A Biometric Residence Permit is proof that you legally reside, work, or study in the UK. The BRP confirms your identity, right to study, and right to public services or other benefits that you may be eligible for.

What Does a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) contain?

The Biometric Residence Permit, or BRP, includes the following:

• Your name, date, and place of birth.
• Your fingerprints and a photograph (otherwise known as biometric information).
• Your immigration status and conditions.
• Whether you are able to access public funds, e.g., benefits and health services.

Who Is Eligible for a BRP?

You will obtain a UK Biometric Residence Permit if one of the following applies:

• You have applied for a visa (or visa extension) that is longer than six months.
• You have applied to settle in the UK.
• You want to transfer your visa to a new passport.
• You need to apply for certain Home Office documents.

Biometric Information for Biometric Residence Permit

As part of your BRP application, you must provide your biometric information. This includes fingerprints and a photograph. The process is simple, quick, and does not involve ink or other liquids. You will have to provide the following:

1. A digitally taken photo of your face. If you wear a headscarf for religious or medical purposes, you do not have to take it off.
2. Fingerprints scanned. If you are physically unable to have your fingerprints scanned, you only need to have a digital photo taken.

Where Do I Submit My Biometric Information for BRP?

You can submit your biometric information for a Biometric Residence Permit at one of the following:

• UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS).
• Service and Support Centre (SSC).

Submitting Biometric Information at a UKVCAS Point

In order to obtain a BRP, you must make an appointment to provide your biometric information. The process of booking an appointment with the UKVCAS is:

1. Register on the website by creating an account.
2. Log into your UKVCAS account.
3. Enter your passcode and check the closest service points to you.
4. Select the service point you wish to visit and check the available dates by clicking on a date. If you are unable to find an appointment on the location and date selected, you can go back and select another service point that suits you.
5. Provide the required documents. You can provide your documents in two ways. You can either:

• Upload them into the UKVCAS online service prior to your appointment.
• Have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Note: If you are only applying to replace your BRP, you might not need to attend a UKVCAS application center in person, as long as you are currently in the UK and have previously submitted your biometrics to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

If you do not need an appointment, you’ll get an email explaining how to submit a photo and your documents. If in any case, you are unable to send the information, you’ll be able to book an appointment.

Submitting Biometric Information at a Service and Support Centre (SSC)

You can also attend an SSC to provide your biometric information. In case you have submitted your biometric information and UKVI can reuse them, they will contact you and let you know about the details of how you can send them an image of your face and other supporting documents.

SSCs are located in the following areas:

Do Children Need to Provide Their Fingerprints and Photo for the BRP?

Yes, they do. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or anyone over 18 years old who is legally responsible for the child. Children under 5 years old do not need to provide fingerprints.

How to Apply for a BRP Outside the UK?

If you are outside the UK and wish to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit, you can do so online. However, as part of the application process, it is required that you submit your biometric information. Therefore, you need to visit a visa application center. The process to apply for a BRP outside of the UK is as follows:

1. Fill out the application form
2. Find your visa application center through TLS Contact.
3. Submit your biometric information (fingerprints, and photograph) at the visa application center.
4. Collect your BRP. You must collect it before the ‘vignette sticker’ in your travel document expires or within 10 days of your arrival in the UK. You will either be asked to collect it at a Post Office branch in the UK or from your sponsor. But, you can only collect it once you are in the UK.

Biometric Residence Permit Fee

The fee for a BRP is £19.20, whether you will be providing your biometric information for the first time or you plan to have provided them before.

This is applicable if you are applying in the UK. If you apply outside the UK, the cost will be included in the overall amount of the visa application fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Biometric Residence Permit?

Your BRP will arrive within 10 days after you have received your ‘decision letter’ from the Home Office declaring that you can remain in the UK. However, it might take longer than 10 working days if you have applied from:

• Isle of Man
• Isles of Scilly
• Scottish Highlands or islands

Where Do I Collect the BRP?

There are different ways in which you can collect your BRP, depending if you have applied in the UK or outside the UK.

Collecting the BRP From Inside the UK

The delivery company will let you know the time and date that your BRP will be arriving, and you can make changes if you wish to. If you are over 18 years old, you must prove your identity by showing your passport, national identity card, or driving license.

Collecting the BRP From Outside the UK

You must check your decision letter. It will let you know where exactly you need to collect your BRP. It will either be from:

• a named Post Office branch
• your sponsor, if you have chosen this option when you applied.

Additionally, you must bring your passport or travel document with your vignette sticker when you collect your BRP.

You can not nominate anybody to collect your BRP for you unless you are physically unable to do so, e.g., you have a serious illness or disability. The Home Office will ask for proof.

If you are self-isolating because of the coronavirus, you can not nominate someone else to collect it for you. Collect it once you finish self-isolating.

You will be told within 5 working days if the person you nominated can collect your BRP.

They must have a passport, an EU national identity card, or a BRP.

Remember: You must usually do this before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, depending on which one is later.

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The Permanent Resident Card for Mexico is a popular option among retirees, because it is issued after they obtain the Mexico Retirement Visa and move to Mexico.

Benefits of the Mexico Permanent Resident Card

A Permanent Resident Card gives the holder similar rights to an actual Mexico citizen, excluding the right to vote. As such, with a Mexican Permanent Resident Card:

• You are allowed to work without having to get a work permit
• You may apply for free health insurance. Here you can find details about the Mexico healthcare system and health insurance for expats.
• You only have to apply once – since it is indefinite, there is no need to renew it every one to two years
• You can enter and leave Mexico as many times as you want

How to Become a Mexican resident?

You can become a Mexican resident if you fulfill one of the following conditions:

• You have close family relations in Mexico
• You have found a job in Mexico
• You intend to retire in Mexico
• You start studying in a Mexican educational institution
• You have amassed at least four years of temporary residence and now qualify for permanent residence

As a foreign citizen, you will receive temporary residence in Mexico (a Temporary Resident Card) if you find employment, want to join a family member who is also a temporary resident, or you start studying in Mexico. The Temporary Resident Card for Mexico is valid for one year initially, and can be renewed for a maximum of four years. After four years, you can apply for permanent residence (a Mexican Permanent Resident Card).

However, depending on your case, you may be eligible for permanent residence from the start.

Who is Eligible for the Mexican Permanent Resident Card?

You are eligible for a Mexico Permanent Resident Card if you fulfill one of the following requirements:

• You are retired and intend to live in Mexico permanently without employment/income from Mexico (Mexico Retirement Visa)
• You have close family relations in Mexico:
  • You have a child who is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident
  • You are a child or adolescent and you have a parent who is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident
  • You are a child or adolescent and you have a step-parent who is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident
  • You are the sibling of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident
• You have lived in Mexico for at least four years with a Temporary Resident Card
• You have lived in Mexico for at least two years with a Temporary Resident Card issued on the grounds of marriage to a Mexican citizen or permanent resident

What is the Duration of a Mexico Permanent Resident Card?

The Permanent Resident Card for Mexico does not have an expiry date – it is issued for an indefinite amount of time. As such, it does not have to be renewed every few years, like the Temporary Resident Card does.

How to apply for the Mexican Permanent Resident Card?

You have to apply for a Mexican Permanent Resident Card at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) upon arrival to Mexico. Prior to that, you have to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country, depending on your purpose of travel.

Converting the Permanent Resident Visa into a Mexican Permanent Resident Card

Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you must apply to convert your Permanent Resident Visa into a Mexican Permanent Resident Card. It is the Card which allows you to live in Mexico long-term, not the visa itself.

Changing a Temporary Residence Card into a Permanent Residence Card

If you are already living in Mexico on a Temporary Resident Card, when your current Card is about to expire, you have to apply at the INM to switch it into a Permanent Resident Card (provided you have lived in Mexico as a temporary resident for four years). You must apply at least 30 days before your current residence card expires.

Mexican Permanent Resident Card processing time

A Mexican Permanent Resident Visa takes about 10 – 15 working days to be processed, starting from the day you submit your completed documents at the National Immigration Institute.

Mexican Permanent Resident Visa/Card fees

The Mexican visa fee is about US$36, but it can change slightly depending on the country you are applying from. The required payment method also changes: some embassies may ask you to pay in cash, while others request a bank transfer.

Additionally, when you apply to get a Permanent Resident Card at the National Immigration Institute, you have to pay a fee for the Card as well (around 5,000 Mexican Pesos or US$250).

Requirements for the Mexican Permanent Resident Card

When you apply for Mexican Permanent Residence, you must have several documents which support your application, such as:

• Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form
• Your passport along with photocopies of the relevant pages (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
• Passport-size picture with a white background and taken in the last six months.
• Visa fee payment
• Booked flight ticket. You do not have to actually pay for the ticket until your visa application is approved.
• Additional documents related to your purpose of travel, as detailed below:

Requirements for Mexico Permanent Resident Visa for Family Unity

If you are applying for a Mexican Permanent Residence on the grounds of family reunion, you must present the following documents:

• If you are the parent of a Mexican citizen/permanent resident: Your child’s birth certificate, stating your name (original and photocopy)
• If you are the child of a Mexican citizen/permanent resident: Your birth certificate (original and photocopy)
• If you are the sibling of a Mexican citizen/permanent resident: Both yours and your sibling’s birth certificates (original and photocopy)
• If you are the child of the spouse/common law partner of a Mexican citizen/permanent resident:
  • Proof of your parents’ marriage/common-law union
  • Your birth certificate
• If your family member has a Mexican Permanent Resident Card: Their valid Permanent Resident Card (original and photocopy)
• Proof your family member can support you during your stay:
  • Bank statements or investment receipts (original and a photocopy)
  • Proof your family member has an income through employment or investment

Keep in mind:

• All the official documents you submit (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc) have to be legalized before via an Apostille or the Mexican embassy.
• All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, you must have them translated and submit both the original and the translation.
• This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The Mexico embassy may request any additional documents as they see fit.

What Happens if you Lose/Damage your Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

Mexican Permanent Residency to Mexican Citizenship

You may apply for Mexican citizenship after five years of residency in Mexico, regardless of whether you have lived as a temporary or a permanent resident. Mexico allows dual citizenship, so you do not even have to renounce your current citizenship to obtain it.

As a citizen, you would have full rights to vote and live without fear of being deported. The Mexican passport is also one of the strongest, allowing visa-free access to well over 100 countries.

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There are three types of Mexican visas:

• The Tourist Visa, which allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for purposes that do not include lucrative activities (paid employment).
• The Temporary Resident Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days. In addition to a Mexico Work Permit, the holder is allowed to live and work in Mexico legally for up to four years, which is known as a Mexico Work Visa. Guide to getting a temporary resident visa for digital nomads in Mexico.
• The Permanent Resident Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to permanently settle in Mexico. This type of visa is most common for retirees, which is why it’s also referred to as a Mexico Retirement Visa. Foreigners with close family ties to Mexico as well as those who have lived in Mexico for a considerable amount of time are also eligible for permanent residency in Mexico.

This article aims to serve as a guide to the Temporary Resident Visa and its types, specifically the Work Visa and Work Permit for Mexico.

Types of Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico

The main types of Temporary Resident Visas for Mexico are:

• The Mexico Work Visa, which allows the holder to take up paid employment in Mexico. In order to get a Mexico Work Visa, the applicant must initially get a Work Permit. See a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Work Visa lower on this article.
• The Mexico Student Visa, which is issued to foreign students who want to pursue their studies in a Mexican educational institution. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Student Visa.
• The Mexico Family Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to join a close family member who is living in Mexico. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Family Visa.

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

When applying for a  Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico, you must have several supporting documents with you, such as:

• A Mexico Visa Application Form, printed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians have to sign the application form.
• A passport or other travel document, which has blank pages so the visa can be affixed.
  • Also include a photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
• Recent passport-size pictures in line with Mexico requirements
• Visa fee payment
• Additional documents related to your purpose of travel, such as:
  • Proof of family relationship, for Mexico Family Visas
  • Proof of enrollment in a Mexico educational institution, for Mexico Student Visa
  • Proof you have obtained a Mexico Work Permit and a copy of your work contract if applying for a Mexico Work Visa
• Any additional documents that the Mexican embassy asks you to provide.

How to Apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

The application process for obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico is divided into two parts:

• Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy
• Exchanging the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) in Mexico

Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa

The application process for getting a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa below.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassy offices may have their own different requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc.

Exchange the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico with a Temporary Resident Visa, you must apply to exchange it into a Temporary Residence Card. You can get your Residence Card at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico. When you apply, you should have the following with you:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one month before you plan to travel to Mexico.

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa fee

The fee for a Mexico visa is around $36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application, as does the payment method. Some embassies may require you to pay the fee upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

You will also have to pay for the Tourist Card once you land , which may be between $15-$30. The prices for a Mexico Tourist Card may change slightly from time to time.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM. You have to pay a processing administrative fee as well as the fee for the card itself. The price of the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

What is the Duration of a Temporary Resident Visa Mexico?

The duration of the Temporary Resident Visa itself is 180 days. This is why once you arrive in Mexico you must apply to turn it into a Temporary Resident Card within 30 days.

The Mexico Temporary Resident Card is valid for one year on the first issuance and can be renewed for another one, two, or three years.

After four years of living with a Temporary Resident Visa, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

How to Renew a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico?

At least 30 days before your current Temporary Resident Card expires, you must apply for a renewal at the Instituto Nacional de Migración. You can renew your Temporary Residence Card for up to four years, which is when you can get a Permanent Residence Card.

How to Apply for a Mexico Work Visa?

The application for a Mexico Work Visa is the same as for all other types of Temporary Resident Visas (see above). However, the difference is in the process before you apply for the visa.

Before you submit a Mexico Work Visa application at the Mexican embassy, your employer has to get a Work Permit on your behalf from the National Immigration Institute. This means you must already have a job offer in Mexico beforehand. As such, the application process for a Mexico Work Visa is:

• Find a Mexican employer
• Your employer obtains a Mexico Work Permit for you
• Within 15-30 days of obtaining the Work Permit, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from a Mexican embassy abroad
• Once you enter the country, you must get a Temporary Residence Card from the National Immigration Institute

How to apply for a Mexico Work Permit?

It is your employer who applies for the Mexico Work Permit on your behalf. When they apply, they must submit the following documents at the National Immigration Institute:

• The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
• The original job offer/contract, stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
• A full photocopy of your passport
• Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
• Your CV
• Documents related to the company that’s hiring you, such as:
  • The Articles of Incorporation
  • A list of the employees and their nationalities
  • Proof the company’s paid the due taxes
• Documents regarding your financial status (bank statements, pay slips)

If the Work Permit application is approved, you will receive a Unique Processing Number (NUT) in a letter format which you must present to the Mexico embassy when you apply for the Temporary Resident Visa.

Can You Work in Mexico With a Visitor Visa?

If you intend to work in Mexico for less than 180 days, then you may apply for a “Visitor Visa with authorization to perform remunerated activities”. This type of Mexico visa allows the holder to work, but only for the 180 days that it is issued. Once it expires, you may not renew it.

You may apply for a Working Tourist Visa at a Mexico embassy with approval from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

However, if you enter Mexico with a regular Tourist Visa or Tourist Card, then you are not allowed to work.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

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Costa Rica residence permits are issued after the foreign national is already in the country legally.

This article is a guide to Costa Rica Residence Permits.

Who needs a Costa Rica Residence Permit?

Everyone who wants to stay in Costa Rica for a period exceeding 90 days has to obtain a Costa Rica residence permit, regardless of their nationality.

Types of Costa Rica Residence Permits

There are two main types of Costa Rica residence permits: permanent and temporary.

A Permanent Costa Rica Residence Permit is issued for the following reasons:

• If you have a Costa Rican family member that’s related by blood (parent, sibling, or child)
• After you have lived in Costa Rica with a temporary residence permit for at least three years.

A Temporary Costa Rica Residence Permit, on the other hand, is issued for a more extensive list of purposes. The subcategories of Costa Rica residence permits offered to foreign nationals include:

• Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permit for retirees (Pensionado)
• Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permit for rentiers (Rentista)
• Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permit for investors (Inversionista)
• Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permit for spouses of a Costa Rican citizen
• Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permit for foreign workers:
  • Specialized independent workers
  • Workers in relation of dependency
  • Scientists, professionals or interns
  • Specialized technicians
  • Athletes
  • Correspondents and news agencies
  • Religious workers or missionaries

The difference between the permanent and temporary Costa Rica residence permits is:

• A permanent residence permit is indefinite while a temporary residence permit is issued for a maximum of two years and is renewable.
• Depending on the type, a temporary residence permit does not automatically grant the holder rights to work – you would need to obtain a work permit as well.
• A permanent residence permit allows the holder similar rights as a Costa Rica citizen, including employment rights.
• You can only apply for a permanent residence permit from the start if you have blood relations with a Costa Rican. Otherwise, you may apply for permanent residence after spending three years with a temporary residence permit.

Costa Rica Temporary Residence Permits for Retirees, Rentiers, and Investors

Out of the temporary residence permits, the most commonly issued are for retirees (pensionado), rentiers (rentista), and investors (inversionista).

To qualify for a:

• Temporary residence permit for retirees, you must have a pension income of at least $1,000 per month.
• Temporary residence permit for renties, you must prove you have a stable income of a least $2,500 per month from an outside source (investment, property etc) and will continue to have it for at least two years.
• Temporary residence permit for investors, you must invest at least $200,000 in Costa Rica in real estate, shares, or projects which are of national interest.

Costa Rica Residence Permit for Foreign Students

There is a third type of Costa Rica residence permit, known as a Special residence permit. It is issued to students, volunteers, academics or researchers (See also: Costa Rica Student Visa)

The requirements of Costa Rica Residence Permits

The documents you have to submit when you apply for a Costa Rica residence permit (as well as the provisional visa at the consulate) are:

When applying for a provisional visa at the Consulate of Costa Rica

• A letter of application, addressed to the Consul of Costa Rica, clearly requiresting a Residency Provisional Visa. The letter must contain your full name, nationality, birth place and date, passport number, place and date of arrival in Costa Rica, exact address in Costa Rica, your occupation/profession, and contact information. It must also state the reason why you want a Costa Rica residence permit.
• Your birth certificate.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• You valid passport and copies of all the pages on your passport, even blank ones.
• If you have a Costa Rican relative: Birth/marriage certificate proving the family relationship from the Civil Registry of Costa Rica. The document cannot be older than two months.
• Three recent passport-size pictures.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.

When applying for a Residence Permit at the Immigration Department:

• Application Form (Formulario de Filiación)
• A letter of application addressed to the head of immigration, containing all the information as your letter of application to the Consulate. Do not sign the letter. You must sign it in front of the Migracion official at the time of application.
• Proof of registration with the Costa Rica consulate.
• Your birth certificate.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• You valid passport and copies of all the pages on your passport, even blank ones. After you arrive in Costa Rica, and before you apply at the immigration department, notarize the pages on your passport by a Costa Rican notary public.
• If you have a Costa Rican relative: Birth/marriage certificate proving the family relationship from the Civil Registry of Costa Rica. No older than two months.
• Three recent passport-size pictures.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.
• Proof of paid residence permit application fee.
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel, such as proof of investment/retirement, employment contract, etc.

Keep in mind:

• Translate all the documents in Spanish and legalize them.
• Notarize your passport.

This is not an exhaustive list of documents. The requirements change depending on the type of residence permit you’re applying for.

How to Get a Costa Rica Residence Permit?

You have to apply for a Costa Rica residence permit at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). However, before that, you must obtain a provisional visa from a Costa Rica consulate in your country (or the one nearest to you, if there is no Costa Rica consulate where you live).

Applying for a Costa Rica provisional visa

You have to apply for a provisional visa for Costa Rica in the same manner as you would a regular visa. You must submit the required documents (see below under “Requirements”) and wait for the visa to be processed.

In the interim, the consulate may ask you to obtain additional documents or even attend an interview.

After the visa is approved, you have 60 days to travel to Costa Rica and apply for your Costa Rica residence permit.

Costa Rican consulates may have different requirements and procedures, so your first step towards obtaining a Costa Rica visa should be contacting the consulate where you will apply.

Even if you do not normally need a Costa Rica visa to enter the country, you still have to register with a Costa Rican consulate before applying for a residence permit. Please check with the Costa Rican consulate in your country/nearest to you before you travel.

Applying for a Costa Rica residence permit

Once you are in Costa Rica, you should go to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or another approved location and apply for a residence permit.

Before you apply for the residence permit, you have to register your fingerprints with the Ministerio Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) in San Jose.

Here’s what you should keep in mind before applying for a residence permit in Costa Rica:

• Get all the required documents before you travel
• All the documents you submit have to be legalized. You can legalize your documents either through an Apostille stamp (if your country is included in the Apostille convention) or by the Costa Rican consulate in your country.
• All the documents you submit have to be translated to Spanish by an official translator, if they are not already.
• You may have to hire a Costa Rican lawyer to aid you with the application, especially if you do not speak Spanish, however, that is not a requirement.

You have to pay a $50 fee for the residence permit and an additional $200 to convert your visa to residency.

Can You Work With a Costa Rica Residence Permit?

You can only work in Costa Rica if you are a citizen or a permanent resident.

In all other cases, you will need to have a Costa Rica work permit. Your Costa Rican employer must apply for the work permit on your behalf.

However, as per Costa Rican immigration law, it is very difficult to obtain a work permit. That’s because Costa Rican authorities prioritize Costa Rican citizens in regards to employment. You may only get a work permit if the position you’re applying for is in considerable shortage and there was no Costa Rican who was suited for it.

With a Temporary Residence Permit for retirees, rentiers, or investors, you may own a business from which you get income, but you must hire employees – you cannot actually work yourself.

See Costa Rica Work Visa for more.

Can You Have Dependents With a Costa Rica Residence Permit?

Yes, all categories of Costa Rica residence permits allow the holder to have dependent family members with them.

Dependents include the spouse and children under 25 years of age. However, if a child is over 25 but dependent on the parent due to a physical or mental disability, they may also be included as a dependant.

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The Asian city-state has a population of upwards 5.6 million, out of which, over 500,000 are Singapore permanent residents, whereas an additional 1.6 million are foreign workers and students.

Benefits of Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)

Singapore permanent residency holds a lot of the same benefits as Singaporean citizenship, but it subjects the holder to the responsibilities of a Singapore citizen as well.

The benefits of Singapore Permanent Resident status are:

• You can change jobs as you like without having to cancel and reapply for an Employment Pass.
• If your Singapore PR application is approved, you will receive a Blue Card, which allows you to enter and leave the country without having to apply for respective travel or work visas. The Blue Card serves as an ID.
• You can receive the financial and tax benefits which Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme offers.
• You will have a better chance of getting a loan, such as for housing.
• You will be able to purchase a public housing unit offered by Housing and Development Board (HDB).
• You can apply for your family members’ Permanent Residency as well.
• You will be one step closer to Singapore citizenship.

However, you will also have to comply to the responsibilities of a Singaporean resident. For example, if you have a son and they also receive Singapore PR, they will have to register for military service before the age of 16.5. Before they turn 18, they will be called to serve for 2 years. In addition, they will also have to participate in Operationally Ready National Service for 40 days every year until they turn 50 or 40, depending on their rank.

Who Can Become a Permanent Resident of Singapore?

You are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence if you are one of the following:

• The holder of an Employment Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, EntrePass, or S Pass.
  • You must have been working in Singapore for at least six months before applying.
  • You are looking to retire in Singapore.
• The spouse of a Singapore permanent resident or Singapore citizen.
• Child under 21 of a Singapore permanent resident or Singapore citizen. You must be unmarried, and born in a legal marriage or adopted.
• Aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
• Holder of a Student Pass.
• Foreign investor in Singapore.
  • You must invest at least S$2.5 million in a startup business or an already-established business in Singapore.

How to Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency?

It is the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authorities (ICA) who are in charge of handling Singapore PA applications. The application is done online.

The online application process for Singapore PR is as follows:

1. Sign in to ICA’s eService for Permanent Residence. You need to have a SingPass account to log in.
2. Select whether you are applying as:
   • An Employment Pass/S Pass holder.
   • Singapore citizen
   • Singapore Permanent Resident, or
   • Foreign student.
3. Depending on your status, you have to select whether you are applying for:
   • Yourself
   • Your spouse and/or children
   • Your aged parents.
4. You will be shown a list of forms and documents that you will either have to:
   • Download and complete.
   • Upload electronic copies of.
5. Complete the Singapore PR application form. You have two options when it comes to completing the form:
   • Download it, print it, fill it in, then re-upload it to the eService.
   • Complete the PR application form online.
6. Fill in all other required fields on the online application tool.
7. After you complete/upload the application form, you will have 7 days to upload all the other required documents and submit your completed Singapore PR application.
8. Upload electronic/scanned files of all the required documents.
   • If you do not have a document, you will need to provide a reason for it.
9. Pay the Singapore PR application fee as indicated on the eService.

If you are a foreign student, you can access the eService through your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and the date your immigration pass was issued. Before you can proceed with the application, you will also have to prove that you are eligible to apply for PR by answering a questionnaire.

What documents should I submit to support my application?

When you submit your Singapore Permanent Residence application, you must have several supporting documents, such as:

• Copies of the personal details pages of your (valid) passport.
• Copy of your immigration pass.
• Copy of your ID (if applicable).
• Change of name certificate or deed poll, if applicable.
• Copies of your highest educational certificates. You must include all tertiary certifications.
• Passport-sized digital picture which is in line with Singapore photo requirements.
• A signed declaration form, which is available on the eService. You must download, print and sign it before re-uploading.
• If you employed and/or you are applying for PR as an EP or S Pass holder:
  • A letter from the employer stating your position, salary, and start of employment.
  • Pay slips from the last six months.
  • Testimonials from any previous employers stating your position, the duration of your employment and last salary (EP/S Pass applicants only)
  • If self-employed: Valid Business Registration Certificate showing the names of all business partners and any licences relating to your occupation.
• For spouses and/or if you are applying for PR for your spouse:
  • Official marriage certificate
  • Birth certificates of children or adoption papers, if applicable.
  • Custody papers of children from previous marriages, if applicable.
  • Death certificate or marriage certificate from a previous marriage, if applicable.
• For children:
  • A birth certificate or household census which states both parents’ names.
  • Adoption papers, if applicable.
  • Custody papers, if applicable.
• For foreign students applying for PR:
  • Copies of educational certificates.
  • Copies of transcripts.
  • Copy of vocational trade certificates.
  • Copies of any professional license/membership certificates.
  • Copies of your parents’ passports, showing their details.
  • Your birth certificate or an official household census showing your parents’ names.

All the documents that you upload have to be in English. If they are not, they have to be translated. The ICA will accept the following translations:

• If the document was translated by the embassy of the country that issued the document.
• If the document was translated by a notary public in Singapore or in the country that issued the document.
• If the document was translated privately, but authenticated by:
  • The embassy of the country that issued the document.
  • A notary public in Singapore or in the country that issued the document.

The documents vary depending on the case. The ICA also periodically updates the list of required documents and can ask for any additional documents as they see fit.

How long will it take for the PR application to be processed?

Your Singapore PR application will take between four to six months to process. Some applications can take longer, depending on the specific case and whether you have all the required documents.

You can use the eService to check on the status of your application during this time.

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter informing you on the outcome and on how to proceed. You have to make an appointment online so you can visit the Permanent Resident Services Centre in Singapore, where you will receive your ID Card.

You will also have to bring hard copies of the documents which you uploaded online, and pay additional fees as required.

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• his/her spouse; or 
• the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration; and

• his/her unmarried dependent children under the age of 18.

For a sponsor who is a Hong Kong permanent resident or a resident who is not subject to a limit of stay (i.e. a resident with the right to land or on unconditional stay), the following dependants may apply to join him/her for residence in the HKSAR:

• his/her spouse; or 
• the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration; and
• his/her unmarried dependent children under the age of 18; and
• his/her parents aged 60 or above.

Under the existing policy, while dependants, whose sponsors have been admitted into the HKSAR for study, may take up studies in the HKSAR, they are prohibited from taking up employment in the HKSAR unless they have obtained prior permission from the Director of Immigration.

An application for entry to take up residence as a dependant may be favourably considered if:

• there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the applicant and the sponsor;
• there is no known record to the detriment of the applicant; and
• the sponsor is able to support the dependant’s living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in the HKSAR.

This entry arrangement does not apply to:

• Chinese residents of the Mainland [except for those whose sponsors have been admitted to take up employment (as professionals, for investment to establish/join in business, or for training) or studies (in full-time undergraduate or post-graduate local programmes in local degree-awarding institutions), or whose sponsors have been admitted as entrants under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme*, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme or the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents];
• former Mainland Chinese residents residing in the Macao SAR who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in the Macao SAR through the One-way Permit Scheme; and
• nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of).

PRC passport holders living overseas, who have obtained permanent residence in an overseas country, may apply for entry as dependants. PRC passport holders who have been residing overseas for not less than one year may apply for entry as dependants to join sponsors who have resided overseas for not less than one year and been admitted to take up employment in the HKSAR**, or as entrants under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme***. They will also have to satisfy the criteria stipulated in paragraph 1 and other normal immigration requirements.

*With effect from 15 January 2015, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has been suspended until further notice.

**

PRC passport holders living overseas, who meet the criteria stipulated in paragraph 4 or 5 and normal immigration requirements, may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment or investment under the General Employment Policy if:

• the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
• the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application (“overseas” means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the HKSAR and the Macao SAR) and that the application is submitted from overseas.

***An overseas Chinese national holding a PRC passport who submits an application from overseas and who has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before submission of the application (“overseas” means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the HKSAR and the Macao SAR) may apply to come to the HKSAR for residence under the Scheme on the strength of his/her valid PRC passport.

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This article will detail the Thailand Permanent Residence Permit: the benefits, who is eligible, how to apply for one, as well as the requirements.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residency in Thailand?

In order to be eligible to receive a Thailand Permanent Residence Permit, you must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Employment: You have held a Thailand Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years, and:
  • You have an Extension of Stay based on Employment at the time of application
  • You have worked at your current company for at least one year at the time of application
  • You had a monthly salary of at least 80,000 Baht for two consecutive years or you filed a tax return for an annual income of at least 100,000 Baht for two consecutive years
• Investment: You have invested at least 3 Million Baht in a limited or public company in Thailand
• Family: You are a close family member of a Thai citizen (parent, child or spouse)
• Expert: You have at least a BA Degree and are employed in a position in which you have to work in for at least three consecutive years.
• Other categories that the Immigration Department considers eligible.

However, in addition to that, everyone who applies for a Permanent Residence Permit in Thailand cannot be over the allotted number of permits per country. The Thai government only issues 100 Permanent Residence Permits per country every year.

What Are the Benefits of the Being a Permanent Resident in Thailand?

If you get Permanent Resident status in Thailand, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• You can get a Work Permit more easily
• You do not need to get a Thai Visa Extension every year
• You do not have to submit a 90-Day Report (although there is conflicting information in regards to the 90-Day Report, so you have to double-check this when you actually apply).
• You can buy property in Thailand without having the funds transferred from abroad
• You can get an Alien Registration Certificate
• If you have children in Thailand, your children will get Thai citizenship
• You can get house registration in the blue Thai House Book (Ta Bian Ban)
• You can become a director in a Thai public company
• You can apply to extend the stay or for permanent residence for you non-Thai family members
• You can apply for Thai Citizenship by naturalization after five years

Note:  You still have to apply for a Re-Entry Permit if you want to leave Thailand and re-enter.

How to Apply for a Thailand Permanent Residence Permit?

You have to apply for a Thailand Residence Permit at a local Thai Immigration Office. The application process is as follows:

1. Gather the required documents. There is usually a large number of documents that you have to submit for Permanent Residence Permit applications. So, you have to start gathering them in advance, especially because there is a timeframe when applications are accepted.
2. Wait for the opening dates. There is a window of time during which you can submit a Thai Permanent Residency application. Usually, this is from October to December, although in 2019, the timeframe for submitting Permanent Residency applications was announced to be from June to December.
3. Submit the application at your local office of the Immigration Department, where you have to:
   • Attend an interview as well as take a multiple-choice test, both of which are in the Thai language.
   • Pay the Thai Permanent Residence Permit processing fee (7,600 Thai Baht per person)
   • Submit your fingerprints
4. You will receive a 180-day extension of stay, which allows you to remain as a legal resident while your application is being processed.
5. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your house registration (Ta Bian Ban) and you have to apply for an Alien Certificate at the local police department.

What is the Cost of a Thailand Permanent Residence Permit?

The Thailand Permanent Residence Permit processing fee is 7,600 Thai Baht.

If your application is approved, you have to pay another fee for the Permanent Residence Permit Certificate:

• 95,700 Thai Baht if you applied for Permanent Residency on the basis of marriage to a Thai citizen.
• 191,400 Thai Baht if you applied for Permanent Residency on the basis of employment, investment, expert, etc.

What Documents Do I Need When I Apply for Thailand Permanent Residency?

When you apply for Permanent Residency in Thailand, you must have several documents which support your application. The documents differ depending on the type of visa you held at the time of making the application. However, these roughly include:

• Your passport along with a copy of all the relevant pages of your passport (personal information page, issue/expiry date, previous Thai Visas as well as entry and exit stamps)
• Passport-size pictures of your self, taken within the last six months (include about 12), with the following specifications:
  • Dimensions: 4 x 6 cm
  • White background
  • You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
  • Your entire face has to be visible
• Application Form for Permanent Residence in Thailand (TM.9), completed and signed
• Your House Registration Book (Yellow Tabien Baan) as well as a copy of it
• A copy of your Work Permit
• A Certificate of Work Background, issued by the Alien Occupational Control Division of the Department of Employment.
• Copy of your monthly income tax form
• A copy of your financial statements, such as balance sheets, profit, and loss statements, etc. of the previous 3 years.
• The fee for Permanent Residence application processing
• Any documents that the Immigration Department requires you to submit.

Note:

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The documents differ based on the purpose for which you seek Permanent Residence status in Thailand.

Several of the documents you have to submit must be legalized both by your embassy as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok before submission.

The immigration officers may request additional documents throughout the process, which you have to provide as needed.

What is a Thailand Residence Certificate?

The Residence Certificate in Thailand is issued to any foreigner who is living in Thailand, permanently or temporarily. It is a document that confirms the legal status of your residence in Thailand and states your current address in Thailand.

You need this document for several reasons, such as obtaining/renewing a driver’s license, setting up a bank account in Thailand, or buying a vehicle.

How Can I Get a Thailand Residence Certificate?

There are two ways through which you can get a Thailand Residence Certificate:

• At the embassy of your country in Thailand
• At your local Immigration Office

When you submit your application for a Thailand Residence Certificate, you must have the following documents with you:

• Your original passport, along with signed photocopies of the following pages:
  • Your personal information and photo page
  • The page showing your Thailand Visa
  • The TM.6 (Departure) Card
• Application Form for Residence Certificate, completed and signed (you can find it at the Immigration Office when you apply)
• Two passport-sized pictures of yourself, taken within the last six months which have the following requirements:
  • Dimensions: 4 x 6 cm
  • White background
  • You must be staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
  • Your entire face has to be visible
• Proof of address in Thailand, such as a rental/lease agreement or the House Registration Book (Yellow Tabien Baan)
• TM.30 form signed by your landlord

Applications for a Thailand Residence Certificate are processed in about 10 – 15 working days.

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