The Ultimate Guide to Acquiring Rentista Residency in Costa Rica for Expats
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.
Contact: www.simplecr.com hd@simple-legal.consulting
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Dreaming of a tranquil life amidst the lush landscapes of Costa Rica? Acquiring Rentista Residency could be your ticket to a prolonged stay in this paradise. In this guide, I'll walk you through the essentials of the Rentista Residency program in Costa Rica, breaking down the complex process into simple, actionable steps. Whether you're a retiree, digital nomad, or simply seeking an extended escape, this guide is your first step towards making Costa Rica your home away from home.
Understanding Rentista Residency: An Overview
The Rentista Residency program in Costa Rica is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a "permanent and steady" income from investments or savings. Unlike the pensionado program, which is for retirees receiving a pension of at least USD$1000 per month, Rentista Residency requires proving a non-work source of income. This makes it an attractive option for younger expats, entrepreneurs, and seasoned business people who want to enjoy Costa Rica's appealing lifestyle without being tied to a local job.
Initiating your journey to Rentista Residency starts with understanding its core requirements and distinguishing how it aligns with your long-term plans in Costa Rica. It's a pathway filled with opportunities to immerse yourself in a culture known for its 'pura vida' ethos, offering a balance between tropical enchantment and the conveniences of modern living.
Eligibility Criteria for Rentista Residency
Under Article 99, paragraph (l) of the Law 9996 Bylaws, applicants must demonstrate that they will “receive a monthly, permanent, and stable income of not less than two thousand five hundred U.S. dollars (US$2,500)” for a minimum period of two years.. This means that eligibility for the Rentista program is straightforward yet requires attention to detail. Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least $2,500 USD from a stable source, such as investments , passive income, dividends, rentals, for a period of two years, validated by legal documentation: notarized, apostilled and translated.
Traditionally, this requirement has been satisfied by depositing US$60,000 into a Costa Rican bank account, which is then divided into 24 monthly certificates of US$2,500. However, banks have become a bit tricky on this requirement and have been asking clients to make a certified deposit of a much larger amount, as the Immigration Agency might request that the 2500 is composed of pure interest and not a mix of capital and interests.
For that reason, below are the three alternative methods expressly recognized under the same legal article, each of which allows you to demonstrate the required income without relying solely on the traditional US$60,000 deposit.
Moreover, being eligible requires more than just financial stability. Applicants must undergo a series of background checks, ensuring a clean legal record. Costa Rica values the safety and integrity of its community, making it a prerequisite for prospective residents to demonstrate good character alongside their financial capabilities.
Financial Requirements: What You Need to Know
The financial backbone of the Rentista Residency involves substantiating a secure, continuous income. The Costa Rican government seeks assurance that expats can sustain a comfortable living without burdening the local economy. Therefore, solid evidence of your financial standing is pivotal. This often involves bank statements, investment records, and other official documents that corroborate your financial claims.
Option A – Local Bank Letter (Costa Rican Banking System)
A Costa Rican bank (BAC, BCR, Banco Nacional) issues a letter confirming that you will receive a “monthly, permanent, and stable income of at least US$2,500.”
Required: the official Rentista-format letter and proof that the bank is part of the National Banking System.
Although this has traditionally been the simplest method, immigration is now scrutinizing letters funded by deposits that mix capital and interest. It works best when clients place a larger deposit generating pure interest above US$2,500. Otherwise, Options B or C tend to be more secure.
Option B – Investment Income From a Foreign Bank
If you maintain investments or managed funds abroad, you can qualify by proving passive income from that institution. This includes interest, dividends, annuities, or guaranteed investment returns.
Your bank must issue a notarized and apostilled letter confirming that your investment generates stable, predictable monthly income of at least US$2,500.
This route is ideal for applicants with well-structured portfolios in their home country.
Option C – CPA Certification (Costa Rica)
If your income does not flow directly from a bank, a Costa Rican Certified Public Accountant (do not worry in finding one, we will do it for you) may certify that you receive at least US$2,500 per month in stable and verifiable passive income.
Qualifying sources include interest, rent, dividends, royalties, pensions, trust distributions, and long-term investment returns.
Requirements: the CPA must be registered in Costa Rica, documents must be verifiable, and any foreign-language materials must be translated into Spanish.
This option is particularly useful for business owners, investors, and applicants with diversified passive income, and it avoids the need for a Costa Rican deposit.
The options for migrating to Costa Rica are varied and tailored to different needs and circumstances:
Investor: Individuals who invest at least USD$150,000 in real estate, company shares, vehicles, or securities can opt for residency. Reasons for investing in real estate vary from having a primary home, creating a vacation space, or simply generating passive income from short and long-term rentals. In any case, a real estate purchase in Costa Rica ensures cash flows due to the country's success as a premier tourist destination in Latin America.
Rentista: If you receive a fixed income of at least USD $2,500 per month for a period of 2 years, totaling USD $60,000, from sources abroad or within Costa Rica, you can qualify for this category of residency. It is expected that you have a certified deposit or similar financial instrument that generates this amount in interest or a similar income source.
Pensionado: Holders of a lifelong pension of at least USD$1,000 per month are also eligible for residency.
Company Manager: Ideal for entrepreneurs who do not have USD$150,000 to invest but can establish a corporation and apply for residency as its manager (this is how I moved in 2012).
Worker with Specialized Knowledge: Requires special skills and an assessment by the Ministry of Labor regarding the impact on local employment, to ensure that it does not displace local labor.
Family Link Residency: Parents of Costa Ricans, or those married to Costa Ricans or legal residents can apply for residency.
The Application Process Step by Step
Embarking on the application process for Rentista Residency is no small feat. It begins with compiling a comprehensive dossier of required documents, including your passport, birth certificate, marriage license (if applicable), police clearance from your country of origin (FBI records for american citizens; Royal mounted police records for Canadian), and the pivotal financial evidence of your income. Each document must be apostilled; and then translated by an official translator from Costa Rica. Other documents that will be required are the power of attorney, informed consent, registration at the local police and at your Embassy.
After assembling your documents, the next step is submission to the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. It's advisable to seek assistance from us, as your reputable lawyer in Costa Rica who specializes in immigration law. They can help navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed and increasing the likelihood of your application's success.
Required Documents and How to Prepare Them
Preparing your documents for the Rentista application is a meticulous process. Each document, from your birth certificate to financial statements, must be up to date (6 months maximum validity) and accurately reflect your circumstances. Apostillation—a form of authentication recognized internationally—is required for each document. This process ensures that your documents are legally valid in Costa Rica. Additionally, depending on your country of origin, translations may be necessary to meet application requirements.
Dealing with Legalities: Finding the Right Lawyer
Applying for residency is more than a legal process; it’s a personal transition. Having a specialized immigration lawyer by your side provides clarity, reduces stress, and safeguards the details that matter. If you feel that expert guidance would help you move forward with confidence, my team and I are here to support you at each stage of your transition to Costa Rica.
Life in Costa Rica as a Rentista: What to Expect
Adjusting to life in Costa Rica as a Rentista offers a blend of leisure and adventure. With this residency, you gain the flexibility to explore the country, indulge in its culture, and partake in the local economy without direct employment. Expect a life where community, nature, and well-being are at the forefront. From lush rainforests to serene beaches, your experience in Costa Rica will be as rich and vibrant as its biodiversity.
Renewing Your Rentista Residency
Rentista Residency requires renewal every two years, a process that mirrors your initial application. Staying ahead of renewal deadlines is imperative to maintaining your status in Costa Rica. As you approach the renewal date, reevaluating your financial standing and preparing the necessary documents well in advance will ensure a smooth continuation of your residency. With each renewal, you solidify your commitment to your new life in Costa Rica, embracing its culture and contributing to its community.
Keep in mind that in order to renew you must be in good standing with social security (CCSS).
Embracing Your New Tropical Home
Acquiring Rentista Residency in Costa Rica is an exciting step for any expat dreaming of a new life in this beautiful country. While the process involves navigating through paperwork and legal requirements, it's entirely manageable with the right preparation and understanding. Remember, the key is patience and diligence—take it one step at a time and soon, you'll find yourself soaking up the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. Embrace the adventure, and welcome to your new tropical home!
Getting Permanent Residency
There are 2 routes in order to become a Permanent residency in Costa Rica:
Become the parent of a Costarican.
Hold a temporal residency for a period of 3 years and apply for a change of category. Temporal residencies in Costa Rica are granted for 2 years, and are renewable. There are multiple ways to obtain permanent residency, here are some categories:
How We Support You Throughout the Process
Immigrating to Costa Rica involves financial documentation, background checks, translations, and coordination with several institutions. Our purpose is to offer a clear, human, and well-executed path that reflects the same values you see on our website. We simplify the process and guide you step by step so your residency is compliant, timely, and thoughtfully planned.
1. Coordinating All Professionals Involved
Residency applications often require work from different specialists. We act as your main point of contact and coordinate:
• Certified Public Accountants for income certifications
• Official translators
• Costa Rican notaries
• Apostille and consular legalizations
• Foreign banks or investment institutions for income letters
• Local police registration offices
• Embassies and consulates
We ensure every document meets the exact standards required by Migración, reducing delays and preventing avoidable rejections.
2. Clear Guidance Whenever There Is Doubt
If you are unsure about which financial structure suits you best or how your documentation might be interpreted, you can schedule a consultation. During that meeting, we will:
• Review your personal situation
• Identify the most strategic option under Article 99
• Detect potential red flags before they appear
• Create a clear plan with steps and timelines
Our goal is to give you clarity and confidence by anticipating challenges and guiding you through a system that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
3. Support for Setting Up Your Life and Structure in Costa Rica
Beyond immigration, many clients need help establishing the right legal and financial structure in Costa Rica. We assist with:
• Opening Costa Rican bank accounts
• Creating local corporations (SA or SRL)
• Connecting you with reliable accountants
• Structuring income or investments to support your residency case
• Advising on the right setup for your long term goals in the country
These services often run in parallel to your residency process. By coordinating everything in one place, we make your transition smoother and aligned with best practices.
Our Working Philosophy
Our firm operates under three principles:
Clarity
We explain your options simply and honestly so you understand the path ahead without confusion.
Strategy
We design a route tailored to your circumstances, maximizing approval and minimizing unnecessary friction.
Execution
We manage your application from start to finish. You do not have to guess which document comes next or how to comply with sudden requests. We keep momentum and handle the details.
These principles echo the values shown on our website, where complex processes are transformed into clear, well managed solutions.
When in Doubt, Just Reach Out
Costa Rica’s immigration criteria change often and sometimes without formal notice. If you ever feel unsure about:
• which financial option fits your case
• whether your documents meet the required standards
• how to handle translations or apostilles
• which residency category aligns with your plans
• or how to structure your corporation and bank accounts
You can simply schedule a call with us. A short conversation is usually enough to clarify the next steps, avoid mistakes, and keep your residency process moving smoothly.