Costa Rica is known not only for its stunning natural beauty and high quality of life but also for offering unique opportunities for those looking to settle in a peaceful and biodiverse country. If you have stable income from investments or rental properties, the Rentier residency is an excellent option to enjoy everything this country has to offer.
What is the Rentier Residency?
The temporary Rentier residency model is designed for foreign nationals with a fixed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD, from sources like rental properties, investments, or private pensions. This income must be guaranteed for at least two years.
Benefits of Rentier Residency in Costa Rica:
- Peace of mind: You are not required to work in the country.
- Quality of life: Enjoy a comfortable life surrounded by nature.
- Opportunity for permanent residency: After three years as a Rentier, you can apply for permanent residency.
Requirements for Rentier Residency
To start your application process, you will need to provide some key documents, including:
- A letter from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certifying your monthly income.
- Apostilled and translated birth certificate.
- Apostilled and translated criminal background check.
- Apostilled marriage certificate (if applicable).
Important notes:
- Income from wages or salaries is not accepted.
- The funds do not need to be in Costa Rica, but must be verifiable through bank statements from the last 12 months.
How does the process work?
- Documentation: Gather and legalize all required documents.
- Processing time: The Immigration Department may take 18 to 24 months to approve your application.
- Stay in the country: During the process, you and your family can remain in Costa Rica.
- Enrollment in the Caja: Once your residency is approved, you must enroll in the public health system and apply for your DIMEX card.
Final Considerations
It’s important to be aware of the following points before making a decision:
- The monthly contribution to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja) will be calculated based on $2,500.
- The temporary residency must be renewed every two years, by providing a new income certification from your CPA.
- Costa Rica citizenship is a long-term option after several years as a resident.
Start Your New Life in Costa Rica!
At ERP Lawyers, our team specializes in migration and residency processes. We provide comprehensive legal advice to guide you from document preparation to integrating into Costa Rican life. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to live, investing in property, or fulfilling your dream of living in this beautiful country, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to start your Rentier application and take the first step toward a fulfilling life in Costa Rica!
