🇨🇷 Costa Rica Investor Residency Checklist

🏡 Minimum Investment (Law 9996)

• Minimum investment: USD $150,000 in one or more of the following:
  - Real estate (residential, commercial, tourism)
  - Shares/equity in a Costa Rican company or projects of national interest
  - Securities or investment funds duly registered in Costa Rica
  - Tourism infrastructure or sustainable projects meeting program criteria
• Hold the qualifying asset and maintain its value at/above the threshold for the life of the temporary residency.
• Note: Authorities increasingly require the qualifying real estate to be titled in the applicant’s personal name (corporate structures face stricter review).

🧾 Time‑Limited Incentives (through July 2026)

• One‑time tax/VAT exemptions on household goods imported for personal use.
• Duty/VAT exemption on the import of up to two vehicles (personal/family use).
• Incentives window: 5 years from law’s enactment → currently expected to run through July 2026, unless extended.
• Early sale/transfer of exempted goods may trigger taxes due; retain goods for the required period.

📋 Required Documentation

Personal Documents:
• Valid passport (6+ months)
• FBI/RCMP or national criminal background check (apostilled/legalized)
• Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized)
• Proof of health insurance (per current regulation)
• 2–4 passport photos
• Local fingerprints/background check in Costa Rica (obtained after arrival)

Investment Proof:
• Property deed (or share certificates) showing ownership of the qualifying asset
• Certification from the National Registry confirming ownership and value
• Appraisal or valuation as needed to evidence the $150,000 threshold
• Company documents if investing via equity (corporate personería, Registro Nacional extracts)
• Bank letter proving funds entered from abroad

⏱ Process & Timeline

1) Gather apostilled documents in home country and translate into Spanish in Costa Rica (official translator).
2) Submit application to Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) under the Inversionista category.
3) Upon approval, obtain DIMEX (residency card). Initial term typically up to 2 years, renewable while investment is maintained.
4) After ~**3 years** of holding temporary residency in good standing, apply for permanent residency.
5) Citizenship eligibility generally after ~7 years of legal residence (language and civics requirements apply).
• Processing times vary; expect 4–12 months with complete files.

💡 Key Benefits

• Legal right to reside in Costa Rica; include spouse and dependent children on the file.
• Path to permanent residency (~3 years) and eventual citizenship (~7 years).
• Ability to own property, open bank accounts, and operate businesses.
• Access to time‑limited import duty/VAT exemptions (through July 2026, unless extended).
• Foreigners enjoy equal property rights (except for special maritime/zonas restringidas rules).

⚠️ Responsibilities & Practical Tips

• Maintain the investment above the minimum value and keep titles/registrations current.
• Renew your DIMEX before expiry; keep address and marital status updated with DGME.
• Pay applicable taxes and municipal fees; file returns on Costa Rican–source income as required.
• If using a corporation, be prepared for enhanced scrutiny and demonstrate personal control/benefit.
• Retain exempted goods for the required period to avoid back taxes.
• Work with a Costa Rican immigration/real‑estate attorney to avoid delays.

📜 Regulatory Notes

• Law 9996 (2021) lowered the investor minimum to $150,000 and created tax/import incentives.
• Regulation (Decree 43926, 2023) operationalized procedures and clarified documentation.
• Authorities have tightened practice around ownership structure (preference for personal title on real estate used to qualify).
• Monitor official notices for any extension or modification of incentives beyond July 2026.

💵 Typical Costs (estimates, excl. investment)

• Legal fees: $1,500–3,000 (varies by complexity, dependents, corporate structure)
• Government fees & DGME filings: $350–700
• Translations, apostilles, notary: $250–600
• Local police/medical, fingerprints: $100–200
• Total typical admin range: $2,200–4,500