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Religiosos — Temporary Residency for Religious Workers (Residencia Temporal para Religiosos)
Costa RicaCosta Rica•North America
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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

USD $253

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 FeeUSD $30
DIMEX Issuance FeeUSD $123
Administrative/Processing FeesUSD $100
TotalUSD $253

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 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 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

1

Obtain and apostille/legalize all required foreign documents

2

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

3

Pay the required fees at the Banco de Costa Rica

4

Submit the application and all supporting documents to the DGME

5

Complete the process to obtain the DIMEX card upon approval

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