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Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
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Program Type:
Independent Means Visa
Processing Time:
1-2 months
Citizenship Timeline:
7 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
3 years
Physical Presence Required:
4 months per year
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
149 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
On This Page
Program Overview
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
Through the Rentista and Pensionado visas, foreigners obtain a three-year path to permanent residency and a seven-year path to citizenship in Costa Rica by demonstrating a monthly income of either US$1,000 (Pensionado) or US$2,500 (Rentista).
Thanks to Costa Rica’s territorial tax system, the foreign income of residents in Costa Rica is not taxable.
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
How to Qualify
To qualify for an independent means visa in Costa, individuals should apply either in the Rentista or the Pensionado category, each with slightly different requirements.
To qualify as a Pensionado (pensioner), you must demonstrate a lifetime pension/monthly income exceeding US$1,000. Such a lifetime income could take the form of a government pension, an annuity, a private pension plan, or similar guaranteed regular income.
To qualify as a Rentista (rentier), you must demonstrate that you’ll receive a regular monthly income of at least US$2,500 for the next two years.
You can prove such a regular income through an official letter from your bank or other financial institution, an annuity certificate, or similar.
Alternatively, you can deposit some US$60,000 in a Costa Rican bank up front, with an agreed-upon disbursement schedule of US$2,500 per month over the next two years.
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
Salient Benefits
- No investment required
- Path to citizenship
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Safety and security
- Lower cost of living
- Lower taxes
- Warm climate
- Short processing time
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
Whether you qualify as a Rentista or a Pensionado, the initial visa is issued with a validity of two years.
At the conclusion of the initial two years, you can renew for another two years, subject to your continued meeting of the requirements.
During the temporary residency period, you must be physically present in Costa Rica for at least four months each year.
After three years, however, you can apply for permanent residency. Once you have permanent status, visiting Costa Rica for 3 days each year is sufficient to retain the PR.
After legally residing in Costa Rica for seven years – and demonstrating mastery of Spanish – you are eligible for citizenship in Costa Rica.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to Dirección General de Migración (DGME).
Legislation upon which this program is based Ley General de Migración y Extranjería 8764 – Artículo 40.
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
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Costa Rica Independent Means Visas
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.