Costa Rica - family
Costa Rica Family Link Temporary ResidenceResidencia Temporal por Vinculo con Costarricense
A temporary residence for spouses, parents of a Costa Rican child, and certain close relatives of Costa Rican citizens. It is one of the fastest routes to permanent residency, which becomes available after just 3 years of temporary status.
Who this visa is for
- Foreign spouses of Costa Rican nationals
- Foreign parents of a Costa Rican-born child
- Adult children with disabilities in the care of a Costa Rican parent
- De facto partners recognized by a Costa Rican court
- Minor children of mixed families looking to reunite in Costa Rica
Requirements
- Marriage certificate registered in the Costa Rican Civil Registry
Required if the marriage took place abroad.
- Costa Rican spouse's national ID card (cedula)
Certified copy.
- In-person interview of both spouses
Held at the Plataforma de Servicios of Migracion.
- Apostilled birth certificate and police clearance
- Valid passport and photocopies
- Fingerprints at the Ministry of Public Security
- Enrollment in CCSS public health insurance
- For de facto unions: judicial resolution recognizing the union
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Government filing fee | USD 50 | |
| Change of category fee | USD 200 | |
| DIMEX card issuance | approx. USD 125 |
Application steps
- Register the marriage or family link
Record foreign marriages at the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
- Collect apostilled personal documents
Birth certificate, police clearance, and marriage certificate.
- Schedule the spousal interview
Both spouses must appear before a Migracion officer.
- Pay filing and category fees
USD 50 plus USD 200 at Banco de Costa Rica.
- Submit the application to Migracion
File in person with the complete dossier.
- 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 Family Link ResidencyResidencia Temporal por Vinculo con Costarricense
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies?
Spouses, parents of Costa Rican children, and close relatives of Costa Rican citizens, including recognized de facto unions.
Is there an income requirement?
No minimum income is required; the Costa Rican relative acts as guarantor.
Can I work in Costa Rica?
Yes, holders of residency by family link may work as employees or self-employed.
How quickly can I get permanent residency?
After 3 years of temporary residency under this category.
Do both spouses have to attend the interview?
Yes, an in-person joint interview is mandatory.