Costa Rica•North AmericaInversionista (Investor) Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
180-360 days
Application Fee
50 USD
Stay Duration
2 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Temporary residency visa for individuals investing minimum USD 150,000 in Costa Rica. Investment can be made in active businesses, real estate, agricultural projects, tourism infrastructure, or approved national interest projects. Can lead to permanent residency after 3 years.
The Inversionista (Investor) Visa allows entrepreneurs and investors to obtain Costa Rican residency by investing a minimum of USD 150,000 in approved projects. The investment was reduced from USD 200,000 to USD 150,000 in 2023, making it more accessible.
Qualifying investments include starting or expanding businesses, purchasing real estate, agricultural projects, tourism infrastructure, or designated national interest projects. Spouses and dependent children can be included.
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Requirements
Financial
Investment Required
150,000 USD
Personal
Passport Validity
6 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity
Passport photos
Recent, passport-sized photos
Criminal background check
Apostilled and translated certificate from home country
Health insurance
Costa Rican or international coverage
Birth certificate
Apostilled and translated
Fingerprints
For applicants over 12 years old
Dependent documents
Marriage certificates, birth certificates for family members
OptionalSponsor Documents
Investment contract
Details of USD 150,000+ investment
Business plan
For business or project investments
Property deed
If investing in real estate
Financial proof
Bank statements showing USD 150,000 available
Company registration
If creating new business entity
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Advantages
- Residency through business ownership or investment
- Can manage business directly
- Spouse and dependents included
- Multiple investment options (business, real estate, etc.)
- Can apply for permanent residency after 3 years
- Path to citizenship after 7 years
- Investment may generate income
Considerations
- Requires USD 150,000 minimum investment
- Investment capital is tied up long-term
- Business must remain operational
- Complex approval process
- Long processing time (6-12 months)
- Investment risk involved
- Extensive documentation required
- May need to show business profitability
Application Process
Identify investment
Select qualifying investment project in Costa Rica
Prepare investment documents
Business plans, property deeds, project details, contracts
Gather personal documents
Passport, background check, financial documents
Prepare documents
Apostille and translate all documents as necessary
Submit application
Apply through Costa Rican immigration office or licensed attorney
Investment verification
Immigration verifies investment details and legality
Pay application fees
Application fee and processing costs
Await decision
Processing typically 6-12 months
Receive permit
Temporary residency permit issued for 2 years upon investment completion
Application Forms
Inversionista Residency Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa