Costa Rica - resident
Costa Rica Rentista Temporary ResidenceResidencia Temporal - Rentista (Ley 9996)
A temporary residence for foreigners with a stable passive income who are not retirees. Applicants must show guaranteed monthly income of USD 2,500 for at least two years, or a USD 60,000 bank deposit that releases USD 2,500 per month.
Who this visa is for
- Self-funded individuals with steady passive income
- Entrepreneurs living off dividends or rental income
- Couples where one spouse qualifies and includes the other as a dependent
- Applicants under retirement age looking for a non-work residence
- Remote professionals who prefer a full residency over the digital nomad stay
Requirements
- Guaranteed monthly income of USD 2,500 for at least 2 years
Documented by a bank or financial institution.
- Alternative: USD 60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank
Funds released at USD 2,500 per month.
- Valid passport with full photocopies
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Apostilled police clearance from country of origin
- Two passport-size photos and fingerprints at the Ministry of Public Security
- Enrollment in CCSS public health insurance
- Consular registration in Costa Rica
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Government filing fee | USD 50 | |
| Change of category fee | USD 200 | |
| DIMEX card issuance | approx. USD 125 |
Application steps
- Secure income certification or USD 60,000 deposit
Obtain a bank letter or open a local account with the lump-sum deposit.
- Apostille and translate supporting documents
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, and police clearance.
- Pay government fees
Deposit USD 50 filing fee and USD 200 change-of-category fee at Banco de Costa Rica.
- File application with Migracion
Submit the complete file at a Plataforma de Servicios office.
- Complete fingerprints and consular registration
Register with the Ministry of Public Security and your embassy.
- Enroll in CCSS and collect DIMEX
Activate public insurance and pick up the residency card.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Rentista ResidencyResidencia Temporal - Rentista (Ley 9996)
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What income must I prove?
USD 2,500 per month for at least 2 years, or a USD 60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank that pays out USD 2,500 monthly.
Does the income cover my family?
Yes, the same USD 2,500 covers the applicant and dependents, with no extra amount required per dependent by law.
Can I work for a Costa Rican employer?
No, Rentistas cannot be employees in Costa Rica, but they can own a company and receive dividends.
How long until I can apply for permanent residency?
Three years of continuous temporary residence are required before applying for permanent status.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, registration with the CCSS public system is mandatory.