Residency in Costa Rica

The process for obtaining legal residency in Costa Rica is somewhat complex, like most bureaucratic processes. It is highly recommended that you utilize the services of a professional organization or attorney to guide you through the process. The Association of Residence in Costa Rica (ARCR) is one such organization that has a good reputation.

Below is some basic information on obtaining residency in Costa Rica. For more complete information, contact an immigration attorney or ARCR (www.arcr.net).

A Costa Rican Permanent Resident is a foreign national who is granted the privilege of living and working permanently without conditions in Costa Rica.

A Costa Rican Conditional Permanent Resident is a foreign national who is granted the privilege of living in Costa Rica for a restricted period of time subject to specific conditions set by their filing status.

When you file for permanent resident status (PRS), you are granted either permanent resident status (PRS) or conditional permanent resident status (CPRS). The Immigration Department of Costa Rica will make this determination based on how you or your attorney presented your case.

If you are granted CPRS you can file for PRS on the date that your CPRS expires.

Because of a reciprocal perpetual friendship treaty between Spain and Costa Rica, citizens of Spain are always granted PRS regardless of the immigration path they undertake to become permanent residents.

The process of filing for PRS takes between 4 and 8 months depending on the complexity of your case. You can stay in Costa Rica with a valid tourist visa while your case is being reviewed.

When you apply for permanent resident status and you are granted PRS you will:

• get a permanent resident identification card (Cedula de Residencia) issued by Immigration of Costa Rica, renewable every year for a period of ten years, and then after every five years
• be able to live and work in Costa Rica without conditions

When you apply for permanent resident status and you are granted CPRS you will:

• get a permanent resident identification card (Cedula de Residencia)issued by Immigration of Costa Rica, renewable every year for a period of ten years, and then after every five years
• able to live in Costa Rica subject to conditions set by your filing status* for a restricted period of time equaled or greater than the length of your labor contract, your studies, your family aid, or wiring of overseas monies
• Note: When you file for PRS through investment, retirement, or annuities you will not be able to work in Costa Rica if you are granted conditional permanent resident status.

Comparison of Types of Residency

Source: ARCR