Who needs a residence permit in Costa Rica?

Anyone who wants to stay in Costa Rica for a period of more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit in Costa Rica, regardless of citizenship.

Types of residence permits in Costa Rica

There are two main types of residence permits in Costa Rica: permanent and temporary.

A permanent residence permit in Costa Rica is issued for the following reasons:

• If you have a family member from Costa Rica who is related by blood (father, brother or sister, or child)
• After you have lived in Costa Rica with a temporary residence permit for at least three years.

A temporary residence permit in Costa Rica, on the other hand, is issued for a wider range of purposes. Subcategories of Costa Rican residence permits offered to foreigners include:

• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for pensioners (Pensionado)
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for rentista
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for investors (Inversionista)
• Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for spouses of a Costa Rican citizen

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or move to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with a legal education will help you prepare for obtaining a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.

Temporary residence permit in Costa Rica for foreign workers:

1. Specialized independent employees
2. Employees in dependency relations
3. Scientists, professionals or interns
4. Specialized equipment
5. Athletes
6. Correspondents and news agencies
7. Religious figures or missionaries

Difference between permanent and temporary residence permits in Costa Rica:

• A permanent residence permit is indefinite, and a temporary residence permit is issued for a maximum of two years with the possibility of extension.
• Depending on the type, a temporary residence permit doesn’t automatically grant you the right to work – you will also need to obtain a work permit.
• A permanent residence permit grants the holder the same rights as a Costa Rican citizen, including employment rights.
• You can only apply for a permanent residence permit from the very beginning if you have blood relatives with Costa Ricans. Otherwise, you can apply for permanent residence after three years with a temporary residence permit.

💡 Advice from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians traveling abroad

Planning a long trip or relocation can be a daunting task. Where to start? What is the first step to getting a visa or residence permit? It's easy to get lost in the beginning - especially if you've never done anything like this before.

That's why we recommend using Visit World's guides - detailed step-by-step travel guides that provide basic advice on how to get a visa, permanent or temporary residence permit, and much more. For more details, follow the link.