If you are visiting our website it is very likely that you have heard positive things about Costa Rica. Indeed Costa Rica is an exception in Latin America, a developing country with certain first world benefits.
Ranked #1 in as the happiest greenest country in the world, the only Latin American country included in the list of the 22 oldest democracies in the world, those are just 2 aspects that make Costa Rica such a great place to live in.
Viva en Costa Rica has succesfully processed hundreds of Residencies, Work Permits and Student Visas for individuals from many countries around the world who have decided to have the opportunity to live in a place that many have called paradise. Beaches, National Parks, Volcanoes, Affordable Class A Medical Services, a Diversified Economy, Higher Life Expectancy than the United States and Canada, Highly Educated Labor and perhaps the most importantly some of the friendliest people in the world, that is all possible if you are ready to give Costa Rica an opportunity.
Before making a commitment to leave your country and enjoy the advantages of living in Costa Rica, our job as professionals is to determine along with you if you are eligible to obtain legal residency status in Costa Rica.
Are you eligible to live in Costa Rica? Because your decision to live as an expat is so important we have implemented a serious process in which we ONLY process residencies which meet all of the necessary criteria to be approved by the Costa Rican Immigration Authority.
To live in Costa Rica is considered a privilege, the so called "Pura Vida" or pure life is only offered to determined individuals who meet the criteria established by the Costa Rican government. In very simple words, similar to most governments around the world, residency status will only be granted to people with a clean criminal record, with enough financial or professional capability to contribute the Costa Rican economy and to not become a risk for national security or a burden to the society.
First: Let's look at the main residency options offered by the Costa Rican government. Law #8764 that went into effect on March 1st, 2010.
CATEGORY: TEMPORARY RESIDENCY
SUBCATEGORY:PENSIONER
Article 81.
"To obtain legal residency status under the category under the subcategory of pensioner, the
foreign citizens must demonstrate to enjoy foreign monthly pensions that are permanent and stable, for an amount not inferior of
US$1000.00. or its equivalent"
CATEGORY: TEMPORARY RESIDENCY
SUBCATEGORY:RENTIST
Article 82.
To obtain legal residency status under the subcategory of rentists, the foreign citizens will have to demonstrate to receive income,
permanent and stable, with foreign origin or foreign generated or from the
banks of the National Bank System, for a minimum monthly sum of US $2500,00 or its equivalent monthly.
The foreign citizens that decide to apply for this subcategories can extend their benefit to their dependants for migratory purposes.Las personas extranjeras que deseen optar por
With that amount, the applicant will be allowed to request residency status to his or her spouse and children under 25 years or older that are handicapped.
