Hire a lawyer to streamline the residency application process in Costa Rica.
Getting your residency is Costa Rica may sound like a tour de force, almost impossible if you listen to some people. Indeed, it is sometimes whispered about in some dark corner, as if the majority thought they were too guilty of some mysterious crime to obtain it!
You need to find out how you can qualify as a legal resident, whether you need a work permit, whether you are a non-working resident or an investor for example. It is a long process and your patience will be tested. A good Costa Rica lawyer is essential and will make it as easy for you as is possible, and will charge you anything between $1000 to $2000, depending on what you need. You have to make sure that this lawyer is registered with the Costa Rican bar association before you embark on anything costly!
For pensioner residents (Pensionados) status, you will need to prove that you are receiving a monthly income, either from interest or dividends, of at least $600 from government pension or other qualified source. You will have to exchange this into Colones using the state banking system so that you can prove the exchange, and you have to also be able to prove that you are living in Costa Rica at least 4 months of the year.
For non-working residents who have interest or dividend income (Rentistas), you need to prove that you are receiving an interest or dividends income of at least $1000 a month from a foreign or a national bank. You will need to exchange this sum into Colones through the state banking system so that you can prove the exchange. You will have to produce a certified letter from the bank saying that you are receiving this amount and this letter must be renewed by the bank every five years.
Investors (inversionistas) can get this status if they invest in a local business in Costa Rica. According to PROCOMER, the center for the Promotion of Exports and Investments, ornamental plants, spices, fruits and vegetables, leather, processed foods, wood products and of course tourism are the main investment products. A minimum of $50,000 invested is required by law, and if you are investing with a product not listed by PROCOMER, then the sum goes up to $200,000. You will also need to prove that you are living 6 months per year in Costa Rica, however you do not need to prove that you have a regular income.
For qualified business executives and qualified technicians who are from an accredited company or institution, an educator with a special contract in some educational center or school, or a domestic servant, a work permit or temporary residency will be given. You will be expected to leave the country at the end of the contract. The employer or institution is responsible for all paper work, such as applications to the Immigration office.
Once you know you qualify, your lawyer can take it from there. This may require several trips to the Immigration office in San Jose or simply signing documents as they come. As with most things in Costa Rica, the paperwork will take a while, so the best advice is to be patient. While in the process of applying for residency, you are safe to be in the country as long as you carry proof with you.
