Religiosos — Temporary Residency for Religious Workers (Residencia Temporal para Religiosos)

Costa Rica•North America

Open

Religiosos — Temporary Residency for Religious Workers (Residencia Temporal para Religiosos)

Work 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

3–6 months

Estimated Cost

$253 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Employer-sponsored temporary residency for religious workers performing faith-based activities, allowing up to 2 years' stay with no spousal work authorization.

The Temporary Residency for Religious Workers allows foreign nationals to conduct faith-based or humanitarian work for registered religious organizations in Costa Rica. Petitioned by the employer organization, applicants must demonstrate affiliation and work nature. The organization must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship.

Residency grants up to 2 years per authorization under Ley 8764, renewable while conditions are maintained. Fees total approximately USD 250–300 (USD 30 consular + USD 123 DIMEX + USD 100 administrative). Processing takes 90–180 days. Spouses cannot work; dependents may accompany the principal.

This visa is ideal for missionaries, clergy, and faith-based workers seeking to serve a registered organization in Costa Rica with family support.

Cost Breakdown

Consular/Application Fee$30 USD

DIMEX Issuance Fee$123 USD

Administrative/Processing Fees$100 USD

Total$253 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

Costa Rica

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

Validity5 years

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must belong to a religious organization registered with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship.

Must perform faith-based or humanitarian activities.

Must provide proof of affiliation and the nature of the work.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Formal letter of application (signed before a public official or authenticated by a lawyer)

Proof of payment of fees

Two recent passport-sized photographs

Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized)

Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for the last 3 years (apostilled/legalized)

Photocopy of all pages of the passport (certified/authenticated)

Proof of registration of the religious organization with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship

Fingerprint registration (registro de huellas) from the Ministry of Public Security

Consular registration (inscripción consular)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Employer-sponsored pathway — religious organization applies and supports the application
Up to 2 years initial grant; renewable while employment conditions are maintained (Ley 8764)
Pathway to permanent residency available through conversion after extended residency
Spouse and dependent children up to age 25 can be included as dependents
Legal residency for faith-based and humanitarian work with recognized religious organizations
Renewable status allows indefinite residency through repeated renewals
No minimum income or education requirements to qualify

Worth Knowing

Spouse cannot work — only the principal religious worker is authorized for employment
Restricted to faith-based or humanitarian work only; no general employment permitted
Religious organization must be registered with Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship
Processing takes 3-6 months; extensive apostille and translation of documents required
Requires employer sponsorship from a recognized religious organization to apply

Application Process

Obtain and apostille/legalize all required foreign documents

Ensure the religious organization is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship

Pay the required fees at the Banco de Costa Rica

Submit the application and all supporting documents to the DGME

Complete the process to obtain the DIMEX card upon approval

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Max Stay Estimate

type: years, initialDays: 730, notes: Up to 2 years per grant; renewable while conditions maintained…

migracion.go.cr

Official Code

Religiosos

embajadacostaricaenpanama.com

Petitioner

employer

embajadacostaricaenpanama.com

Spouse Can Work

embajadacostaricaenpanama.com

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Overview

Employer-sponsored temporary residency for religious workers performing faith-based activities, allowing up to 2 years' stay with no spousal work authorization.

This visa is ideal for missionaries, clergy, and faith-based workers seeking to serve a registered organization in Costa Rica with family support.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must belong to a religious organization registered with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship.

Must perform faith-based or humanitarian activities.

Must provide proof of affiliation and the nature of the work.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Formal letter of application (signed before a public official or authenticated by a lawyer)

Proof of payment of fees

Two recent passport-sized photographs

Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized)

Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for the last 3 years (apostilled/legalized)

Photocopy of all pages of the passport (certified/authenticated)

Proof of registration of the religious organization with the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship

Fingerprint registration (registro de huellas) from the Ministry of Public Security

Consular registration (inscripción consular)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Employer-sponsored pathway — religious organization applies and supports the application
Up to 2 years initial grant; renewable while employment conditions are maintained (Ley 8764)
Pathway to permanent residency available through conversion after extended residency
Spouse and dependent children up to age 25 can be included as dependents
Legal residency for faith-based and humanitarian work with recognized religious organizations
Renewable status allows indefinite residency through repeated renewals
No minimum income or education requirements to qualify

Worth Knowing

Spouse cannot work — only the principal religious worker is authorized for employment
Restricted to faith-based or humanitarian work only; no general employment permitted
Religious organization must be registered with Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship
Processing takes 3-6 months; extensive apostille and translation of documents required
Requires employer sponsorship from a recognized religious organization to apply

Application Process