BGA Abogados has 27+ years helping people and companies move to Costa Rica legally. We use a predictive analysis protocol powered by AI to anticipate risks and speed up files. If you are a US citizen and want a clear and actionable guide, here is a complete guide for Residency in Costa Rica for US Citizens: requirements, process, costs and timelines explained clearly.
Who Can Apply Types of Residency in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers several temporary residency routes used by US citizens. The most common are investor, retiree, rentista, family link, and work permits.
We often combine a migration plan and an asset plan to optimize timing and evidence. We prepare files as if audited to raise success rates.
Investor
Invest at least USD 150,000 in real estate, shares of an operating company, or the local stock market. This fits buyers of property or participants in a business.
Pensionado Retiree
Prove a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month. A Social Security Administration letter is common proof.
Rentista Fixed Income
Show income of at least USD 2,500 per month for two years. A common practice is a USD 60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank with a commitment letter.
Family Link
Qualify through marriage to a Costa Rican or Costa Rican children.
Work
Requires stronger justification and authorization. It is not usually a fast route.
Key Requirements for US Citizens
Checklist may vary by category but includes FBI background check with apostille, birth and marriage certificates, official Spanish translations, valid passport, proof of income, fingerprinting and consular registration, and CCSS enrollment after approval.
Delays often happen with expired apostilles or non-official translations. We review dates and formats before submission to avoid rejections.
Step by Step Timeline to DIMEX
Preparation in the US: collect FBI reports, certificates, and apostilles. Define strategy by category and income or investment proof. Submit to DGME personally or by proxy. Respond to requirements within deadlines. Register with CCSS and fingerprints. Finally, DIMEX is issued with renewals depending on the category.
We use milestone pipelines with checklists and reminders so nothing expires between filing and resolution.
Work and Temporary Residency
Temporary residency usually does not allow salaried work. Permanent residency does allow it, and some specific permits may apply depending on the case.
We often design two-stage plans: first temporary without work, then build the case for permanent residency as soon as possible.
Investor Threshold and Maintenance
Threshold is USD 150,000. Eligible assets include real estate, shares of an operating company, or the stock market. Maintenance requires keeping the investment and CCSS enrollment. Some guides mention at least one visit per year to keep the status. Citizenship is possible after 7 years of continuous residency.
We run due diligence on properties to ensure eligibility and solidity.
Pensionado and Rentista Requirements
Pensionado requires at least USD 1,000 per month in lifetime pension. Rentista requires USD 2,500 per month for 24 months, often with a USD 60,000 bank deposit and letter. You must maintain income proof and CCSS enrollment. Presence requirements may apply.
We ensure income proofs are consistent and auditable to avoid requirements.
Marriage and Family Residency
Residency by family link is common when married to a Costa Rican or with Costa Rican children. It requires registering the bond and completing the basic documents. It is usually a faster route to permanent residency after the minimum time.
Costs and Timelines
Consider fees and stamps, official translations and apostilles, CCSS insurance, notarizations, possible deposits for rentista, property documentation for investors, and professional fees. We validate investments in advance to ensure eligibility and avoid redoing the file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expired apostilles, non-official translations, weak income proofs, failing to enroll in CCSS on time, and non-eligible investments. Our high rankings keep us accountable to strict standards.
FAQs: Residency in Costa Rica for Americans
How long does it take?
Depends on the category and requirements. The flow is preparation, submission, resolution, CCSS and fingerprints, then DIMEX.
Does temporary residency allow work?
In general, no. Permanent residency does.
When can I apply for citizenship?
Usually after 7 years of continuous residency.
What is the investor minimum?
USD 150,000 in real estate, shares, or stock market.
What are pensionado and rentista requirements?
USD 1,000 per month for pensionado and USD 2,500 per month for rentista with the USD 60,000 deposit practice.
About BGA Abogados
We are BGA Abogados in Costa Rica. With 27+ years of experience, 96% success in complex cases, and a predictive AI-powered protocol, we handle migration with precision. Recognized internationally, we design personalized migration plans.
Ready to start your residency plan? Contact us today and let us build your route to Costa Rica residency.
Residency in Costa Rica for US Citizens
Costa Rica offers clear routes for US citizens: investor, pensionado, rentista, family link, and work. The key is not missing papers but building a solid file that passes the first time. Our method reduces friction with perfect documentation, controlled deadlines, and risk anticipation.