Start a Costa Rica residency renewal by checking the category and expiry date on your DIMEX, then open the relevant section of DGME’s official DIMEX page. Renewal maintains an existing category; it is different from a first application, a replacement for a lost card, or a change to permanent residency.
When can you renew?
DGME says a residence card can be renewed up to three months before it expires. Check appointment availability early and retain the booking confirmation. If the available date falls after expiry, ask DGME what action is required for your category; do not assume the reservation automatically extends your status.
Documents to prepare
The published permanent, Pensionado, Rentista and Investor renewal lists include a DIMEX in good condition, a valid passport in good condition, proof of CCSS affiliation and the applicable payment evidence. Temporary categories also require evidence that their qualifying conditions continue. Use your actual category checklist rather than purchasing a new birth certificate or police record just because a general article lists one.
- Permanent residents: use the permanent-renewal list and check the additional procedure after an extended absence.
- Pensionado: DGME lists a competent-authority document showing that the pension remains active.
- Rentista: DGME lists a bank certification of continuing stable and permanent monthly income. For funds from abroad, it specifies certification of regular monthly transfers into the national banking system for the corresponding amount. This is renewal evidence; it should not be confused with a universal requirement to place $60,000 in a bank.
- Investor: DGME lists proof of the investment in Costa Rica. Confirm the evidence appropriate to your investment.
- Spouse of a Costa Rican: the checklist includes demonstrating continued marital cohabitation, with both spouses attending the stated interview and signing the relevant evidence.
How much does renewal cost?
DGME says the renewal amount varies by case and should be confirmed when booking. Separate the immigration charge from partner service fees and any late amount. Check the payee, currency, applicant name and procedure before making a payment.
For the listed renewals at BCR, DGME specifically says not to pay the immigration charge beforehand: payment is made when the photograph is taken. Its general guidance also describes an additional BCR or Correos service amount, confirmed at booking and paid in cash on the appointment day. Follow the instructions for your selected office.
What if your DIMEX has already expired?
The consequences depend on the category and length of the delay. DGME’s general information describes late charges and a lawyer-authenticated explanation after more than three months, while its temporary-category lists specify a new category application when the DIMEX is more than three months expired. Do not treat three months as a universal grace period or assume that an explanation letter alone guarantees renewal.
Get a case-specific instruction from DGME promptly. Keep evidence of the expiry date, booking attempts, any filing, and the reason for the delay. Permanent-resident and temporary-category rules should not be interchanged.
Absences and travel during renewal
DGME says an absence of more than a year requires a written explanation and a properly authenticated background certificate from the country where the person stayed. Its permanent-renewal section identifies a renewal-authorization procedure in that situation. Check the applicable translation and documentation requirements before returning.
A renewal appointment or receipt should not be treated as guaranteed permission to board a flight or re-enter with an expired card. Before travel, confirm your passport, category, DIMEX validity and pending procedure with DGME and the airline. See the official DGME contact directory.
At the appointment and afterward
Bring the documents confirmed by the office, check your personal details, keep the payment and filing receipts, and follow its card-delivery or collection instructions. We do not promise a fixed card-production time. If you need to replace a lost or stolen card, ask about the separate duplicate procedure instead.
Contact CRIE for help matching your records to the correct renewal procedure.
Checked against DGME’s DIMEX renewal page on September 7, 2026. Images are illustrative.