🇨🇷 Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista)Key points on investment immigration/golden visas
Costa Rica's Investor Residency (Inversionista) is overseen by the Immigration Directorate (DGME) and allows for temporary residency applications based on qualified investments of at least $150,000. This threshold was reduced from $200,000 in 2021 under Law No. 9996 and is a time-limited incentive (public information available until mid-2026, unless extended). After a certain period of temporary residency, one may apply for permanent residency. This is a neutral summary of public information; please refer to the latest official announcements from Costa Rica.
| Type | Investor Temporary Residency (may convert to Permanent Residency) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | At least US$150,000 (this is a limited-time offer under Act No. 9996, originally US$200,000) |
| Primary investment methods. | Qualified investments include real estate, businesses, or government-approved projects. |
| Residency Requirements | During the temporary residency period, investment must be maintained; permanent residency can be applied for after three years. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | Application for citizenship is only possible under general naturalization regulations (including residence duration). |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse and dependent children (as per regulations). |
| Processing Timeline | Depending on DGME processing progress, it often takes several months. |
| Recent Changes | As of 2021, the threshold was reduced from $200,000 to $150,000, which is a limited-time offer (public information available until mid-2026). |
Key considerations
- $150,000 is a limited-time promotional threshold, which may increase after the deadline; please verify the applicable amount at that time.
- Investment must be continuously maintained during the residency period; early disposal or withdrawal may affect status.
- Residence does not equate to citizenship; naturalization follows different residency duration and conditions.
General process
- Select a qualifying investment category and complete an investment of at least USD 150,000.
- Prepare investment proof and personal documents.
- Apply for a temporary residence as an investor with the Immigration Directorate (DGME).
- Maintaining investment and status is required, with applications for permanent residency to be made once conditions are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the investment threshold for residency in Costa Rica $150,000 or $200,000?
According to public information, the current threshold is at least US$150,000, which is a limited-time offer reduced from the original US$200,000 under Law No. 9996 since 2021 (public information is available until mid-2026, unless extended). The exact applicable amount and duration are subject to official announcements from Colombia.
Can I obtain permanent residency immediately through investment residency?
Generally, one first obtains a temporary residence for investors, maintains the investment, and after a certain period (commonly three years in public information), may apply for permanent residency. Actual requirements are subject to DGME regulations.
Official sources：Costa Rica Immigration Directorate (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) · Data Date：2026-06。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.