Costa Rica•North AmericaInvestor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Inversionista)
At a Glance
Varies
From USD $310
Other charges may apply
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Renewable 2-year investment visa requiring USD $150,000 minimum in approved sectors; no work authorization for principal or dependents.
The Investor Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal — Inversionista) is Costa Rica's golden visa for foreign nationals investing $150,000 in approved sectors (real estate, businesses, securities) or $100,000 in forestry projects. Spouses and dependent children under 25 may be included.
Residency is granted for 2-year renewable periods indefinitely if the investment is maintained and annual residency requirements (72 hours/year) are met. Mandatory CCSS social security registration applies. Filing fee is USD 50 plus document processing and Social Migration Fund contributions. No work authorization granted; income must derive from the investment alone.
This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs and real estate investors seeking renewable residency to establish a long-term business presence in Costa Rica.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Costa RicaPermanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente - Libre Condición)
Requirements
PUBLISHED 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
Investment
150,000 USD
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
- Renewable for unlimited 2-year periods with no statutory end date to residency
- Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years and citizenship after 7 years of legal residence
- Spouse and dependent children under 25 can be included as beneficiaries on the same application
- Territorial tax system exempts foreign-sourced income from Costa Rican taxation
- Stable economy in a developed Central American democracy with favorable business environment
- Minimal initial costs of USD 50 application fee plus standard processing expenses
Worth Knowing
- Requires minimum USD 150,000 investment in approved sectors; must be maintained throughout residency
- Prohibited from all paid work — principal and dependents cannot work locally or remotely
- Mandatory enrollment in Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) with ongoing monthly payments
- Must visit Costa Rica at least 72 hours per calendar year to maintain residency status
- USD 150,000 investment is a hard threshold with no lower-tier alternatives within this category
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 | — |
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- Scientific & Specialized Professional Residency (Residencia Temporal - Científicos, Profesionales y Técnicos Especializados)
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Investment visas in other countries
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