This article explains the requirements for obtaining a Costa Rica rentista visa, also known as a digital nomad visa. It also explains how to get the visa and the costs involved.

What Is a Costa Rica Rentista Visa?

A Costa Rica rentista visa is issued to freelancers, self-employed people, or anyone who can prove they have a fixed income of $2,500/month. A rentista visa allows you to open a business or freelance in Costa Rica, but does not allow you to work as an employee. If you would like to work as a salaried employee for a business or company, you will need a Costa Rican work visa instead.

The residence permit issued through the Costa Rican rentista visa is valid for two years and can be renewed provided you continue to meet the requirements. Once you have been living in Costa Rica with the residence permit for at least three years, you may apply for permanent residency in Costa Rica.

Do I Qualify for a Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa?

In order to qualify for a Costa Rica rentista visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate you will be receiving a fixed income of $2,500/month. To meet this requirement, you have to set up a bank account, where you will deposit $60,000 and obtain a letter of commitment that you will be receiving $2,500/month for the next two years.
• Contribute to La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (C.C.S.S. – Social Security Fund). You will be issued seguro voluntario (or voluntary insurance) which will cost you approximately 10% of your monthly income.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Requirements

The documents you need to submit for the rentista visa application are

• Rentista Visa Application Form. The application form is available at either the Migration and Foreign Affairs Office or the Costa Rican Embassy.
• Records of your fingerprints. Head to the Police Department to collect your fingerprints.
• Proof of paid fees. You can find the payment requirements listed below under “Price for Rentista Visa”.
• Copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Passport-sized photos of yourself. The number of photos required is six.
• Police Clearance Certificate. You can obtain this certificate from the police or court authorities in your country.
• Income Certificate. The certificate must state you have a stable monthly income of $2,500 a month as required for the rentista visa.
• Registration at the Consular Office. You are required to register with the consular office in your country.
• Cover Letter. You will be asked to provide additional personal information by writing a cover letter.
• If your family members are joining you, you must also submit proof of your relationship with them by providing either a:
  • Birth Certificate. Applicable if you want your child(ren) to join you.
  • Marriage Certificate. Applicable if you want your spouse to join you.

All required documents must be either written in or translated into Spanish as well as contain the Apostille Stamp.

How To Apply for a Costa Rica Rentista Visa?

A step-by-step guide for acquiring a Costa Rica rentista visa is as follows:

1. Locate the Costa Rican Directorate of Migration. You must make an appointment with the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (or the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs) in Costa Rica where you will also be asked to submit your application for the rentista visa.
2. Collect the Documents. Make sure you collect all the documents that are listed above.
3. Submit the Application at the Directorate of Migration. All applications for the rentista visa must be submitted physically to the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria in Costa Rica.
4. Wait for an Answer. The rentista visa application can take from twelve to fifteen months to process. The DGME (Costa Rica Immigration Department) will take around nine months to thoroughly check your application and will give you an answer once they have made a decision.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Fees

The fees for the Costa Rica rentista visa include:

Once you pay the required fees for your rentista visa application, you will be given a document that states your payment status. This document is required for your visa application and must be attached to the other required documents.

Health Insurance For Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Health insurance is not free in Costa Rica and you are therefore required to acquire private medical insurance beforehand. There are many companies that offer:

• Private insurance specifically for Costa Rica.
• Private insurance specifically for either European or US citizens.
• Global coverage private insurance.

You can check what private insurance service fulfills your needs and requirements and can then freely visit Costa Rica with no hesitation.

What Country Should I Pay Taxes For With A Rentista Visa?

If you reside in Costa Rican territory for longer than six months, you automatically register for the Costa Rican taxing system and must therefore pay taxes in Costa Rica. Acquiring a temporary residence permit makes you a legal resident in Costa Rica and you will be taxed 10-25% of your $2,500 monthly income as required by the rentista visa.

How Long After Rentista Visa Can I Get Costa Rica Permanent Residence Permit?

You will be eligible for Costa Rican permanent residence if you reside in the country’s territory with a rentista visa for at least three years. A permanent residence permit comes with additional benefits such as enabling the road to obtain Costa Rican citizenship amongst others.

Can My Family Come With Me With A Rentista Visa?

Yes, a Costa Rica rentista visa is family-friendly. In fact, it encourages you to take your spouse and children with you to Costa Rica. Additional charges may apply during the visa application procedure but no additional investment is required besides the $60,000 initial investment. You will also be asked to submit a marriage and birth certificate accordingly to prove the relationship with your family member.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Benefits

Some benefits of living in Costa Rica thanks to the rentista visa are

• Warm weather. Say goodbye to seasonal sadness as Costa Rica offers warm and sunny weather all year long to let you enjoy its

Some benefits of obtaining a Costa Rican rentista visa are

• Being your own boss, anywhere and anytime. No need to stress over working hours, as being your own boss lets you choose not only your working hours but also where you would like to work from.
• Lower tax payment tax system. Usually, anyone providing income for the Costa Rican government pays around 30% in taxes, whereas as a digital nomad, you will only be required to tax 10-15% of your income.
• Chance to apply for permanent residency. With a rentista visa, after meeting some additional requirements, you will be eligible for permanent residency. This is an important benefit as the permanent residence permit then enables you to apply for Costa Rican citizenship.

Is Costa Rica A Safe Country for Digital Nomads?

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is considered the safest country in the area. The government of Costa Rica also ensures additional safety measures for tourists. You are, however, advised to take some additional safety measures if you would like for your visit to go smoothly. Traveling in groups and during the day are the most common safety practices as well as not carrying your passport and a large amount of money with you for long.

As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and keep track of your belongings, visiting Costa Rica will not be an issue.

Costa Rica Must-See Places

If you need an extra push to convince you that you absolutely need to visit Costa Rica, here are some attractions you must see

Volcan Arenal

Active yet attractive, the Arenal Volcano is one of the places that everyone must see at least once. Located in La Fortuna, an area known for its thermal lakes and astounding beauty, the Arenal volcano is surrounded by lava flows that are intriguing to hear about let alone see with your own eyes.

The Cloud Forests

The Cloud Forests got their name from the high level of condensation as a result of the constant rainfall in the forests. The moisture gives the forests a gloomy and cloudy feel to them and is, therefore, one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica.

Tortuguero

Just as the name suggests, Tortuguero is a small village where the Sea Turtle Conservation is located. The conservation is an exhibit that shows many types of turtle species that are currently sheltered there and visitors are more than welcome to see them.

Diamante Eco

Diamante Eco is a notorious adventure park filled with canoe rides, a forest canopy, jaguar filled wildlife center as well as a gorgeous butterfly house. If an all-in-one package is what you are searching for, look no further, as Diamante Eco is your perfect destination spot.

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To retire in Costa Rica, you need to obtain a retirement visa, also known as a Pensionado Visa.

Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa in Costa Rica?

To qualify for the Pensionado Visa, you must receive a lifetime monthly pension of at least $1,000 individually. This can be through social security, annuities, retirement funds, military pensions, or other retirement benefits. Costa Rica has no minimum age requirement for pensioners.

Documents For a Costa Rica Retirement Visa

These are the documents you need to submit to complete the application for a Costa Rica retirement visa:

• A request letter stating the reasons for your application in Costa Rica. The request letter must include your first and last name of the lawyer, nationality, age, occupation, address, etc. The letter must be signed by an immigration officer or through a Public Notary.
• Two recently taken photographs. The photograph format should be passport-sized; you must be facing the camera and in clear view.
• Completed and signed application form. The application form is provided by the Costa Rica immigration services or the embassy/consulate in which you are applying.
• Proof of fingerprint registration, issued by the Ministry of Public Safety. This is not applicable for dependents under the age of 12.
• Birth certificate, issued by your country of origin, legalized and authentically annotated (not older than six months).
• A legalized and authentically annotated certificate of your past criminal record from your home country or the place you have been living for the past three years. U.S applicants should submit a Federal Criminal Background Certificate not older than six months.
• Copies of passport pages. All copies must be certified and compared to the original by the official or through a Public Notary.
• Lifetime pension issued by the competent authority. A certificate indicating that you will be receiving a monthly pension of more than $1,000.
• For accompanying dependents: Submit supportive documentation such as a marriage or birth certificate or any medical certificates proving dependency.
• Proof of paid fee. Once you pay the requested fee, attach the receipt to the rest of the documents.
• Payment of $1.25 and $2.50 for each page submitted with the residency request.

NOTE: All documents issued abroad must be legalized and authenticated or apostilled by the Costa Rican Consulate and then certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. Documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be translated through an official translator through a Public Notary.

How to Apply For a Retirement Visa in Costa Rica?

There are two ways you can apply for a Costa Rican Retirement visa:

• At the Department of Immigration in Costa Rica.
• At a Costa Rica consular office abroad.

Applying for a Retirement Visa in Costa Rica

If you are in Costa Rica, you must submit your application for a retirement visa at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. You have to apply through the Platform of Services of the central offices of the Department of Immigration or one of the regional offices. The process is as follows:

1. Complete the document checklist. If there are any documents missing, you will have ten days to submit them. If it takes longer to submit the missing documents you must submit a written request to extend the deadline.
2. Submit the documents at the Department of Immigration. After submission the documents will be reviewed and put into the system.
3. Review your application. You will receive a document with your personal information, file number, and the list of submitted documents. You must review it to make sure the information is correct.
4. Wait for a decision on your visa application. The department takes 90 days to reach a decision. If you have included a fax number in the application, you will receive the decision through fax. If you did not, you should go to the Platform of Services in person and ask for your application status.

Applying for a Costa Rican Retirement Visa Abroad

If you are abroad, you can apply for a Costa Rica retirement visa at a Costa Rican consulate or embassy. The process is as follows:

1. Set an appointment. Contact the nearest Costa Rican consular office in your home country and set an appointment. You may have to visit the office in person or ask for further information.
2. Complete the list of documents. You must have the full list of required documents when you submit your application. See “Documents For a Costa Rica Retirement Visa” below.
3. Complete the application form. You can get an application form for a retirement visa at the embassy or consulate or the immigration services of Costa Rica. complete the form and attach it to the rest of your application.Check the documents and make sure there are no missing documents.
4. Submit the application and wait for an answer. On the date of your appointment, submit all the required documents, as requested by the embassy/consulate. You may have to wait for up to 90 days to hear a decision on your application.

Costa Rica Retirement Visa Fee

The fee for a Costa Rican retirement visa is $50 or each applicant. You have to pay the fee via bank transfer at the bank account provided by the Department of Immigration in Costa Rica. When applying for a retirement visa from abroad, the consulate or embassy will provide you with the relevant bank details for payment of the visa fee.

What Is the Duration of a Retirement Visa for Costa Rica?

The Costa Rica Pensionado Visa is valid for two years. After two years, you can apply for a renewal of your retirement visa. You need to provide proof of a $1,000 monthly income.

Can My Family Members Come With Me?

Yes, the Costa Rica retirement visa allows you to bring your family to reside in Costa Rica. The eligible family members who can apply with you include:

• Your spouse.
• Dependent, unmarried, children under the age of 25.
• Children over the age of 25 who are dependent on you or your spouse due to a disability.

Can I Get Permanent Residency in Costa Rica With a Retirement Visa?

Yes, after having a temporary residence permit for three or more years, you can apply for a permanent residence which can be renewed every five years.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica might not be the cheapest option when it comes to living costs. However, location and lifestyle are two key factors that affect your retirement budget.

But, overall, Costa Rica is cheaper than the US, and you can live comfortably with $1,000 to $1,500 per month, including rent.

Keep in mind that settling in cities like San Jose, Escazu, Tamarindo, or Puntarenas will cost you more than settling in a rural area and a smaller city.

Healthcare for Retirees in Costa Rica

Healthcare in Costa Rica is considered one of the best in Latin America. There are two healthcare systems expats can have access to:

• CCSS – Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Caja)
• Private Healthcare 

CCSS – Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Caja)

The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is in charge of most of the nation’s public health sector and offers services available for all citizens and permanent legal residents.

As a retired expat, you will be required to pay for the use of the public healthcare system. The amount you will need to pay depends on the financial amount you declared during your retirement visa application.

You can sign-up for Caja after entering Costa Rica. Visit the nearest Caja office and submit the required documents to start the application.

Private Health Insurance

Private healthcare insurance in Costa Rica will offer you access to a higher standard of quality of medical care and facilities.  You can pay for private treatment with cash.

Most of the population in Costa Rica chooses private insurance to avoid long waits at medical facilities or delayed treatment.

Even though it is more expensive than Caja, private health insurance is still very affordable for everyone.

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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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For one, obtaining a work permit in Costa Rica is almost impossible, due to the high level of restrictions the government has put in place to ensure that foreigners do not take the jobs Costa Rica nationals can have.

Additionally, even though Costa Rica offers temporary residence permits for foreigners wanting to live in the country for longer than three months, they do not automatically allow the holder to work. Only Costa Rican citizens or Permanent Residence holders are allowed to work in Costa Rica without prior authorization.

But that’s not to say working in Costa Rica (legally!) is completely impossible for holders of Temporary Residence Permits.

Working in Costa Rica for Foreign Nationals

The most common options foreign nationals have for earning an income while living in Costa Rica include:

• Working remotely (online). You can work for a non-Costa Rican company or as a freelancer, earning your income from abroad, while still living in Costa Rica through the rentista visa. However, you still need to apply for legal residency in Costa Rica if your stay is longer than three months (or one month, if you are on a visa).
• Opening a business. Temporary Residence Permit holders such as investors or rentiers are allowed to set up a business in Costa Rica – they’re just not allowed to work in it. So, you can open a business and earn an income, but you have to hire Costa Ricans to actually work in your company.
• Becoming a permanent resident. However, you can only become a Costa Rica permanent resident and earn working rights if you have blood relations to a Costa Rican or you have lived in the country with a temporary residence permit for at least three years.
• Getting a Costa Rica work permit. As mentioned, this final option is trickier and much more difficult to obtain.

Costa Rica Work Permits

A Costa Rica work permit falls under the “Special Category” of immigration permits, along with a student permit.

This means that it will allow the holder to work and remain in the country under the conditions set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The Costa Rica work permits included under the “Special Category” of immigration include:

• Costa Rica work permit for Artists, Athletes, and Entertainers
• Costa rica work permit for Professional and Technical guests
• Costa Rica work permit for Transferee Staff
• Costa Rica work permit for Preventive Maintenance Services and Corrective Post Sales Management
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation as a domestic worker
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation with a company (legal entity)
• Costa Rica work permit for self-employed individuals in the agriculture, construction and services sectors
• Costa Rica work permit for self-employed individuals in a well-established company
• Costa Rica work permit for temporary workers
• Costa Rica work permit for transfrontier workers

Required Documents for a Costa Rica Work Visa

The documents you must submit with a Costa Rica work permit application include:

• Work permit application form, which you can obtain at the immigration department
• A letter of application, including:
  • The reason you’re applying
  • Your full name, nationality, birth place and birth date
  • Passport number
  • Place and date of arrival in Costa Rica
  • Exact address in Costa Rica
  • Your occupation/profession
  • Your contact information
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself
• Proof you have paid the required work permit application fee
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Copies of all the pages of your passport, even the blank ones. They must each be notarized.
• A Statement from your employer, which details your salary, length of employment and job description.
• Registration Documents and the Legal Constitution of the hiring company
• Proof the company hiring you is registered.
• Proof that the worker insurance has been paid (Statement of Insurance Company)
• Proof of income/sufficient financial means.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• Proof of registration with a Costa Rican consulate.

How to Get a Costa Rica Work Visa?

In order to get a Costa Rica work visa, you first have to find an employer that’s willing to hire you. You and your employer have to prove that the position you are taking could not have been filled by a Costa Rican.

Additionally, the process of obtaining a Costa Rica work permit is a lengthy one, and not guaranteed to be successful.

However, if you did manage to find a job that’s eligible for a Costa Rica work visa, the application process is as follows:

Getting a Costa Rica provisional visa

Before you travel to Costa Rica to apply for a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country. The application process for a provisional visa is much the same as for a regular entry visa, except that you must specify, in the application letter, that you are requesting a provisional visa.

Even if you aren’t a visa-required national, you have to register with a Costa Rica Consulate.

Applying for the Costa Rica work permit

Once you are in Costa Rica, you have to apply for a work permit at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica’s Immigration Department).

The Immigration Department takes into account the regulations set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security while reviewing your application.

Before you apply at the Immigration Department, you must register your fingerprints with the Ministerio Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) in San Jose.

Keep in mind

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements, and the documents may differ depending on the specific case.

You must obtain all the required documents before you travel to Costa Rica.

You have to translate all the documents in Spanish and have the translations notarized.

All your documents have to be legalized, either through an Apostille stamp (if your country is part of the Apostille convention) or the Costa Rican consulate.

Costa Rica work permit processing time

A Costa Rica work permit can take anywhere between 3 to 8 months to process, on average, but it may take even longer.

Working in Costa Rica through Youth Mobility programs

Another option for living and working in Costa Rica is through the Youth Mobility program. However, this is a very limited option, since it is only available to Canadian citizens aged 18-35 and for only up to a year.

The programs included in Youth Mobility are:

• The Young Professionals Program, aimed at post-secondary Canadian graduates who want to get work experience in Costa Rica.
• The Internship Program, aimed at Canadian students enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution in Canada who will do an internship or work in a Costa Rica institution as part of their course requirements.
• The Working Holiday Program, aimed at young Canadians (graduates and current students) who want to travel to Costa Rica and work in the meantime to finance the trip.

In order to be eligible for a Youth Mobility program, the applicant must have a job offer/contract or a formal internship, as required.

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Costa Rica has a high level of education, with the country’s literacy rate being upwards of 94%. Its educational system was ranked 20th in the “Global Competitiveness Report 2013 – 14.

There are five public universities in Costa Rica, with several private ones as well. Studying in Costa Rica means getting a good education while enjoying what’s known as the “pura vida”  – Costa Rica’s way of life.

This article is a guide to a foreign national’s path to studying in Costa Rica and the Costa Rica student visa.

Do You Need a Visa to Study in Costa Rica?

Yes, you do. Every foreign national who wants to study in Costa Rica has to obtain a Costa Rica student visa, regardless of their nationality.

Additionally, you also have to be already accepted into a Costa Rican educational institution.

Everyone who wants to stay in Costa Rica for longer than 90 days has to obtain a residence permit. The Costa Rica residence permits are divided based on the purpose you want to remain in Costa Rica for.

The type of Costa Rica residence permit you need for studying in Costa Rica is a student permit, which falls under the “Special Category” of immigration, along with work permits. You can obtain a student permit from the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica’s Immigration Department).

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Student Visa?

The documents you need when applying for a Costa Rica student visa include:

When applying for the provisional visa

• Request letter for a Special Category provisional visa, legalized by a notary public or signed by the Consul. The letter must contain the following information:
  • Your full name, birthday, place of birth, and nationality
  • Passport number
  • Place of residence
  • Occupation/profession
  • The exact address of where you will stay in Costa Rica
  • Contact information
  • The date and your signature
• Letter of acceptance from your school
• Your birth certificate
• Certificate of police clearance
• Your valid passport and copies of all the pages on your passport. The passport must be valid for another 6 months from the date of entry
• Proof of sufficient financial means

When applying for the student permit

The documents you must submit for the Costa Rica student permit application at the Immigration Department include:

• Completed and signed application form
• A letter, directed to the Immigration Department, stating the reason you’re requesting the “Special Category” residence permit (student permit). The letter has to be signed either in front of the immigration official or authenticated by a lawyer. It must contain the following information:
  • Your full name and nationality
  • Your age
  • Your occupation
  • Exact address in Costa Rica
  • Contact information
• A certification issued by your educational institution, confirming your enrollment. The document has to be signed by a legal representative or head of the institution.
• Receipt of application payment fee
• Two recent passport-size pictures
• Proof of fingerprint registration, issued by the Ministry of Public Security
• Proof you have registered with the Costa Rican consulate
• Birth certificate
• Proof of financial means:
  • Through a certificate issued by an authorized public accountant of economic solvency indicating the money’s origin; or
  • Through proof of a scholarship, if you’re a scholarship student.
• Photocopies of all the pages in your passport, notarized by a public notary in Costa Rica

Keep in mind:

Obtain all the required documents before you travel to Costa Rica.

All the documents you submit have to be translated to Spanish by an official translator. You must have the translations notarized.

All the documents you submit from your country have to be legalized. You can legalize them at the Costa Rica consulate or through the Apostille stamp, if you are from a country included in the Apostille convention.

The Costa Rica Consulate and Immigration department have the right to request any additional documents as they see fit.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Student Visa?

The process of getting a Costa Rica student visa is divided into two parts: the provisional student visa and the student permit.

Before you can apply for a student permit from the Immigration Department, you need to have authorization to enter the country as a student – ie. a provisional student visa, which you can get from the Costa Rica consulate in your country.

Applying for a provisional visa

You must apply for a provisional student visa at the Costa Rica consulate in your country, or one nearest to you. You need a provisional student visa to enter Costa Rica even if you are exempt from Costa Rica tourist visas. You must also register with the consulate.

The application process is as follows:

• Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make an appointment
• Collect the required documents (see below)
• Submit the documents on the date of your appointment
• Enter a visa interview, if the Consul requires it

The Costa Rica visa application processing time is 30 days.

Once the application is processed, you generally have 60 days to enter the country, where you must apply for a student permit from the Immigration Department.

Applying for the Costa Rica student permit

Both you and your educational institution are in charge of obtaining a student permit. In most cases, it is the school who applies for the Costa Rica student permit at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. You must supply them with the required documents (see below).

However, before you apply at the Immigration Department, you must register your fingerprints with the Ministerio Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) in San Jose.

Can You Work with a Costa Rica Student Visa?

No, a Costa Rica student visa does not allow the holder to work. Only Costa Rican citizens and Permanent Residence Permit holders are allowed to legally work in Costa Rica.

In order to work in Costa Rica as a Temporary Residence Permit holder, a foreign national has to be very skilled in a position that’s in shortage and cannot possibly be filled by a Costa Rican citizen. Additionally, the process of obtaining a Costa Rica work visa is a long process which is not guaranteed to be successful, so many Costa Rica employers avoid hiring foreigners.

Costa Rica has very strict rules regarding employing foreign nationals. That’s because they try to prevent foreigners taking up positions which can be filled by a native.

However, one option which many expats follow is working remotely (or telecommuting). This involves working for a non-Costa Rican company or freelancing as a writes, graphic designer etc. As long as your income comes from abroad, this is completely legal.

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However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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However, depending on what country you are from, visiting Costa Rica may not be as simple as booking a flight ticket. Several countries are required to apply for a Costa Rica visa before they’re allowed to enter the country.

This article will detail the Costa Rica Visa requirements and application process and other frequently asked questions.

Who Needs to Apply for a Visa to Costa Rica?

The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry. This category included nationals of the United States and European Union member states. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 90 days.
2. Visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport which must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival. They are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 30 days.
3. Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence. The Costa Rica visa allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
4. Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas. If approved, it allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

See here for a complete list of countries that need a Costa Rica Visa and those who do not.

What are the Costa Rica Visa requirements?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are:

• An application letter, directed to the Costa Rica consulate, containing:
  • The purpose of your travel
  • Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Place of residence
  • Intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
  • Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
  • The date
  • Contact information
  • Your signature
• A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport must be valid for an additional six months.
• Return flight ticket reservation. You’re advised not to pay for your ticket until your visa application has been approved.
• Two pictures of yourself with the following specifications:
  • 2 inches x 2 inches
  • White background
  • Neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • Glasses are allowed as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
  • Head gear is not allowed, unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct the face.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as through bank statements from the last three months, letter from employer, of proof of property.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever.
• If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of the visa/Residence Permit should be submitted.

The documents you submit must be translated into Spanish and legalized.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of requirements, as the Costa Rica consulate will request further documentation as they see fit depending on your case.

How to Apply for Costa Rica Visa?

The Costa Rica visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you need: Costa Rica Consular Visa or Costa Rica Restricted Visa.

Costa Rica Consular Visa application

If you are from a country that requires a Costa Rica Consular Visa, then you must apply for it yourself at the Costa Rica consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.

The Costa Rica visa application process is as follows:

• Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make a Costa Rica visa application appointment.
• Submit the required documents (see “Requirements” below).
• Complete the Costa Rica application form, available on the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería website, the Immigration Department of Costa Rica.
• The Costa Rica consulate may contact you to ask you to obtain additional documents that they think are necessary. They may also request an interview. The visa will begin processing only after all the documents are submitted.
• Wait for the visa to be processed. You will be notified about the decision duly.
• If your Costa Rica visa application is approved, you have 60 days to use the visa to enter the country.

Some consulates allow visa-required foreign nationals to submit their Costa Rica visa application digitally. If the digital visa application procedure is enabled for your country, the relevant consulate is responsible for explaining the application procedure to you.

Costa Rica Restricted Visa application

Costa Rica Restricted visa applications must be submitted by a family member of the applicant who is living in Costa Rica or an appointed attorney. Restricted visas are issued for family reunification or tourism purposes. The Restricted Visa application process is as follows:

• The person who is applying on your behalf must apply to the Commission of Restricted Visas, via a request letter that includes the following:
  • Your name
  • Your nationality
  • Your profession
  • The reason for your visit
  • How long you will stay in Costa Rica, including arrival and departure date
  • Where you will stay in Costa Rica (address)
  • Where they must address the Costa Rica visa approval (the nearest Costa Rica consulate)

If the Commission of Restricted Visas in the Directorate of Immigration authorizes your Costa Rica visa, the relevant consulate will issue a visa, allowing you to travel.

Keep in mind that different consulates may have different requirements and procedures, which is why contacting a Costa Rica consulate should always be the first step when applying for a Costa Rica visa.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for USA Nationals

US nationals do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism purposes (up to 90 days) – they can travel with simply their passport and will receive an entry stamp on their passport by the immigration officers.

However, upon arrival, the passport must be valid for at least another day, and they must show they have access to at least $300.

For stays longer than 90 days, they must obtain a Costa Rica residence permit.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for Indian Nationals?

Indian nationals need to apply for a Consular Visa before they travel to Costa Rica. They can apply using the application procedure as described above.

How long does it take to get a Costa Rica visa?

The Costa Rica visa processing time is about 30 calendar days.

How Much is the Costa Rica Visa fee?

The Costa Rica visa fee is US$52.

You have to pay a Costa Rica visa fee after your visa has been approved. The visa fee is non-refundable even if you are not allowed entry upon your arrival in Costa Rica.

The consulate you are applying in will inform you of the payment method. Sometimes you may have to make the payment at an embassy, as consulates may not accept payments.

You must show the receipt of the Costa Rica visa fee payment, however.

Is a Costa Rica Visa All the Permission You Need to Enter the Country?

No, it is not. After you receive a Costa Rica visa, you will still be subject to immigration control at the Costa Rica point of entry. If the immigration officers at border control decide to grant you entry, they will stamp your passport with the decision.

If you are not allowed to enter, you must return back to your country. Your visa fee will not be refunded.

Can you Extend a Costa Rica Visa?

Yes, you can. You can extend a Costa Rica tourist visa for an additional 60 days by applying at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica. You must submit proof of why you are requesting the extension.

Learn more about Costa Rica tourist visas here.

Do I Need a Passport to Enter Costa Rica?

Yes, all foreign nationals, including United States citizens, who intend to enter Costa Rica must be in possession of a valid passport. The validity of your passport depends on your country.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 1 need to have a passport that is valid for at least one day after they enter.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals on Group 2 need a passport that is valid for at least another three months from the date of entrance.

Visa-required nationals must have a passport that is valid for at least another six months from the date they apply for the visa.

What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?

Yes, all foreign nationals who enter Costa Rica have to pay a departure tax before they leave. The tax is about US$28-29, and you can pay it in the local currency, in USD or with a credit card.

However, check with your airline agency to see whether the departure tax is already included on your flight ticket, as some airline companies tend to do.

How Can You Go to Costa Rica to Work or Study?

Authorizations to work and study in Costa Rica are issued in the country. However, you must get a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country/nearest to you. Then, after traveling to Costa Rica, you must apply for a temporary residence permit and finalize your application at the Costa Rica Immigration Office.

Learn more:

• Costa Rica Student Visa
• Costa Rica Work Visa
• Costa Rica Rentista Visa
• Costa Rica Residence Permits
• Costa Rica Pensionado Visa

Can Visa Holders of the US and Europe Enter Costa Rica?

Yes, if you have a visa for a Schengen and EU country, the USA, Canada, or South Korea, you can use it to enter Costa Rica, provided that the visa is still valid. You can remain for the period you have left in your existing visa or how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica.

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