Residency for Investors

Temporary Residency for Investors

If you, or your spouse, have invested $200,000 USD in qualifying projects, or $100,000 USD in a forestry project, individually, you could qualify for temporary residency as an investor in Costa Rica.

Under this category, the principal applicant is allowed to obtain residency for additional family members such as spouse, parents, and children.

Temporary residency under the Investor Category is valid for two years.
It can be renewed for additional two-year periods, as long as you keep the project you invested in (business, home, etc).
After three years of holding temporary residency, you will become eligible for permanent residency.

Main Requirement for the Investor Category

People who have invested $200,000 USD in qualifying projects are eligible for temporary residency under the Investor Category. There is also an option available for people who have invested $100,000 USD in forestry projects.

Investment Options

There are four different subcategories for the investor option. This is a brief description of each of these categories.

New Business – Investment Amount: $200,000. This category is available for people who will invest in a new business. Whether it is a hotel, a restaurant, a factory, a service company, or any other business, you will qualify for this category as long as you invest at least $200,000 USD. This category requires setting up a business plan. This category is rarely used as very few people are able to comply with all the requirements.
Existing Business – Investment Amount: $200,000. This category is available for people who purchase an existing business, whether it is purchasing the whole business or just part of it. Regardless of the type of business, as long as you invest $200,000 USD to purchase the business, you will then qualify. Purchasing part of a business refers to when you purchase some stocks or shares of an existing company. Regardless of the number of shares that you acquire, as long as you invest $200,000 USD to acquire those shares, you will then qualify.
Real Estate/Vehicles – Investment Amount: $200,000. Under this category, you will qualify if you purchase real estate and/or vehicles for at least $200,000 USD. Regardless of whether it is a condo, a lot, a home, or farmland, cars, motorcycles, boats as long as you invest the required amount, you will then qualify.
1. This option is available for people who invest, meaning actually pay, at least $200,000 in a property, various properties, vehicles, or vehicles and properties. You can add up various investments to reach the minimum $200,000.
2. If you purchase for example a house, a condo, or a lot, then the deed of the purchase should reflect a purchase price of $200,000. Additionally, documents such as the certificate from the Municipality must reflect the true value of the property which must be of at least $200,000.
3. If the lot is below the expected $200,000, however, you did build a house on it, then the true value of the property must be updated at the Municipality. Again, the true value registered at the Municipality must be of at least $200,000. This must be done once the construction of the house concludes.
4. If the property and/or vehicles are purchased through a corporation, additional documents would apply. The principal applicant must own shares worth at least $200,000 USD to qualify.
5. Once engaged to assist we would need to check the paperwork to make sure that the purchase or purchases were properly set up to qualify for Investor.
Forestry Projects – Investment Amount: $100,000. This option is available for people who invested in a forestry project, whether it is for lumbering, preservation, or regeneration. This option requires to have all the appropriate permits from the environmental agency (SETENA) and the local municipality as well.

Below you’ll find a detailed overview of the application process, as well as the fees and expenses.https://forms.outlierlegal.com/outlierlegalservices/form/QuestionsContactUs/formperma/aOUpdjvBvFpgyuGUxWKzAKXYDnYF-FyYvxmcnWs7phk?gclid=undefined

Real Estate Investment for Residency

Section 79 of the Immigration Law in conjunction with sections 87 and 88 of the Immigration Regulations, sets forth the requirements to obtain residency through the purchase of real estate.

What to Avoid When Applying for Residency as an Investor

Applying for residency as an investor can be a daunting and complicated process. Knowing what to avoid is crucial in order to help ensure you get accepted. From not having the right documentation to not fully understanding the local laws, there are many mistakes that investors make when applying for residency. By avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your application is successful and gain access to the best opportunities available.

Obtaining Documents for Residency

Obtaining documents for residency can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It’s important to have the right paperwork in order to apply and secure your residency status. Fortunately, with the help of modern technology, you can now access all the necessary documents quickly and easily. From birth certificates to passports, AI writing assistants can help you obtain all the necessary documents needed for residency in no time.

Popular Terms Used When Talking About Residency

Residency is a critical step when it comes to pursuing a medical career. Understanding the popular terms used when talking about residency can help you make the right decisions for your future. From “ROL” (Rank Order List) to “Match Day,” understanding these terms can help you understand the process and make sure you’re on the right path to success.

Investor Category Application Process

The application process for temporary residency as an investor takes between 12 and 15 months, depending on the processing time of the Costa Rica Immigration department (DGME), which takes approximately 9 months to analyze the application.

Our team will guide you through the process from start to finish, including CAJA (Costa Rican Social Security) registration and DIMEX (Costa Rican ID for residents) procurement. Plus, depending on the level of service you choose, we can also assist with document procurement and residency renewal at a discounted rate.

Step 1. Document Procurement
Step 2. Filing the Application
Step 3. Analysis & Decision by the DGME
Step 4. Approval Notice
Step 5. Payment of the Guarantee Deposit
Step 6. CCSS/Caja Registration & DIMEX Request
Step 7. Delivery of Your DIMEX
Renewal & Beyond

Document Procurement

Process Timeline 2 to 3 months – 18%

The first two to three months of the application process are spent collecting the documents required for the residency application. It is important to collect all the required documents during this time frame, as documents from abroad must be issued within six months of filing. Our team will work closely with you to ensure all documents are valid, translated, and ready for review by the DGME.

The following documents are required for filing an application for residency in Costa Rica.

Vital Records & Background Checks

Application Documents

The initial two to three months of the residency application process is devoted to gathering the necessary paperwork. Ensuring that all documents are acquired during this period is incredibly important, as international documents must be dated within six months of filing. Our team is ready to partner with you to guarantee that all documents are up-to-date, accurately translated, and reviewed by the DGME.

Fees & Expenses

Our fees for application for temporary residency as an investor are flexible and comprehensive. We include all the standard fees and expenses in our pricing, with the intention of making the process as easy as possible for you.

Payment Options
Description of Fees & Expenses
Additional Fees