Costa Rican Residency: Investment or Bank Deposit? Choosing the Right Route for You
Discover the fast-track to Costa Rican residency for investors and the ideal option for retirees or digital nomads



Costa Rica is a beautiful country that has become an attractive destination for investors, retirees, and digital nomads. It offers a stable political environment, excellent quality of life, and a welcoming culture that makes it a great place to live or invest. One way to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer is by obtaining residency, and there are two primary ways to do so.
The first option is through the investor route, where you can invest a minimum of USD $150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, vehicles, investment funds, or shares of an active corporation. This option provides a fast track to residency, and it can be an excellent opportunity for those who want to start a business or invest in the country.
The second option is through the rentista route, where you can deposit a minimum of USD $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank account. This option is ideal for retirees or digital nomads who can work remotely, as it allows them to reside in Costa Rica for an extended period.
To obtain residency, you will need to follow a few simple steps. The first step is the compilation stage, which involves sending a photo of your passport with its information and stamp, and providing your birth certificate and FBI or Royal Mounted Police criminal records. These documents need to be apostilled and registered before the police department and the Costa Rican consulate or embassy.
The second step is the online application for residency, which can take between 1-45 days. In this stage, you will need to provide the migration office with certain documents, including the full name of your parents, and pay an application fee of USD $112, plus 50% of your attorney's honoraries.
Finally, the documentation stage can take between 1-90 days. Once you receive a resolution that approves your digital nomad visa, you will have 90 days to finish the process. This involves scheduling an appointment to take your picture and get your ID card, paying for the ID card and a guarantee deposit, and obtaining insurance before social security.
In conclusion, obtaining residency in Costa Rica can be an excellent opportunity for investors, retirees, and digital nomads. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can enjoy all the benefits that this beautiful country has to offer.