residency as an investor.
Investor Residency Through Real Estate
A qualifying real estate investment of at least US$150,000 may provide the basis for an Investor Residency application in Costa Rica.
The qualifying investment may include real estate as well as certain other forms of investment permitted under Costa Rican law.
Purchasing property does not automatically grant residency. Applicants must meet applicable immigration requirements, document the qualifying investment, complete the required application process, and receive approval from Costa Rican immigration authorities.
Basic Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the applicant and individual circumstances, but documentation may generally include:
• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, if applicable
• Criminal background certificate from the applicant’s country of residence or other applicable jurisdiction
• Documentation establishing the qualifying investment
• Required immigration forms and supporting documentation
Foreign-issued documents generally must be properly apostilled or legalized, as applicable, and may require official translation into Spanish.
Additional documentation may be required depending on nationality, family composition, investment structure, or individual circumstances.
Family Members
Depending on applicable immigration requirements, certain qualifying family members may be eligible to obtain residency in connection with the primary applicant.
Individual eligibility and documentation requirements should be confirmed with qualified Costa Rican immigration counsel.
Potential Benefits of Investor Residency
Upon approval, Investor Residency may provide benefits that include:
• Legal temporary residency status in Costa Rica
• The ability to reside in Costa Rica under an approved immigration status
• The ability to include certain qualifying family members, subject to applicable requirements
• A potential pathway to permanent residency after meeting applicable legal requirements
Work authorization, residency renewals, permanent residency, and eventual eligibility for citizenship are governed by separate legal requirements and are not automatic.
Application Process
The Investor Residency process generally involves:
Completing and documenting the qualifying investment
Gathering the required personal and legal documents
Preparing and filing the residency application
Completing applicable immigration and government requirements
Receiving a decision from Costa Rican immigration authorities
Processing times vary based on the applicant’s circumstances, documentation, nationality, family composition, and current government processing times.
Applicants considering residency as part of a Costa Rica property purchase should consult with qualified immigration counsel early in the process to understand current requirements and how the structure and documentation of their investment may affect eligibility.
Veritas Village - Atenas
For international buyers considering Veritas Village – Atenas, a qualifying property investment may meet the investment threshold associated with Costa Rica’s Investor Residency category.
Our team can provide information about available properties and connect prospective buyers with qualified independent professionals who can advise on Costa Rican immigration and residency requirements.
Important Information
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, tax, or financial advice.
Immigration laws, eligibility requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times may change. Purchasing property in Costa Rica does not automatically grant or guarantee residency.
Prospective applicants should consult a qualified Costa Rican immigration attorney regarding their individual circumstances and current requirements.