Costa Rica•North AmericaVaries
50 USD
3 years
No
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
Temporary residency visa for spouses, children, parents, and siblings of Costa Rican citizens or legal residents. Allows family reunification with no additional income requirements if primary applicant meets residency requirements. Can lead to permanent residency after 3 years.
The Family Reunification (Dependent) Visa is rooted in Costa Rica's commitment to maintaining family unity, governed by immigration laws such as the General Law on Migration and Foreigners (Law No. 8764). It fills the critical gap for foreign nationals who wish to reside in the country based on their familial ties to a Costa Rican citizen or a legal resident, ensuring that families are not separated by international borders. By providing a structured legal pathway, this visa allows for the integration of immediate family members into the local society, fostering stability for both the individual and the household unit within the country.
This visa is designed for spouses, children, parents, and siblings of Costa Rican citizens or legal residents. The ideal applicant is a foreign national seeking to live with their family member who already holds status in Costa Rica. What makes this category distinctive is its focus on the strength of the familial bond as the primary qualification, rather than financial investment or professional skills. Applicants must provide proof of their relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, and maintain health insurance, reflecting the country's emphasis on family-based support and social responsibility.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Costa RicaMust have a direct family relationship with a Costa Rican citizen or a legal resident.
Eligible relatives include spouses (legally married), children under 18, children over 18 with disabilities, and parents.
Must demonstrate economic dependence (for parents or adult children).
Must maintain valid immigration status (tourist visa) during the application process.
Education
none or higher
Valid passport
Passport photos
Criminal background check
Health insurance
Proof of valid tourist visa
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Fingerprints
Costa Rican residency document (sponsor)
Proof of economic support (sponsor)
Relationship documentation (sponsor)
Sponsor background check (sponsor)
| Family Reunification Application | — |
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