In many of our Your Pura Vida YouTube videos, we discuss the different types of visas available for foreigners in Costa Rica, as well as examples of when each might be a good choice. Given the ongoing interest and questions, we wanted to provide a more detailed overview of the various visas, highlighting their benefits and ideal candidates. While this information is general, it’s important to remember that each person’s situation is unique, and what might be suitable for one individual may not be for another. Determining the right visa can be as much an art as it is a science or financial exercise.
A Key Piece of Advice: Don’t rush into paying for the residency process.
It’s both expensive and time-consuming. Until you know where you’ll end up and how you’ll be living, you might waste time and money locking in a visa application prematurely. For example, you might qualify for an investor visa after purchasing a home, but if you’ve already paid for a rentista visa, it will at the very least take additional time and funds to change the application. For most, coming to Costa Rica on a tourist visa initially can give you the flexibility to make an informed decision. So don’t stress right away about visa applications. But that said, it is important to think about the ramification of each and which fits into your lifestyle and budget. For most of our clients, finding the right visa option happens pretty organically. But for some, this research is important to figure out if Costa Rica is even an option.
Here’s a breakdown of the various visas available in Costa Rica
1. Costa Rica Tourist Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to obtain: Most nationalities can enter Costa Rica without a visa and stay for 90-180 days (depending on the country of origin). | Short duration: Only valid for up to 180 days, requiring a border run or flight home for renewal. |
| No long-term commitment: Ideal for short stays and those wanting to explore the country before making a long-term decision. | No work rights: Tourists cannot legally work in Costa Rica. |
| Tourist visa is at the discretion of the immigration officer, who may give you less than the maximum. |
A tourist visa is ideal for:
- Travelers wanting to explore Costa Rica for a few months.
- Individuals conducting short-term business or attending meetings.
- Those considering a move to Costa Rica and wanting to experience the country first.
- Those only spending winters in Costa Rica.
- Not ideal for those buying homes for relocation, unless using homes as investments (Airbnb, etc.).
2. Costa Rica Pensionado (Retiree) Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-term residence: Valid for two years and renewable. | Income requirement: Must show proof of a stable income of at least $1,000 per month from a permanent pension source. |
| Access to the national healthcare system (Caja). | |
| Eligible for a Costa Rican driver’s license. |
A pensionado visa is ideal for:
- Retirees with a stable pension who want to live in Costa Rica.
- Those looking for a slower pace of life in a tropical setting.
3. Costa Rica Rentista (Renter) Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-term residence: Valid for two years and renewable. | Financial requirement: Must show proof of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank or a guaranteed income of $2,500 per month for at least two years. |
| Flexibility: Can engage in business or own a company, although direct employment is restricted. | Must deposit $60,000 every 24 months to renew the residency. |
| Access to the national healthcare system (Caja). | |
| Eligible for a Costa Rican driver’s license. |
The rentista visa is ideal for:
- Those with enough cash savings to qualify.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Freelancers and remote workers with a stable income source.
- Individuals looking for a tropical base without the need for immediate employment.
4. Costa Rica Inversionista (Investor) Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-term residence: Valid for two years and renewable. | Financial commitment: Requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in a business, property, cars, or government-approved project. |
| Investment opportunities: Encourages investment in Costa Rican businesses, real estate, or projects. | |
| Access to the national healthcare system (Caja). | |
| Eligible for a Costa Rican driver’s license. | |
| Ability to include a spouse and children under the age of 18, as well as single, dependent adult children under 25. |
The inversionista visa is ideal for:
- Those who know they want to buy property worth $150,000 or more.
- Investors and entrepreneurs.
- Those interested in contributing to and benefiting from the Costa Rican economy.
- Individuals looking to start or invest in a business in Costa Rica.
5. Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Mid-term stay: Allows for a stay of up to one year, with the possibility of extending for an additional year. | Income requirement: Must show proof of a stable monthly income of at least $3,000 (or $4,000 if bringing family). |
| Work rights: Digital nomads can work remotely for companies outside Costa Rica without needing a local work permit. | Must have travel insurance that covers the entire stay in Costa Rica. |
The Digital Nomad visa is ideal for:
- Remote workers and freelancers with a stable income source.
- Digital nomads seeking a base in Costa Rica.
- Individuals looking to live in Costa Rica while working for a company or clients abroad.
6. Costa Rica Permanent Residency
Once you have three years of temporary residency, you qualify for permanent residence.
| Pros | Cons |
| All the benefits of temporary visas (Caja, driver’s license, etc.) plus: | More paperwork: Involves a more detailed application process. |
| Long-term stability: Allows permanent residence with fewer renewal requirements. | |
| Work rights: Permanent residents can legally work in Costa Rica. | |
| Builds a pathway to citizenship. |
Ideal For:
- Those who have had temporary residency through any visa in Costa Rica for three years and wish to stay permanently.
- Individuals with close family ties to Costa Rican citizens or permanent residents.
- Long-term expats seeking stability and full integration into Costa Rican society.
So, now what?
As mentioned, this overview provides a broad understanding of the visa options available in Costa Rica. However, each individual’s situation is unique, and finding the right visa can be a nuanced process. Once our clients have relocated and are settling in, we begin to discuss their visa options and where they want to focus. We connect our clients with some of the most well-respected attorneys in the country to facilitate this process.
Obtaining the right visa offers you legal protections and added benefits.
We strongly advocate for securing the appropriate visa rather than relying on a tourist visa for long-term living. Obtaining the right visa offers you legal protections and added benefits. It also aligns with our belief that if you are going to live in a country, you should fully participate in its society. This participation is a cornerstone of being an expat: becoming part of your community and your adopted country. By paying fees and taxes, you contribute to essential services such as the education system and infrastructure, ensuring that you benefit from the country’s resources.
At Your Pura Vida, we are dedicated to helping turn your dream of living in paradise into reality. Securing the right visa is a crucial part of this journey. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Want to discuss your options further? Reach out to us!
And as always: Pura Vida!