Is Tap Water Safe in Costa Rica? What the Rules Actually Say
Costa Rica has a legal standard for drinking water and most of the country meets it — but coverage varies sharply by operator and by canton.
More Costa Rica Guides
More reading from CRIE about Costa Rica and life abroad. For a focused starting point, explore our residency requirements and essential guides.
Start here: Residency requirements · Frequently asked questions · Ask CRIE
Disability Pension and Costa Rica Residency: The Pensionado Route Explained
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.
Renewing Your DIMEX in Costa Rica: Requirements, Fines and the Three-Month Cliff
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.
Costa Rica Residency and Citizenship Through Marriage: Two Different Routes
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 Costa Rica Citizenship Test: Who Has to Sit It, and Who Does Not
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.
Apostilles and Documents for Costa Rica Residency: The Rules That End Applications
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.
Can I Extend My Tourist Visa in Costa Rica? Usually Not — Here Is Why
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.
How Long Does Costa Rica Residency Take? The Legal Answer and the Real One
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: The US$2,500 a Month Requirement
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.
Cédula vs DIMEX in Costa Rica: What the Difference Actually Is
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.