BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Rentista Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Rentista)
Costa RicaCosta Rica•North America
Open

Rentista Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Rentista)

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

Residency via passive income ($2,500+/month or $60,000 deposit) leading to permanent residency; no spouse work permission.

The Rentista Temporary Residency allows foreign nationals with stable passive income to reside in Costa Rica. Under Law No. 8764, applicants must demonstrate $2,500/month in income for two years or deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank. Applicants must be legally present and register with CCSS for social security.

Visas grant two-year residency, renewable indefinitely. Spouses cannot work as employees. Conversion to PR is available after three years. Processing takes several months; all documents must be apostilled. Self-employment and business ownership are permitted.

This visa is ideal for passive-income investors, early retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking independence and flexibility in Costa Rica.

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

Demonstrate a stable and permanent monthly income of at least $2,500 USD for a minimum period of two years.

Alternatively, make a $60,000 USD deposit in a Costa Rican bank, which must be used to provide the $2,500 USD monthly income over two years.

Must be legally present in Costa Rica (e.g., with a valid tourist visa) at the time of application.

Must not work as an employee; self-employment or business ownership is permitted.

Must register with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) for voluntary health insurance.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

30,000 USD/yr

Min. Savings

60,000 USD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed application form signed and authenticated by a lawyer.

Proof of income (e.g., bank letter, CPA certification, or proof of rental income) apostilled or legalized.

Birth certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Criminal background check from the country of origin or residence for the last three years (apostilled or legalized).

Copy of all pages of a valid passport.

Consular registration.

Proof of fingerprinting from the Ministry of Public Security.

Receipts for government application fees.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to permanent residency after initial 2-year term
  • Flexible $60,000 deposit alternative to $2,500/month income requirement
  • Spouse and dependent children (under 25) can be included
  • Renewable for additional periods; no statutory cap beyond initial renewal
  • Self-employment and business ownership permitted (cannot be employee only)
  • Dual intent allowed; can explore permanent settlement
  • No job offer or sponsorship required; financial independence only

Worth Knowing

  • Requires minimum $2,500/month passive income (or $60K deposit) verified for 2+ years
  • Spouse cannot work; only principal holder can be self-employed or own business
  • $60,000 deposit must be maintained and used for monthly income over 2-year term
  • Mandatory CCSS health insurance registration
  • Processing can take several months; apostille and translation required for docs
  • Cannot work as employee for Costa Rican employer or client (self-employment only)

Application Process

1

Gather and apostille documents

2

Submit application to DGME

3

Register with CCSS

Ready to see if the Rentista Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal - Rentista) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery