Among the various legal residency options available in Costa Rica, one stands out as ideal for those with stable income or sufficient savings: the Rentier Residency.
This type of residency has allowed many individuals and families to transform their lifestyle without the need to work in the country. One such case is the Harris family, whose story has become an inspiration for those seeking a life that is more connected, secure, and in touch with nature.
What Does the Law Say?
The Law for the Attraction of Investors, Rentiers, and Retirees (Law No. 9996) establishes that a foreigner can apply for rentier residency if they meet one of the following two conditions:
📌 A stable monthly income of at least $2,500 USD, guaranteed for a minimum period of two years.
👉 This means that if an individual or family can demonstrate a consistent income from abroad (such as rental income, investments, or dividends), they can legally live in Costa Rica without needing to work locally.
📌 A deposit of $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank and the withdrawal of $2,500 USD per month for two years.
👉 This means that even those who do not have regular income but have saved capital can also qualify for this type of residency.
Other requirements include registering with the Social Security system once the application is approved, not working as an employee in the country (entrepreneurship is allowed), and renewing the residency every two years by demonstrating continued financial support.
The Harris Family’s Story: Choosing a New Beginning
John and Emily Harris, originally from Ohio, had spent years dreaming of a quieter life—closer to nature and with more quality time for their children, Max and Sophie.
Both worked remotely and had built up savings that allowed them to apply for rentier residency through the bank deposit method. By depositing $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank, they now withdraw $2,500 USD monthly to cover their living expenses in Costa Rica.
With that income, the family was able to rent a spacious home in Grecia, Alajuela, enroll the children in a private bilingual school, and own a vehicle to explore the country. Compared to life in the U.S., they found the cost of living very manageable.
On weekends, they enjoy discovering Costa Rica: they’ve visited the beaches of Manuel Antonio, the trails of Monteverde, the hot springs in La Fortuna, and the artisan markets in Sarchí. What surprised them most was the warmth of the people and how many Costa Ricans speak English—making their adaptation much easier than expected.
Today, their daily routine includes breakfasts with local fruit, remote work from the terrace, outdoor afternoons with the kids, and a welcoming community that made them feel at home from their very first month.
Want to Experience What the Harris Family Did?
Rentier residency in Costa Rica is a real opportunity to change your lifestyle with legal backing, stability, and access to a high quality of life. If you’d like to learn more about life in Costa Rica and what it’s really like to live here:
👉 Visit: https://erplawyers.com/moving-to-costa-cia
👉 Or contact us directly—we’ll help you take the first step toward a simpler, safer, and more connected life.
