Retirement in Costa Rica

Residency for Retirement

You may acquire this status if you can prove that you have a guaranteed monthly income of at least $600 per month from a qualified source, such as a government pension. You will be required to exchange this amount each month into Costa Rican currency via the state banking system, to show proof of the exchange, and to live in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Resident with Interest or Dividend Income

You may acquire this status, if you can prove that you are receiving income from interest or dividends of at least $1,000 US dollars per month from a foreign or national bank. The bank must issue a letter certifying that you will receive such monies and that you will exchange them into Costa Rican currency. The bank must renew its certified letter every five years. You will be required to exchange this amount each month into Costa Rican currency via the state banking system, to show proof of the exchange, and to live in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Investor Status

You may acquire this status if you invest in a local business in Costa Rica. According to the Center for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (PROCOMER), the current priority investment areas of business are ornamental plants, leather articles, spices, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, wood products, and tourism. You will be required to invest at least $50,000 US dollars in one of these areas. If you prefer an area of investment not listed by PROCOMER, you must invest $200,000 US dollars in that business. You must live in Costa Rica for six months per year and will not be required to maintain a minimum monthly income.

Qualified Business Representative or Technician, Domestic Servant

If you are a qualified business executive or a qualified technician from an accredited institution, a qualified worker in an educational center with a special contract, or a domestic servant, you can get a work permit or temporary residency. At the end of your contract you must leave the country. The institution will be held responsible for the applications before the General Direction of Immigration Department. The Immigration Department of Costa Rica determines the requirements for a specific job category at its own discretion.