How to Retire in Costa Rica

The fee for the visa application:

• Approximately $2500 for the primary applicant, plus $1500-2000 for each dependent.
• Around $3000 each renewal plus $2000-$2500 per dependant

Additional costs you can expect to pay

There are a few regular charges to be aware of when applying for Costa Rican residence, aside from professional and government fees.

• Costa Rican Social Security (CAJA) payments range from 9.65 percent to 15.67 percent of your monthly earnings.
• “Assured” Bond, which is the cost of a plane ticket return to your native country. In 2022, it will be $361 for US citizens.
• $25 voluntary donation to the Costa Rican government
• DIMEX ID card issuance – $123

The processing time varies depending on circumstances but it can take around 12-15 months in total to get a Costa Rican Retirement Visa approved.

These are various steps to follow to apply for a visa that will enable you to retire to Costa Rica:

Prepare your documents – You should ensure you have all your paperwork in place before making an application for a visa. Double check if you need any documents translated into another language etc.

Entering the country – You should only travel to Costa Rica once you have all the necessary paperwork and permissions in place.

Employing a Lawyer – This step is completely optional. However, hiring an attorney might speed up the process and prevent delays or possible refusal.

Reach out to the Immigration Office – You will need to complete your Retirement Visa application at the Costa Rican immigration office. It is where you will submit all of your documentation, perhaps undergo interviews with immigration officials, and receive your residency permit.

Consular Registration – You must travel to the Consular to register if your own nation has a consular presence there. Simply inform the consulate of your nation that you are in Costa Rica and intend to apply for residence.

Registration of fingerprints – Your fingerprints must be registered with the Ministry of Public Safety. Fortunately, this is also in San Jose, so schedule a time to get your fingerprints taken. Fingerprint registration is only required for candidates who are older than 12 years old.

Wait for a decision – After submitting everything, all that’s left to do is wait for your application for a visa to be processed.

What Documents Should You Include to Apply for the Visa?

A variety of documentation must be included in your application to confirm your eligibility for the Costa Rica Retirement Visa. The following documents are required to complete your application for the retirement visa:

• A letter of request outlining the reason for your application to Costa Rica. The request letter must include the lawyer’s first and last name, nationality, age, occupation, address, and other key details. The letter must be signed by a public notary or an immigration official.
• Two passport-sized pictures – this must be in color and taken recently.
• Application form has been fully completed and signed.
• The Ministry of Public Safety produced proof of fingerprint registration. This rule does not apply to dependents under the age of 12.
• Legalised and authenticated birth certificate issued by your country of origin (not older than six months).
• A validated and authenticated document of your previous criminal record from your home country or the last three years’ residence. Applicants from the United States must present a Federal Criminal Background Certificate that is no more than six months old.
• Copies of all relevant passport pages.
• The relevant authority that has granted your lifetime pension. This document must confirm that you will be getting a monthly pension of more than $1,000.
• For accompanying dependents: Submit supporting papers, such as a marriage or birth certificate, as well as any medical certifications needed to support their application.
• Proof of payment is required. Attach the receipt to the remainder of the paperwork after you have paid the necessary fee.
• Payment of $1.25 to $2.50 every page submitted with the residency request.

There are a number of reasons why US citizens are unable to retire in Costa Rica.

• Most expats may not have the equivalent monthly salary.
• Many expats do not have health insurance.

Other possible explanations include:

• You have been convicted of a crime and are either serving time in prison or awaiting trial.
• You were convicted of a crime but have not served your sentence (probation or parole).
• Within the previous ten years, you were convicted of a felony.
• You are wanted for a criminal offence and will most likely be arrested if you enter Costa Rica.
• Within the last ten years, you have been deported from Costa Rica.