How Long Does the Investor Visa Process Take in Costa Rica?
About the Author
Herman Duarte, founder of Simple Legal Consulting, is an immigrant from El Salvador who, after living in Costa Rica for 13 years, is now a proud Costa Rican. He holds master's degrees from Stockholm University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Passionate about writing and research, Herman is widely recognized as one of the top lawyers in the region and a leading expert in investment and immigration law in Costa Rica.Drawing from his personal experience as an immigrant, Herman uniquely understands the challenges of navigating the immigration system and is dedicated to helping others successfully transition to life in Costa Rica.
Thinking about investing in Costa Rica and curious about the time it takes to obtain an investor visa? You're in the right place. We've put together an easy-to-follow guide that breaks down the steps and timelines involved in securing an investor visa in this beautiful country. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Investor Residency Requirements
Costa Rica offers a clear legal pathway for foreign investors who wish to establish temporary residency or residency/visa based on investment. The current minimum is USD 150,000, which can be placed in real estate, an active business, a registered investment project, or qualifying assets. This amount will increase again to USD 200,000 in July 2026, so careful timing is an advantage.
At Simple Legal Consulting we ensure that clients understand not only the value required, but also how Costa Rican law conceptualizes the investment. Real estate tends to be the most straightforward option, especially for investors seeking predictable compliance and long-term stability. Business investments are also viable, but involve additional reporting duties and corporate obligations. Regardless of the chosen structure, the goal is to ensure the investment is real, traceable, and fully compliant with national regulations.
An important consideration is that investor residency does not only grant the right to live in Costa Rica. After three years of uninterrupted status, investors may apply for permanent residency, which removes most restrictions and gives access to broader rights. Understanding this path from the beginning allows investors to structure their affairs strategically.
Costa Rica’s legal framework for investment is stable and transparent. When an investor complies with the requirements, the path toward residency is straightforward and predictable. With correct guidance, the process becomes a reflection of Costa Rica’s broader qualities: clarity, order, and opportunity.
Should You Buy Property in Your Name or Through a Corporation
A recurring question for international investors is whether to purchase property under their personal name or through a Costa Rican company. Our firm generally recommends purchasing under your personal name when the purpose is to qualify for investor residency. This approach is simpler and more transparent. It requires only the following documentation:
• municipal certificate of property value
• confirmation that taxes are current
• land registry title confirming ownership
By contrast, purchasing through a corporation increases the administrative workload. The company must be registered before the tax authority, activated for all required filings, and its capital must be raised to reflect the actual value of the investment. In some cases, additional declarations and accounting duties apply. While this structure can be useful for commercial projects or rental operations, it introduces unnecessary complexity for investors seeking residency.
Importantly, choosing to buy under your personal name does not limit your future plans. At any point you may create a corporation and transfer the property into it, or use a company for secondary activities. The initial acquisition under your name simply aligns best with the residency requirements and reduces risk, paperwork, and expense during the first phase of the process.
Preparing Your Investment
Once the investment route is defined, the next step is preparing the documentation that proves ownership, value, and legality. This preparation prevents delays and reduces the risk of requests from Migración. At Simple Legal Consulting we assist in structuring all investment documents so they reflect the real situation of the property or project and meet the exact standards of the immigration authority.
This preparation is particularly important for investors whose funds originate abroad. Proper bank statements, proof of transfers, certifications of origin, and legal consistency across documents significantly strengthen the file.
Gathering the Necessary Documentation
Investor residency requires a combination of local and foreign documents. Typically these include:
• valid passport with entry stamp
• apostilled birth certificate, criminal record from the country of origin and marriage certificate (when applicable). 6 months validity.
• proof of investment such as property title or corporate documents
• municipal value certificate when relevant
• documents showing the legal existence of the investment
Additional requirements may apply depending on the nature of the investment. Real estate may involve supplementary certificates, while business investments may require corporate filings and evidence of operational activity.
Our firm organizes the documentation into a structured submission, eliminating errors that could cause delays. We also coordinate translators, notaries, and accountants to ensure that every document satisfies the legal standard required by Migración.
Submitting Your Application
Costa Rican law requires that the residency application be filed within the validity of the entry stamp. Once submitted, the application effectively freezes your legal status, meaning you may remain in the country lawfully until a final resolution is issued. This resolution can take anywhere between three and twelve months, depending on the complexity of the case and the general workload of the institution.
During this period you maintain the right to reside in Costa Rica regardless of the expiration of your tourism period. This is a key protection provided by law and one that applicants often overlook.
We submit the application on your behalf, verify consistency between digital and physical filings, and monitor the file until approval.
Awaiting Approval
Once the application is filed, Migración reviews the investment, personal background, and documentation. While waiting, clients may continue managing their investment, preparing for relocation, and structuring their financial and personal plans. Our firm keeps clients informed of each update and responds to any additional requirements that may arise.
Approval grants temporary residency in the investor category. After three years of maintaining this status with the investment intact, clients become eligible for permanent residency, which provides significantly greater stability and fewer restrictions.
How We Support You Throughout the Process
Immigration cases require coordination with multiple institutions and professionals. At Simple Legal Consulting our purpose is to transform a complex process into a path that is clear, human, and well executed.
1. Coordination of All Required Professionals
We act as your main point of contact and coordinate accountants, translators, notaries, engineers, property registrars, and embassies. This avoids contradictory instructions and ensures that your file meets all legal requirements.
2. Strategic Guidance and Risk Prevention
You may request a consultation at any stage. We analyze your situation, identify the most strategic investment structure, detect possible red flags, and provide a roadmap with timing and specific actions.
3. Support for Your Life Structure in Costa Rica
Many clients require assistance with bank accounts, corporations, rental strategies, and long-term planning. We coordinate these additional elements so that your residency and investment integrate smoothly.
Our Working Philosophy
Simple Legal Consulting operates under three principles that define our work:
Clarity
We explain your options with precision and transparency so that your decisions are informed.
Strategy
We design a tailored route that aligns with your goals and maximizes the likelihood of approval.
Execution
We manage the process from start to finish and maintain momentum, preventing delays and ensuring compliance.
When in Doubt, Just Reach Out
Costa Rica’s residency framework evolves regularly and requires careful interpretation. If you are uncertain about which investment structure is appropriate, whether your documents meet standards, or how to coordinate tax or corporate matters, a short conversation with us is enough to clarify your next step.
Simple Legal Consulting is here to guide you through every phase, from structuring your investment to obtaining permanent residency.