We’re BGA Abogados, a Costa Rica Residency Lawyer Firm, with 27+ years of national and international practice—enhanced by an AI-powered predictive analysis protocol—we help clients secure residency efficiently and defensibly. Our team has resolved legal crises across 20+ countries with a 96% success rate. Recognized by Legal 500, Leaders League, IFLR1000, and Chambers & Partners. In legal matters, the best time to act is before a conflict arises.
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Why hire a Costa Rica residency lawyer?
Strategy, compliance, and risk control
Residency in Costa Rica involves categories, eligibility rules, documentary formalities, and post-approval obligations (e.g., CCSS enrollment and DIMEX issuance). A dedicated costa rica residency lawyer designs the right route, anticipates risks, and ensures filings meet DGME standards from day one.
Our edge: We combine decades of casework with an AI-assisted predictive model that scores risk, timeline sensitivity, and document sufficiency to prevent avoidable delays.
Execution without friction
From apostilles and background checks to translations and sworn statements, we coordinate the moving parts so you can focus on your move. Because we’ve managed matters in 20+ jurisdictions, we sequence consular steps and synchronize evidence for DGME review.
Residency routes in Costa Rica (choose the right one)
Note: Laws, thresholds, and processing practices can change. We confirm current criteria during your consult and align evidence accordingly.
Pensionado (Retiree)
Best for retirees with a verifiable lifetime pension. Evidence typically includes pension certification, proof of lawful entry, and civil documents. We validate the pension source, obtain apostilles, and prepare translations to minimize additional requests.
Rentista (Fixed income)
For applicants who can demonstrate a steady income stream or required deposits. Our approach focuses on documentary traceability and bank attestations that satisfy DGME format expectations.
Inversionista (Investor)
For qualifying investments. We map the investment path and assemble corporate and registry evidence so ownership, valuation, and lawful source of funds are crystal-clear.
Family link
Residency through marriage to a Costa Rican citizen or as a parent of a Costa Rican child. Civil status paperwork and timelines require careful orchestration—especially if documents are issued abroad.
Permanent residency
Usually available after holding a temporary category for a qualifying period or under specific grounds. We plan renewals proactively so you remain eligible when your window opens.
Digital nomad visa
For remote workers with foreign income. We validate income proofs, health insurance requirements, and maintain a clean audit trail for extensions or transitions.
Requirements & documents
Core evidence
- Valid passport and proof of lawful entry.
- Background checks and apostilles as applicable.
- Civil status records (birth/marriage certificates), updated and authenticated.
- Category-specific proofs (pension statements, bank attestations, investment documentation).
- Sworn statements and certified translations when needed.
In our experience, document sequencing reduces queries. Our predictive checklist flags gaps early so you don’t lose weeks to avoidable requests.
After approval: CCSS & DIMEX
Post-approval steps typically include CCSS (Caja) enrollment and DIMEX issuance/renewal. We schedule and document these steps so your status stays active and your driver’s license alignment remains straightforward.
Timelines, fees & common mistakes (2025)
Timelines & fees
Processing time depends on category, case complexity, and agency load. During onboarding we provide a category-specific forecast based on our historical data and current conditions. Government and professional fees are itemized upfront.
Frequent mistakes we help you avoid
- Submitting documents with expired issue dates or missing apostilles.
- Unclear proof of income or investment ownership.
- Lack of certified translations in required sections.
- Gaps between approval and CCSS/DIMEX steps, risking status lapses.
- Missing dependents’ evidence or inconsistent civil records.
Our 96% success rate in crisis management taught us that prevention beats remediation. We hard-wire that mindset into every file.
How we work at BGA Abogados
1) Predictive diagnosis
We start with a structured interview and AI-assisted risk scoring that tests eligibility, document sufficiency, and potential red flags. You get a clear route recommendation (pensionado, rentista, investor, family link, etc.).
2) Dossier build & filing
We collect apostilles, translations, statements, and bank/corporate proofs in the order DGME prefers. Then we file a clean, indexed dossier with traceability built-in.
3) Follow-through & post-approval care
We monitor the file, respond to additional requests, and coordinate CCSS/DIMEX steps. You get renewal reminders and a tidy archive for future procedures.
Real-world snapshots (anonymized)
Retiree couple (Pensionado)
We synchronized pension proofs from two agencies, coordinated apostilles across jurisdictions, and pre-translated key records. The file progressed without additional document requests. CCSS and DIMEX were completed within the planned window.
Entrepreneur (Inversionista)
We validated investment documentation and ownership structure, aligned registry evidence, and prepared sworn statements to clarify the source of funds. Approval arrived within our forecast, followed by a smooth DIMEX issuance.
Examples illustrate typical workflows. Each case is unique—your onboarding includes a tailored roadmap.
Get started today
Whether you’re a retiree, investor, remote worker, or applying through family, we’ll map the fastest compliant route and handle the paperwork end-to-end. The sooner we plan, the fewer surprises later.
Residency checklist (starter)
- Passport (valid; clear scan)
- Proof of lawful entry
- Background check (country of origin / recent residence)
- Civil records (birth/marriage, as applicable)
- Category evidence (pension, income, deposit, investment, or civil link)
- Apostilles & certified translations (if required)
Talk to a lawyer
We’ll review your goals, verify the best category, and deliver a step-by-step plan with a timeline estimate. Prefer chat? Message us on WhatsApp.
FAQs: Costa Rica residency
How long does residency take in 2025?
It varies by category, evidence quality, and agency load. At onboarding we give you a realistic forecast based on current conditions and our historical outcomes.
What are the main government fees and legal fees?
They depend on the category and number of dependents. We provide an itemized quote before filing so you can budget with clarity.
Can I work in Costa Rica as a pensionado or rentista?
Eligibility to work depends on your specific status and applicable rules. We’ll explain what activities are allowed and your options if you plan to work.
What is DIMEX and how do I renew it?
DIMEX is your ID for foreign nationals. We assist with issuance after approval and set reminders for renewals so your status remains active.
Which documents need apostilles and translations?
Typically background checks and civil records issued abroad. We confirm sources, validity windows, apostilles, and certified translations as part of your dossier plan.
Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes, many categories allow dependents. We align your evidence (marriage/birth records) and plan for synchronized filings.
Contact BGA Abogados
Tell us about your goals and timeline. We’ll respond with next steps and a tailored plan. Prefer messaging? WhatsApp Chat.