Costa Rica Residency — Your Pathway Options
Costa Rica offers several residency pathways for foreigners. The right choice depends on your income source, investment plans, and long-term goals.
Residency Categories
| Category | Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pensionado | $1,000/mo pension | Retirees with lifetime pension |
| Rentista | $2,500/mo income or $60K deposit | Remote workers, investors |
| Inversionista | $150,000 investment | Property buyers, business owners |
| Digital Nomad | $3,000/mo income | Remote workers (1-2 year stay) |
Document Checklist
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Criminal background check / FBI report (apostilled, less than 6 months old)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- Proof of income or investment
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Official Spanish translations of all documents
Timeline & Costs
Expect 6–18 months for processing. Total costs including attorney ($1,500–$3,000), apostilles, translations, and fees typically run $2,500–$5,000. SIXPERCENT connects you with experienced immigration attorneys who handle the entire process.
💡 Residency does NOT mean you pay Costa Rica income tax on foreign income. Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system — only CR-sourced income is taxed.