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How To Become A Resident In Costa Rica

Written byGiovanna Barranteson 21 July 2010

Residency In Costa Rica - Types of Residency



Pensionado
'¢ Requires proof of US$1000 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
'¢ Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
'¢ Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
'¢ Cannot work as an employee.
'¢ Can own a company and receive dividends.

Rentista Residency in Costa Rica
'¢ Requires proof of US$2500 per month income for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution, OR a US$150,000 deposit in an approved Costa Rican bank. One amount covers the family.
'¢ Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
'¢ Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
'¢ Cannot work as an employee.
'¢ Can own a company and receive dividends.

Investor
'¢ Investment of US$200,000 in a business.
'¢ Must remain in country at least 6 months per year.
'¢ Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
'¢ Income allowed from the project.
'¢ Can own a company and receive dividends.

Representante Residency Program - Costa Rica
'¢ Applicant must be director of a company meeting certain requirements, such as employing a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a Public Accountant.
'¢ Must remain in country at least 6 months per year.
'¢ Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
'¢ Can earn an income from the company.
'¢ Can own a company and receive income.

Permanent Residency Costa Rica
'¢ First degree relative status with a Costa Rican Citizen (through marriage to citizen or having a Costa Rican child) OR may apply after three years in another status.
'¢ Must visit Costa Rica at least once per year.
'¢ Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
'¢ Can work.
'¢ Can own a company and receive income.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

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Comments

  • Guest
    Guest3 years ago(Modified)

    2021 updates?

  • KipLarsen
    KipLarsen11 years ago(Modified)
    Here is a link to a great web site I found with current information (2013) regarding the Rentista catagory as the qualifications have changed (for the better!) since this article was posted. costaricalaw.com/residency-general-information-and-summary.html I think you will find most everything you need to know about the differences between the two categories.
  • Lauratort
    Lauratort11 years ago(Modified)
    Thanks for the article. I would love to know the difference between the Pensionado and the Rentista Residency. I\'m wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are of each.

See also

All of Costa Rica's guide articles