Application for Expatriate Residency: A Simplified Legal Process

Costa Rica is an attractive destination for expatriates looking to settle in a country with a high standard of living, natural beauty and political stability. However, managing residency can be a challenge without proper guidance.

Here, we will guide you through the process of applying for residency in Costa Rica, highlighting the legal aspects and required documentation, all under the guidance of lawyers specialized in managing residency in Costa Rica.

Understanding Residency Types

Before starting the process, it is essential to identify the type of residency that best suits your personal situation. The most common types include pensioner residency, investment residency and annuitant residency.

Each one has specific requirements, so having the advice of lawyers to manage residency in Costa Rica is essential to ensure that you choose the right option and meet all the criteria established by Costa Rican law.

One of the most crucial aspects of applying for expatriate residency in Costa Rica is the obtaining and preparation of appropriate documentation. As discussed above, requirements vary according to the type of residency, but some common documents include:

Valid passport:

You must present a complete copy of your passport, which must be currently valid.

Criminal Record Certificate:

This document must be issued in your country of origin and authenticated according to Costa Rican consular regulations or through the apostilles process, depending upon the procedure that is applicable in the country of origin.

Birth certificate:

It must also be authenticated or apostilled and translated into Spanish if it was not issued in that language.

Proof of income:

Depending on the type of residency, such as pensioner residency, you must show that you receive a pension or income that meets the minimums required by law. For the investment residency, there are Other required documents needed to show the Investment that has been made in the country.

The Application Process

The process of applying for residency in Costa Rica consists of several steps that must be followed carefully to avoid delays or complications. The following is a general guide:

Document Collection:

Make sure you have all necessary documents ready and authenticated or apostilled. The advice of experienced residency lawyers is essential at this stage to ensure that all documentation complies with legal requirements. The Immigration Department does not accept documents that have been issued over 6 months prior.  For this reason, you must take great care when obtaining the documents, so that they are still valid when you apply for residency.

Submission of the Application:

Once you have all the documents, the application must be submitted to the Immigration Department. This is a process that can be complex and requires precision, so it is recommended to do it with the assistance of specialized lawyers.

Follow-up and Resolution:

After filing your application, it is important to follow up. It may take over one year for the Immigration Department to issue a decision on your application. During this time it is crucial to maintain communication with the immigration authorities and your attorney.

The application process for expatriate residency in Costa Rica may seem challenging, but at Acacia Legal we simplify it for you. Our team of experts will guide you through every step to ensure that you meet all the legal requirements without hassle.

If you plan to manage your residency in Costa Rica, whether in Guanacaste or another region, contact us. We are here to help you make Costa Rica your new home.