Costa Rica•North AmericaStudent Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
30 days
Application Fee
50 USD
Stay Duration
Duration of studies
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Temporary residency visa for international students enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Costa Rica. Includes both provisional student visa and student residence permit. Students cannot work while on student visa.
Costa Rica offers student visas for international students enrolling in accredited universities, language schools, and educational institutions recognized by CONESUP (National Council of Rectors). The process involves two steps: obtaining a provisional visa valid for 90 days, then applying for a student residence permit once in Costa Rica.
Students cannot engage in paid work while on a student visa. Dependents (spouses and children) can be included but must follow the same process.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
29,710 EUR
Language
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity, original and copies
Passport photos
Passport-sized photos, recent and clear
Acceptance letter
From accredited Costa Rican educational institution
Birth certificate
Apostilled and translated
Financial documents
Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Health insurance
Valid coverage for entire study period
Criminal background check
Certificate from home country
OptionalDependent documents
If bringing spouse or children, marriage/birth certificates
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Allows full-time study in Costa Rica
- Spouse and dependents can be included
- Residence permit renewable while enrolled
- Can transition to other residency categories after graduation
- Access to local services and benefits
Considerations
- Cannot work or earn income
- Must be enrolled full-time
- Tuition costs not included
- Must maintain enrollment status
- Dependents also cannot work
- Limited pathway to permanent residency
- Two-step visa process
Application Process
Secure admission
Obtain acceptance letter from accredited Costa Rican educational institution
Apply for provisional visa
Submit application at Costa Rican embassy or consulate in home country
Prepare documents
Gather passport, acceptance letter, financial documents, health insurance
Submit to consulate
Present documents at nearest Costa Rican consulate
Receive provisional visa
Visa stamped in passport, valid 90 days to enter Costa Rica
Enter Costa Rica
Enter within 90 days of visa issuance
Apply for residence permit
Apply at Immigration Department (DGME) within Costa Rica
Receive residence permit
Permit granted for duration of studies
Application Forms
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