Costa Rica - Inversionista Visa (Investor)

Key requirements

We use USD 150,000 as the Law 9996 planning anchor. Applications filed after sunset dates may need USD 200,000 unless new legislation extends the lower floor.

• Income we use for estimatesNot set in data
• SavingsOften ~$150,000+
• Accepted income typesSavings only
• Remote work allowedYes
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Often several months to 12+ months (DGME and registry dependent)

Apostilles, Spanish translations, and National Registry proof often take longer than the government review clock. Build the dossier before you close on property.

1. 1

   Confirm category and current minimum

   Check whether Law 9996 thresholds still apply to your timeline and which investment class fits your plan (property, business, securities, or approved project).

   • •Verify whether the USD 150,000 floor is still live on the official DGME page before you wire purchase money.
2. 2

   Structure the qualifying investment

   For real estate, plan for title in your personal name. For companies or securities, gather incorporation papers and registry evidence DGME accepts.

3. 3

   Prepare source-of-funds proof

   Compile bank trails showing where investment money came from. Weak fund-origin papers can delay both the purchase and migration review.

4. 4

   Complete the investment and registry proof

   Close the purchase or capital injection and obtain National Registry or corporate documents that show the qualifying value in your name.

5. 5

   Gather police and civil records

   Obtain background certificates from your home country and any recent residence countries, then apostille and translate to Spanish as required.

6. 6

   Arrange health insurance and CCSS planning

   Buy coverage that meets filing rules and budget for Costa Rican social security (CCSS/CAJA) enrollment after approval.

7. 7

   File with DGME in Costa Rica

   Submit the inversionista package through TramiteYA or the channel DGME lists, pay government fees, and keep submission receipts.

8. 8

   Receive immigration resolution

   If approved, you get temporary investor residence, commonly issued for two years while the investment stays in place.

9. 9

   Finish residence card and local registration

   Complete DIMEX or cédula steps, register locally, and track any minimum stay or investment-maintenance conditions in your resolution letter.

10. 10

    Maintain asset and plan permanent status

    Renew while the investment remains valid. After several compliant years you may apply for permanent residence under separate DGME rules.

Inversionista thresholds and accepted asset classes can change when Law 9996 sunsets or new decrees publish. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm amounts and filing steps on official DGME channels before you commit capital.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Citizenship & nationality

Most nationalities can apply for inversionista residence in 2026. Many people enter on a permitted stay and file in Costa Rica with DGME. Your passport affects apostille and police-paper rules abroad.

• •Law 9996 set a USD 150,000 minimum for qualifying investments such as real estate in your personal name, company shares, securities, venture funds, or sustainable tourism assets. Sunset rules may apply through 14 July 2026; USD 200,000 could return if not extended.
• •Forestry projects are sometimes cited near USD 100,000 under separate rules. Always confirm the live decree before you close.
• •Temporary investor cards are commonly issued for two years and renew while the investment stays in place.
• •After several compliant years you may apply for permanent residence. Citizenship is a longer track with language and integration tests.

Check DGME and TramiteYA for the current investment minimum and accepted asset list before you buy property or wire capital.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

Investor temporary residence can renew with the qualifying asset maintained. Permanent residence and naturalization follow separate timelines and conditions.

Practical difficulty

hard

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Hard reflects large capital, registry due diligence, apostilled documents, and in-country filing rather than a simple consulate stamp.