Investor Residency in Costa Rica
Investor Residency at a Glance
- Published minimum: US$150,000 in a qualifying investment.
- Best fit: applicants who can document both the investment and how it was acquired.
- First step: confirm that the ownership structure and evidence fit the current DGME category before committing funds.
- Important: this is temporary residency, renewed with proof the investment remains in place.
Investor residency depends on a qualifying investment and a complete immigration application. A purchase contract or asset price alone does not establish approval. Confirm the investment structure before transferring funds or changing ownership.
The published investment rule
Article 4 of Decree 43926 sets a US$150,000 minimum for the investment types it lists, including real estate, registrable movable assets, shares, securities, and specified projects or funds. The category is granted for two-year periods and may be renewed when the applicant proves the investment has been maintained continuously.
The same provision addresses trusts and identifies the settlor as the person who may apply because that person makes the investment. It would be inaccurate to say that all trusts are excluded or that every qualifying investment must be property held personally.
Evidence to prepare
Ask DGME and an appropriately qualified adviser which evidence applies to the particular investment. Direct property ownership, company shares, and other investments can require different records.
- Investment description: a clear explanation of what was acquired and why it fits the category.
- Ownership records: documents showing the applicant’s relationship to the investment.
- Value evidence: records supporting the required investment amount.
- Source and transaction records: evidence of how the investment was acquired or funded.
- Personal immigration documents: the signed application, passport records, civil certificates, background evidence, and required authentication and translations.
Check the structure before changing it
Do not move assets out of a company or alter a trust solely because of a general article. Investment, tax, ownership, and immigration questions need separate review.
Family members
DGME lists a spouse, a minor child, an adult child with a duly declared disability, or an unmarried child under 25 who is economically dependent as possible dependents. Each person must establish the relationship and provide the applicable records; one investment document does not replace each person’s application documents.
Process and renewal
- Confirm category fit: check the investment type, ownership structure, and evidence before filing.
- Prepare the investment records: obtain the certifications and supporting documents appropriate to that investment.
- Prepare personal documents: verify current DGME general requirements, authentication, and Spanish translation needs.
- File and monitor: submit a consistent package and respond to any official requests.
- Protect renewal eligibility: keep evidence that the investment has been maintained continuously before the renewal period.
Use DGME’s current regularization page, then open Residencia Temporal, Inversionista y sus Dependientes, and Requisitos Generales before filing. Requirements and checklists can change.
Frequently asked questions
Does an investment automatically give me Costa Rican citizenship?
No. Investor residency is an immigration status. Naturalization is a separate TSE procedure with its own requirements.
Can a company or trust be part of an investor-residency structure?
Potentially, depending on the published rule and the records. Confirm the applicant’s legal role and the evidence required before changing ownership.
Do tax incentives decide whether I qualify for residency?
No. Immigration status and tax incentives are separate questions. Confirm any current tax benefit directly with the relevant authority before budgeting for it.
Can I include my family?
In many cases, eligible dependents may apply with their own supporting relationship and personal documents.
Get an early review before you commit funds
Send CRIE a short outline of the proposed investment and the records you have. We can identify the immigration documents to prepare and flag issues for further legal or financial review before you file.
WhatsApp: +506 8706 3888
Email: info@crie.cr
Professional disclaimer
This page is general information only. Immigration rules, internal criteria, and required documentation can change. Reviewed 8 September 2026 against the published provisions linked above and DGME’s current category and general requirements. Confirm the applicable checklist before filing.