• Can the residence be requested while outside Costa Rica or should the person necessarily move to Costa Rican territory?

    The applicant can request in the Consulted of Costa Rica in the country of origin. However, it is better to travel to Costa Rica for approximately 1 week to carry out all the personal procedures, such as taking fingerprints, to leave the file completely ready and then leave the country.

  • How long is the Residency process in Costa Rica?

    The Residency process in Costa Rica lasts approximately one year. This time can vary greatly depending on the immigration policies applied at the time of presenting the immigration process to the Costa Rican authorities.

  • Can I present the residence with the tourist visa expired?

    It is not possible to present the Residence in Costa Rica if the applicant has the tourist visa expired, if you wish to make this presentation you must pay a fine.

  • How is the process for renewal of Residence?

    The renewal process varies depending on the type of residence you have and the time that the residence has expired.

  • Can a person leave the country after applying for Residency?

    If there is effectively no limitation of movement. A person requesting residency in Costa RIca may remain in the country, or return to the country of origin or residence while the resolution is issued.

  • If it applies to a residence regime and can it be changed during the process?

    If you can change the immigration status in Costa Rica while the process is being analyzed, for example if a person initiates a work or student permit and later marries a Costa Rican or has a child in Costa Rican territory, they can change their residence type. student permission to permanent residence for a Costa Rican child.