Costa Rica Investor Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Costa Rica Investor Visa Permanent Residency?

  No. It initially grants Temporary Residency. After three years as a Temporary Resident, you may apply for Permanent Residency if you meet the applicable requirements.

• How much do I need to invest?

  The minimum qualifying investment is US$150,000 per family unit.

• What types of investments can qualify?

  Eligible investments can include real estate, land, construction projects and certain other qualifying assets, provided they meet the applicable legal and documentation requirements.

• Does the investment need to generate income?

  No. The investment can be entirely for personal use and does not need to operate as a business or produce rental income.

• Can I include my family?

  Yes. Your spouse and qualifying dependent children can apply under the same qualifying investment. Each family member still submits a separate immigration application.

• How much time do I need to spend in Costa Rica each year?

  Investor Residents must spend at least one full 24-hour day per year in Costa Rica and meet the other applicable renewal requirements.

• Do I need to live in Costa Rica while my application is processed?

  No. Much of the process can be handled remotely through a Special Power of Attorney. You can also choose to file in person.

• How long does the process take?

  Current processing times are approximately one year or longer, although government timelines can vary.

• Do I need to return to Costa Rica after approval?

  Yes. You’ll need to travel to Costa Rica to complete the final in-person requirements, including fingerprinting, CCSS registration and your DIMEX Residency Card appointment. Plan for approximately 10 days.

• What is a DIMEX card?

  The DIMEX is your physical Costa Rican residency identification card showing your immigration status.

• What do I need to do to maintain my residency?

  You must maintain the qualifying investment, keep your DIMEX valid, remain registered with the CCSS, renew on time and meet the annual physical-presence requirement.

• Can Temporary Residency lead to Permanent Residency?

  Yes. After three years as a Temporary Resident, you may apply for Permanent Residency if you meet the applicable requirements.

• Can residency eventually lead to citizenship?

  Potentially. After meeting the applicable naturalization requirements, you may become eligible to apply for Costa Rican citizenship. Costa Rica allows dual citizenship.

• Do I have to pay a full application fee for additional family members who qualify under the same investment?

  No. There is still a fee for additional family members, but it is not less than the full amount. Hub members and clients save an additional $500 per family member.

• Does Costa Rica tax foreign income?

  Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system, so taxation generally focuses on Costa Rican-source rather than foreign-source income. Your personal tax position will depend on your circumstances.

• Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

  Yes. Foreigners can own titled property outright in Costa Rica.

• Are there additional requirements for certain nationalities?

  Yes. Applicants from certain restricted nationalities may face additional approval steps, longer processing times and higher legal fees. We’ll confirm whether that applies during your eligibility review.

• What happens after I purchase the service?

  You’ll complete your onboarding, receive a customized document checklist and be assigned a dedicated advisor from our team. From there, we coordinate the application with our Costa Rican legal team and keep you updated throughout the process.