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Pensionado Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Pensionado)
Costa RicaCosta Rica•North America
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Pensionado Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Pensionado)

Investment 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

Varies

Estimated Cost

Not confirmed

Application and annual renewal fees apply
Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Temporary residency for retirees with at least $1,000/month guaranteed lifetime pension, providing a pathway to permanent residency.

The Pensionado Temporary Residency is Costa Rica's leading program for retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month from a government or private plan. Designed for those seeking long-term legal status and eventual permanent residency, it grants 2-year renewable stays to pensioners of good character.

Residency requires registration with the Costa Rican social security system (CCSS) for healthcare access. Documentation is comprehensive—apostilled birth and marriage certificates, pension proof, police clearance, and passport copies. Spouses cannot work but may be included as dependents along with children under 25.

This visa is ideal for retirees from any country who receive stable pension income and want to settle in Costa Rica with their family while maintaining international ties and healthcare security.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years
Extension increments2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

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

Validity5 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must demonstrate a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month

Pension must be from a verifiable government or private retirement plan

Must be of good conduct (clean criminal record)

Must contribute to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)

No minimum age requirement

Spouses and dependent children under 25 (or older with disabilities) may be included

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

12,000 USD/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form

Original and copy of passport

Proof of lifetime pension (official letter from the issuing authority, apostilled and translated)

Original police clearance certificate (apostilled and translated)

Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)

Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled and translated)

Two passport-sized photographs

Proof of registration with the local consulate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Temporary residency renewable in 2-year increments, allowing indefinite legal stay via repeated renewal
  • Pathway to permanent residency available for those meeting extended residency requirements
  • Spouse and dependent children under 25 can be included as beneficiaries
  • Low pension threshold of just $1,000 USD monthly from government or private retirement plans
  • Dual intent permitted — can maintain residency while exploring permanent residency conversion
  • No minimum age requirement to qualify for the program
  • Access to Costa Rican public healthcare via mandatory CCSS social security registration

Worth Knowing

  • Initial 2-year stay requires renewal every 2 years to maintain continuous residency
  • Mandatory monthly contribution to Costa Rican Social Security (CCSS) system required for healthcare
  • Spouse and adult dependents cannot work for Costa Rican employers or as self-employed locally
  • Documentation is rigorous: all records must be apostilled and translated into Spanish
  • Cannot work as an employee in Costa Rica; income must come from pension only

Application Process

1

Gather and apostille documents

2

Submit application to DGME

3

Register with CCSS

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