Legal advice for living, investing, working, and establishing yourself in Costa Rica.
Your project in Costa Rica begins with a well-informed decision. At BGA Abogados, we help you identify the immigration option that matches your situation, prepare your application, and manage the necessary procedures for your file.
We advise individuals, families, and companies on temporary and permanent residences, naturalizations, digital nomads, and other immigration processes. From the beginning, we explain the requirements, the scope of our services, and the applicable fees for your case.
Request an immigration assessment
Tell us your nationality, where you are currently located, and what you wish to accomplish in Costa Rica. Our team will guide you on how to begin processing your case.
Immigration Law Services in Costa Rica
Residency through Marriage and Family Ties
If you are married to a Costa Rican citizen, have Costa Rican children, or wish to settle with your family, we review the family tie and the status category that may apply to you. We assist you in preparing the application and documentation for your family members, according to applicable requirements.
Residency for Pensioners (Retirees) and Rentiers
If you receive a pension or have a stable income, we analyze whether you meet the conditions to apply for residency under any of these categories. We review how to prove your income and the possibilities of including your dependents.
Residency for Investors
If you plan to invest in a property, business, or project in Costa Rica, we advise you on the immigration requirements and investment documentation. We coordinate immigration counseling with the corporate and real estate analysis required for your project.
Digital Nomads and Remote Work
If you work remotely for individuals or companies abroad, we assess whether you can apply for a permit stay for remote workers and service providers. We guide you regarding income requirements, documentation, health insurance, and requirements for your dependents. This status has its own conditions and is distinct from legal residency.
Work Permits and Corporate Immigration
We advise professionals, employers, and companies that need to relocate or hire foreign personnel. We identify the appropriate category and authorizations corresponding to the business activity, and coordinate both the immigration and labor aspects of the process.
More Solutions for Your Immigration Situation
Renewals, DIMEX, and Category Changes
We accompany you in renewing your immigration documentation and in assessing a change of status category, including permanent residency when applicable. We review the conditions you must maintain and the requirements for each procedure.
Naturalization and Costa Rican Citizenship
If you wish to acquire Costa Rican citizenship, we study the applicable route and the requirements regarding residency, family ties, and documentation. We represent you throughout the process before the Civil Registry of the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE).
Regularization, Official Notifications, and Rejected Applications
If you have doubts about your legal stay, received a request for additional documentation, or had a application denied, we examine the file and the available alternatives. We assess the proper response or legal appeals, taking into account the content of the resolution and the applicable deadlines.
Establishing Yourself in Costa Rica and Complementary Services
Your relocation may require contracts, corporate incorporation, real estate purchase reviews, or notary services. We coordinate these needs with the corresponding BGA professionals. We also offer advice for civil marriages; its celebration and potential immigration effects require separate analyses.
A Team That Understands Your Project
Fabiana Gutiérrez León-Páez | Of Counsel Attorney
She brings over thirty years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Her practice integrates immigration, corporate, and contract law, assisting individuals, families, and companies seeking to settle or develop their projects in Costa Rica.
Nathalie Blau | Associate Attorney
Her experience encompasses residency, naturalization, relocation, and establishment of individuals and businesses in Costa Rica. She assists clients in Spanish, English, and French, combining immigration practice with corporate and labor counseling.
Christopher Rojas | Senior Attorney
He brings extensive experience in litigation, administrative law, and immigration matters, as well as notary services and other legal needs that may accompany your establishment in the country.
At BGA, we integrate the various legal areas your project may require and define the scope of our assistance together with you.
Request an immigration assessment
How We Begin Your Process
- We assess your situation. We review your objectives, nationality, current location, and relevant background to identify available alternatives.
- We define the service. We explain the proposed actions, required documents, and budget, distinguishing between legal fees and third-party expenses.
- We prepare and manage. Once the retention is formalized, we execute the agreed-upon actions, review documentation, and follow up on your case file.
- We guide you on next steps. We explain document management, renewals, and other legal obligations that apply after approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which immigration status applies to me?
It depends, among other factors, on your family ties, activity, income, and long-term intentions. An initial assessment allows identifying applicable options before investing time and money in documents or legal steps.
How much does it cost to hire the service?
Fees depend on the category, the number of applicants, and the scope of the process. We prepare a tailored proposal for your case, detailing the included services and estimated additional expenses.
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary depending on the specific procedure, documentation, and the processing speed of the competent authority. When assessing your case, we explain the stages and available reference times. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or a specific resolution date.
Can I start if I am still outside of Costa Rica?
We can begin the analysis and documentary planning prior to your trip. Actions requiring entry into the country, personal appearance, or representation will depend on the specific procedure and your circumstances.
Does legal residency allow working in Costa Rica?
Work permissions depend on the specific category and applicable authorizations. Before starting any paid activity, we review whether your immigration status allows it and what additional procedures may be required.
Can I include my partner or children?
Certain categories allow processing legal status for family members. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary depending on family relationship, age, and financial dependency, among other criteria.
Take the First Step to Settle in Costa Rica
Learn about your options before making decisions regarding your residency, your family, or your investment. Request an immigration assessment and let’s discuss the service you need.
Request an immigration assessment
At BGA Abogados, we not only provide legal immigration counseling, but we have also prepared specialized content for those seeking to settle in Costa Rica.
Explore our guides on residency through family ties, residency through marriage, permanent residency through a child, and naturalization.
We also offer detailed information for citizens of Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Spain. If your interest is to invest or acquire property, we recommend reviewing our guides on the investor visa or residency through home purchase.
