Costa Rica’s pensionado category requires a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month. It does not require you to be retired, and it sets no minimum age — a disability pension can qualify.
Every temporary residency renewal needs proof of Caja affiliation. Over 30 days late costs US$3 a month — but past three months expired, the renewal route closes entirely.
Residency through marriage comes from Migración; citizenship comes from the TSE after two years married and two years in the country. The requirements are not the same.
The Spanish and Estudios Sociales exams are run by the Ministry of Education, not the TSE — and older adults are exempt from the requirement entirely. What the TSE actually asks for.
Every foreign document needs an apostille or consular legalisation — and if it states no validity period, it must be under six months old when you present it. Articles 8 to 12 explained.
Costa Rica’s tourism extension only tops you up to 90 days, and only if you were granted fewer than 90 on entry. For the 180-day group it is expressly non-extendable.
The so-called deportation deposit is a refundable bond set at 75% of an open one-year ticket home — not a fixed fee. Who pays it, who is exempt, and when you can claim it back.
The Reglamento de Extranjería gives Migración three months to resolve a residency application — but only from the moment your file is complete. Here is what that means.
Costa Rica rentista residency requires a documented income of US$2,500 a month for at least two years, certified by a competent authority and apostilled if it comes from abroad.
A cédula is the national ID for Costa Rican citizens, issued by the TSE. A DIMEX is the identity document for foreigners with an approved migratory category, issued by Migración. Here is what that means in practice.
