Researcher, Teacher & Intern Residency (Residencia Temporal — Investigadores, Docentes y Pasantes)

Costa Rica•North America

Open

Researcher, Teacher & Intern Residency (Residencia Temporal — Investigadores, Docentes y Pasantes)

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3-6 months

Application Fee

383 USD

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Temporary residency for researchers, teachers, and interns affiliated with Costa Rican academic or scientific institutions.

The Researcher, Teacher, and Intern Residency is a specialized category for individuals coming to Costa Rica to contribute to the academic and scientific community. This visa is ideal for academics, visiting professors, researchers, and students participating in internships who are invited by local universities, research centers, or educational institutions. It facilitates the legal entry and stay of those who are essential to the exchange of knowledge and the advancement of research projects within the country.

To apply, candidates must have a formal connection to a recognized Costa Rican institution that acts as their sponsor. The documentation must clearly outline the applicant's specific duties, the duration of their stay, and their financial support. This category ensures that international experts and learners can integrate into the local academic environment legally, fostering international cooperation and educational development while maintaining compliance with Costa Rican immigration laws.

Fee Breakdown

Application fee	50 USD
Change of category	200 USD
DIMEX issuance	133 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	1 year
Extension increments	1 year

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

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a researcher, teacher, or intern affiliated with a recognized institution in Costa Rica.

Must provide a certification from the host institution confirming the applicant's role and the nature of their activities.

For teachers and researchers, a formal job offer or contract detailing functions, schedule, and salary is required.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the stay.

Must hold a valid passport.

Must have a clean criminal record from the country of origin or residence for the last three years.

Must provide a birth certificate.

Must be in legal status (e.g., tourist) at the time of application.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application letter signed by the applicant.

Certification from the host institution (signed by the legal representative).

For teachers/researchers: Employment contract or offer letter.

Proof of economic solvency (e.g., certification by a CPA for students/interns).

Birth certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Criminal record certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Certified copy of all pages of the passport.

Two recent passport-sized photos.

Proof of consular registration.

Proof of payment of government fees and stamps.

Fingerprint registration record from the Ministry of Public Security.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to permanent residency
Legal status for research/teaching

Worth Knowing

Restricted to academic activities
Requires institutional proof

Application Process

Enter as tourist

Submit application to DGME

Pay change of category fee

Register fingerprints

Receive DIMEX ID card

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Overview

Temporary residency for researchers, teachers, and interns affiliated with Costa Rican academic or scientific institutions.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a researcher, teacher, or intern affiliated with a recognized institution in Costa Rica.

Must provide a certification from the host institution confirming the applicant's role and the nature of their activities.

For teachers and researchers, a formal job offer or contract detailing functions, schedule, and salary is required.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the stay.

Must hold a valid passport.

Must have a clean criminal record from the country of origin or residence for the last three years.

Must provide a birth certificate.

Must be in legal status (e.g., tourist) at the time of application.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application letter signed by the applicant.

Certification from the host institution (signed by the legal representative).

For teachers/researchers: Employment contract or offer letter.

Proof of economic solvency (e.g., certification by a CPA for students/interns).

Birth certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Criminal record certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Certified copy of all pages of the passport.

Two recent passport-sized photos.

Proof of consular registration.

Proof of payment of government fees and stamps.

Fingerprint registration record from the Ministry of Public Security.