Temporary residency program
Costa Rica Investor Visa
Make a home among cloud forests and Pacific beaches as a Costa Rican resident, with 1 visit a year to protect it and a path to permanent residency and citizenship.
- Contribution from
- $150K
- Processing time
- 6-8 months
- Citizenship path
- 7 years
- Presence required
- 1 visit a year
As featured in
Why the Costa Rica Investor Visa?
I've spent significant time in Costa Rica, and I understand why it draws people who are done with the rat race. Pura vida is both a greeting and an attitude here, and Ticos are famously polite.
You can start your morning in a cloud forest and finish it on the Pacific with a cold Imperial. I've walked the streets at night feeling more at ease than in plenty of American suburbs, and the Caja public health system impressed me.
I call it the starter kit of Latin America. If you want nature, safety, and a warm local community around a home of your own, this visa puts you there.
James NuveenFounder of the Freedom Files
Benefits of the Costa Rica Investor Visa
Permanent residency after 3 years
You start with a 2-year temporary residency, renewable while your investment remains in place, and you can apply for permanent residency after 3 years.
1 visit a year
Enter Costa Rica once a year to protect your residency. You decide how much more of the year to spend there.
Your capital remains yours
Every route is an investment, not a donation. A home, a company, or securities remain your assets, for more or less than you put in.
A path to citizenship
You can apply after 7 years of legal residence, counting temporary and permanent time together, with Costa Rica as your main home.
Foreign income generally outside Costa Rica's tax
Costa Rica taxes income from Costa Rica. Foreign income generally isn't taxed there, even if you become a tax resident.
Is the Costa Rica Investor Visa Right for You?
Right for you if
- Investors with $150K for Costa Rican real estate, a company, or securities
- Property buyers looking at the Central Valley, the Pacific coast, or the Caribbean coast
- Founders who want to build a business in a Central American base
- Anyone drawn to a system that generally leaves foreign income outside local tax
- Planners with a 7-year horizon to Costa Rican citizenship
Look elsewhere if
- You want to borrow the minimum: Only cash you've paid in counts, so a mortgage works only if your down payment reaches $150K.
- You need the money back soon: The investment must remain in place without a break through each 2-year renewal.
- You want a salaried job in Costa Rica: This status covers your own investment and business, not employment.
- You want citizenship without moving: It takes 7 years, with Costa Rica as your main home.
Who Your Costa Rica Investor Visa Application Covers
One investment covers anyone applying with you. There's no added investment per person, but each one pays their own filing costs, and each one receives the same residency.
| Family member | Condition |
|---|---|
| Spouse or partner | Legal marriage or recognized civil union |
| Children under 18 | Biological or adopted |
| Children 18 to 24 | Single, and financially dependent on you |
| Disabled children | Any age, with a certified disability |
Are You Eligible for the Costa Rica Investor Visa?
Answer 3 quick questions. In 2 minutes, you'll know whether you're likely to qualify, and what fits better if you don't.
Costa Rica Investor Visa Investment Options
There are 4 routes, each from $150K. Your investment must remain in place without a break through each 2-year renewal, and only cash you've paid in counts.
- Popular
Real estate
$150K
How this route works
You buy a home, commercial property, or a building plot, titled in your own name and recorded in the National Registry. Only cash you've paid in counts. Your capital comes back when you sell, at market value, once you no longer rely on it for your status.
Shares in an active company
$150K
How this route works
You invest $150K in the shares of a company with active business in Costa Rica. A company with no active business doesn't qualify. A Costa Rican public accountant certifies the investment.
Securities or venture capital funds
$150K
How this route works
You invest $150K in securities through a licensed broker, or in registered venture capital funds. If you're a US citizen, foreign funds can be PFICs, with an added US filing each year.
Sustainable tourism or national interest project
$150K
How this route works
You invest $150K in a sustainable tourism project or a project of national interest, with approval from the competent authority. It's the route for a larger plan in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Investor Visa Cost
Estimated total for 4 people
$151,160
- Qualifying investmentReal estate
- $150,000
- Application depositPaid directly to the immigration authority
- $1,000
- Criminal record checkPaid directly to your country's police authority
- $40
- Apostilles on your documentsPaid directly to the issuing authority
- $120
Government and official fees only. Your residency card, public health system contributions, and any property closing costs come on top. Freedom Files fees aren't included. All amounts are subject to change.
Get your numbers on the call. We price your route for everyone applying before you commit.
Costa Rica Investor Visa Costs at a Glance
| Qualifying investment | Real estate: $150KShares in an active company: $150KSecurities or venture capital funds: $150KSustainable tourism or national interest project: $150K |
|---|---|
| Application deposit | About $250 per person, plus $200 if you change status from inside Costa Rica |
| Property purchase costs | Transfer tax, registration, and notary costs on the real estate route, about 1.5% to 2% of the price |
| Public health system (Caja) | A monthly contribution, based on the income you report |
| Translations and apostilles | $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the number of documents |
| The Freedom Files | A fixed quote in writing before you commit |
Costa Rica Investor Visa and Taxes
The basics below are for planning only, and each one is pending licensed review. Your own position depends on your income, your assets, and where you spend your time. Our team provides US and Costa Rica tax planning, so you can have your plan reviewed before you commit.
Tax residency in Costa Rica
You're a Costa Rican tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a fiscal period.
US income tax treaty
No US income tax treaty. If you're a US citizen, you use the foreign tax credit or the foreign earned income exclusion instead.
Investor Visa presence vs tax residency
The visa needs 1 entry a year. Tax residency starts at more than 183 days in a fiscal period, and the investor law says this status alone doesn't make you a tax resident.
Special tax regimes
Costa Rica taxes income from Costa Rica, and foreign income generally isn't taxed there, with no special regime to apply for.
Costa Rica Investor Visa Document Checklist
Here's the typical file for the Costa Rica Investor Visa. Your country and your case can change the list, and we confirm yours on the call.
Main applicant
- Valid passport
- 4 to 6 passport photos
- Criminal record check from your country of nationality and anywhere you've lived in the last 3 years
- Birth certificate
- Power of attorney for our Costa Rica team
Investment proof
- Source of funds file: Tax returns and bank records that trace your money
- National Registry certificate of title and municipal tax receipts (real estate route)
- Public accountant's certification of your investment (company route)
- Brokerage or fund statement (securities route)
- Approval of your project (tourism or national interest route)
Spouse and children
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate for each child
Prepared in Costa Rica
- Consular registration
- Fingerprint receipt
- Application deposit receipt
Costa Rica Investor Visa Process and Timeline
Total: 6-8 months from filing to approval. Plan on 2 trips to Costa Rica: 1 for fingerprints and 1 for your card.
- 1
Freedom Consult
A call with our founder. We confirm the Investor Visa fits your goals, your capital, and anyone applying with you, or we point you to a better route. You leave with a clear plan and a quote in writing.
- 2
Engagement and document file
You sign the engagement and we send your checklist. You gather your records, and we build your source of funds file and arrange the apostilles and Spanish translations.
- 3
Making the investment
You buy the property, or place your funds in the company, securities, or project. Real estate is titled in your own name and recorded in the National Registry. Our Costa Rica team checks the title before you sign.
- 4
Fingerprints and registration
You travel to San José for fingerprints at the Ministry of Public Security and for your consular registration. Each adult applying with you attends.
- 5
Filing and decision
We prepare and file your application with the immigration authority, under your power of attorney, and we answer any requests for more documents. Approval comes in about 6 to 8 months.
- 6
Public health enrollment
You enroll in the public health system, the Caja, once approved. Monthly contributions are based on the income you report.
- 7
Residency card
You attend for biometrics and receive your residency card, the DIMEX. Each person applying with you has their own.
- 8
Renewals and permanent residency
Every 2 years, we show that your investment remained in place and renew your residency. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency. Enter Costa Rica at least once a year. Contact us to renew.
Milestones to residency and citizenship
Temporary residency
6-8 months
Permanent residency
After 3 years
Citizenship application
After 7 years of residence
“I love the way the Freedom Files team present themselves and show up for our family. I much prefer their honest, on-the-ground-experience approach than the suited-up lawyers with bookshelves of textbooks behind them.”
Costa Rica Investor Visa vs Alternatives
| Costa Rica Investor Visa | Panama Qualified Investor Visa | Greece Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum financial requirement | $150K | $300K | €250K |
| Processing time | 6-8 months | 4 months | 10 months |
| Presence required | 1 visit a year | 1 visit every 2 years | None |
| Time to citizenship | 7 years | 5 years | 7 years, living in Greece |
| Language test for citizenship | Not published | Spanish + civics | B1 Greek + civics |
| Family included | Spouse and children to 25 | Spouse, children to 25, dependent parents | Spouse, children to 21, parents |
| Capital returned | Yes, when you sell | Yes, after 5 years | Yes, when you sell |
Undecided between these programs? We compare them for you on the call.
How the Freedom Files Helps You with the Costa Rica Investor Visa
You get one team from your first call to your arrival in Costa Rica. We prepare, check, and file your application, and we're your single point of contact from start to finish.
- Clients served
- 200+
- years in investment migration
- 10+
- Americans educated
- 2M+
| This program only | Private Client Engagement | |
|---|---|---|
| An eligibility review before you pay a government fee | ||
| Your document file, assembled and optimized | ||
| We prepare and submit your application | ||
| Consular coordination and liaising | ||
| Qualifying investment vetting and due diligence | ||
| Your case manager | Through arrival | Long term |
| A global Plan B strategy across residency, citizenship, tax, asset protection, and more | ||
| Residency and/or citizenship in more than one country | ||
| US and foreign tax strategy, with introductions | ||
| Banking and asset protection strategy, with introductions | ||
| Healthcare, schools, and relocation, with introductions | ||
| Book a consult | Learn more |
Other Freedom Files Services in Costa Rica
We can take on each of these for you, alongside your application or on its own. Our Costa Rica team provides legal, tax, financial, immigration, and investment advice and services.
Tax strategy and filing
Bank account opening
Investment vetting
Real estate and accommodations
Healthcare enrollment
Residency renewals
“We came in with a complicated global setup and needed special attention. What we got from the Freedom Files team was direct, honest, and personal responsiveness at every turn. Exactly what we needed! Very impressed.”
Mike · New York“The Private Client Engagement has been perfect for our unique situation. James is the total quarterback of our whole Plan B strategy.”
Kenneth · Illinois
Why Costa Rica?
Nature at your feet
Rainforest, cloud forest, and wildlife are close to wherever you choose to live.
A climate you choose
Mild days in the Central Valley, with warmer beach towns on 2 coasts.
A peaceful democracy
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, and its civic life reflects that choice.
Close to North America
Daily direct flights to major hubs, on US Central time with no daylight saving.
Costa Rica Investor Visa Content
19 Countries Where Foreign Income Is Taxed at Zero in 2026: The Full Map of Zero-Tax, Territorial, Tax Holiday, and Non-Dom Systems
12 Countries That Won't Draft You: Second Citizenships and Residencies without Conscription in 2026
Why Americans Are Moving to Latin America: 5 Reasons and the 8 Countries They Choose in 2026
Costa Rica Investor Visa FAQs
Cost and qualifying routes
How much does the Costa Rica Investor Visa cost?
The minimum is $150K, in real estate, active company shares, securities, or an approved project. On top of that, plan on about $250 per person to file, translations and apostilles, and closing costs if you buy property. The fee calculator adds it up for anyone applying with you.
What investments qualify for Costa Rica residency?
Real estate or registrable assets, company shares, securities, productive projects, projects of national interest, venture capital funds, and sustainable tourism infrastructure, for at least $150K in all.
Can you use a mortgage for the Costa Rica Investor Visa?
Only if your down payment alone reaches $150K. Only unencumbered cash you've paid in counts toward the minimum.
Can you sell your investment later?
Your investment must remain in place without a break for each 2-year renewal. We review your position, and whether you've moved to permanent residency, before any sale.
Timeline and presence
How long does the Costa Rica Investor Visa take?
6-8 months from filing to approval on most complete files. Allow 1-3 months before that for your documents and the investment.
How often do you need to visit Costa Rica?
Once a year protects your residency, and a single day is enough. Citizenship is separate, and it needs Costa Rica to be your main home.
Citizenship
How long until you can apply for Costa Rican citizenship?
7 years of continuous legal residence, counting temporary and permanent time together. You show more than 183 days of presence and that Costa Rica is your main home, along with Spanish and a civics exam.
When do you become a permanent resident of Costa Rica?
You can apply after 3 years of temporary residence, as long as you meet the permanent residency requirements then.
Family, tax and living
Who can join your Costa Rica Investor Visa?
Your spouse, children under 18, single children under 25 who depend on you, and children of any age with a certified disability. One investment covers everyone.
Do you pay tax in Costa Rica on this visa?
Not on the visa alone. You become a tax resident at more than 183 days in a fiscal period, and Costa Rica generally doesn't tax foreign income even then. If you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too, and there's no US income tax treaty with Costa Rica.
Do you need to join Costa Rica's public health system?
Yes. Enrollment in the Caja is part of the residency, with monthly contributions based on the income you report. It also gives you access to the country's public care.
Is it right for you?
Costa Rica vs Panama investor visa: Which is better?
It depends on your goals. Costa Rica offers nature, a calmer pace, and a $150K minimum. The Panama Qualified Investor Visa grants permanent residency on approval and citizenship after 5 years. We compare both on a Freedom Consult.
Documents and approval
What documents does the Costa Rica Investor Visa require?
Your passport, photos, criminal record checks, civil records, proof of your investment, and a source of funds file. Foreign documents need apostilles and an official Spanish translation. The document checklist on this page lists each one.
Working with the Freedom Files
What does the Freedom Files do on your application?
We review your eligibility, assemble and check your documents, and optimize your application for approval. We have a 100% approval rate so far. We prepare and file your application, liaise with the government, coordinate your consular appointments and communication, and support you through your arrival in Costa Rica, when your residency or citizenship is formalized. We're your single point of contact from start to finish.
Who does the legal work?
Our Costa Rica team can provide any legal, tax, financial, immigration, or investment advice and services you need. You work with one team from your first call to your arrival.
What does the Freedom Files charge?
Prices differ by program, because each program has its own costs and its own currency. You get a fixed quote in writing before any work begins. Government fees and third-party costs are listed separately, and you pay them directly.
How does the Freedom Files get paid?
We accept card, wire or ACH transfer, Bitcoin, USDC, and most other payment methods. You choose whether to pay for our services up front or monthly through the end of your engagement.
What if you need more than one country, or help with tax and banking?
That's what the Private Client Engagement is for. A long-term case manager with global expertise, always reachable on WhatsApp, manages your whole Plan B: Residency and citizenship in more than one country, tax strategy, banking and asset protection, and introductions for your move.
What if this program is the wrong fit?
Compare it with the alternatives on this page. Then book a Freedom Consult: If you're ready to move forward, we tell you which programs are best for you.
How do I start?
Book a Freedom Consult. There's no charge.
Start Your Costa Rica Investor Visa
If Costa Rica is the wrong fit, we tell you on the first call.