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Investor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal — Inversionista)
VisasCosta RicaInvestor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal — Inversionista)
Costa RicaCosta Rica•North America
Open

Investor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal — Inversionista)

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

50 USD

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Overview

Temporary residency for foreign nationals investing a minimum of $150,000 in an approved Costa Rican enterprise or real estate.

The Investor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal — Inversionista) is a strategic immigration program established under Costa Rica’s General Law of Migration and Foreigners (Law No. 8764) to attract foreign capital that contributes to the nation's economic development. By creating a dedicated category for investors, the government incentivizes foreign nationals to commit significant financial resources into the country’s infrastructure, real estate, or business sectors. This visa serves as a bridge for high-net-worth individuals who wish to establish a legal presence in Costa Rica while actively participating in or supporting the local economy.

This program is designed for foreign nationals capable of making a minimum investment of $150,000 in qualifying sectors, such as real estate, active businesses, or government-approved projects. A distinctive feature of this visa is that it allows applicants to gain residency by demonstrating a substantial economic stake in the country, rather than through employment or passive income. It is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and real estate investors who want to secure a long-term foothold in Costa Rica, providing them with the legal status to manage their investments while enjoying the country’s stable environment and high quality of life.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente — Libre Condición)
Costa Rica flagCosta Rica

Permanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente — Libre Condición)

Validity5 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum investment of USD $150,000 in approved sectors (real estate, business, securities, etc.) or USD $100,000 in forestry/reforestation projects.

Investment must be maintained for the duration of the residency.

Must be a legal resident; can apply in-country or via a consulate.

Must enroll in the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS/Caja).

Must maintain residency status by visiting the country at least once a year (minimum 72 hours).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Investment

150,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Criminal background check

Health insurance

Birth certificate

Fingerprints

Dependent documents

Investment contract (sponsor)

Business plan (sponsor)

Property deed (sponsor)

Financial proof (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to permanent residency after three years.
  • Pathway to citizenship after seven years of legal residence.
  • Allows inclusion of spouse and dependent children under 25.
  • Territorial tax system (no taxes on foreign-sourced income).
  • Stable economy and favorable environment for business.

Worth Knowing

  • Processing times can range from 4 to 9 months.
  • Investment must be maintained to keep residency status.
  • Cannot work as an employee for others under this specific category (though income from investments is allowed).
  • Mandatory monthly social security payments (CCSS) are required.

Application Process

1

Identify investment: Select qualifying investment project in Costa Rica

2

Prepare investment documents: Business plans, property deeds, project details, contracts

3

Gather personal documents: Passport, background check, financial documents

4

Prepare documents: Apostille and translate all documents as necessary

5

Submit application: Apply through Costa Rican immigration office or licensed attorney

6

Investment verification: Immigration verifies investment details and legality

7

Pay application fees: Application fee and processing costs

8

Await decision: Processing typically 6-12 months

9

Receive permit: Temporary residency permit issued for 2 years upon investment completion

Application Forms

Inversionista Residency Application—

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