Costa Rica Residency by Investment offers unique opportunities for investors looking to establish residency in the country. This program allows individuals to obtain residency by making an investment of $200,000 USD in a business or property in Costa Rica. The country provides a diverse range of investment options, including real estate, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and tourism. By meeting the program’s requirements, investors can enjoy the benefits of residency and explore the many advantages Costa Rica has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
- The Costa Rica Residency by Investment program requires a minimum investment of $200,000 USD.
- Investment options include real estate, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and tourism.
- Residency holders can include their spouse and dependents in their application.
- Investor residents in Costa Rica have the ability to own a company and receive dividends.
- The application process involves providing various documents and fees.
- Costa Rica offers tax exemptions for residents and excellent healthcare services.
- After seven years of continuous residency, investors can apply for citizenship and enjoy visa-free travel to 149 destinations.
Requirements and Benefits of Costa Rica Residency by Investment
To qualify for Costa Rica Residency by Investment, investors must meet certain requirements and can enjoy a range of benefits, including permanent residency and the ability to include family members in the application.
Costa Rica offers a variety of investment options for residency, such as investing a minimum of $200,000 USD in businesses or properties within the country. These options include real estate, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, tourism, and more. Investors have the opportunity to choose the sector that aligns with their interests and goals.
Once approved, residency holders are initially granted a two-year validity period, which can be renewed. After three years, investors have the option to apply for permanent residency, providing them with long-term stability and the freedom to live and work in Costa Rica without restrictions.
An appealing aspect of the Costa Rica Residency by Investment program is the ability to include family members in the application. Investors can include their spouse and dependents, ensuring that their loved ones can also benefit from the advantages of residency in Costa Rica.
As investor residents, individuals can own a company in Costa Rica and receive dividends from this investment. This allows for additional revenue streams and business opportunities within the country.
| Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment of $200,000 USD | Permanent residency |
| Stay in Costa Rica for at least one day per year | Inclusion of family members in the application |
| Not employed as an employee while holding investor residency | Ownership of a company in Costa Rica |
| Dividends from the company investment |
The application process requires the submission of various documents, including proof of investment, a criminal background check, birth certificate, and, if applicable, a marriage certificate. It is essential to gather all the necessary paperwork and complete the application form accurately to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, providing fingerprints may be required as part of the application.
Unlike other types of residency, holders of Costa Rica Residency by Investment are not obligated to leave the country every 180 days. This flexibility allows investors to focus on their investments and enjoy the benefits of residency without interruptions.
It is important to note that the cost for the residency application includes both government fees and service fees charged by immigration assistance providers. To navigate the process efficiently, consulting with an immigration lawyer who specializes in Costa Rica Residency by Investment is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Investing in Costa Rica through the Residency by Investment program offers a pathway to residency, numerous benefits, and the potential for citizenship after a certain period of time. Costa Rica provides a variety of investment options, including real estate, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and tourism, making it an attractive destination for investors.
To qualify for residency, investors are required to meet certain criteria, such as making the minimum investment of $200,000 USD and spending at least one day per year in Costa Rica. Unlike other types of residency, investor residents are not obligated to leave the country every 180 days. The initial residency period is valid for two years and can be renewed, with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after three years.
Investors can include their spouse and dependents in their residency application, allowing the whole family to enjoy the benefits of living in Costa Rica. As investor residents, they also have the opportunity to own a company in the country and receive dividends from it.
The application process requires various documents, including proof of investment, a criminal background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), application form, and fingerprints. To navigate the process efficiently, it is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or an immigration assistance provider.
Costa Rica offers additional advantages to investors, such as tax exemptions for residents and excellent healthcare services. Furthermore, after maintaining continuous residency for seven years, investors can apply for citizenship, which provides visa-free travel to 149 destinations.
The Costa Rica Residency by Investment program is governed by the Costa Rica Immigration Law and administered by the Dirección General de Migración. With its attractive investment opportunities and potential for long-term benefits, Costa Rica presents a compelling option for investors seeking residency and the potential for future citizenship.
FAQ
Q: What is the minimum investment required for Costa Rica Residency by Investment?
A: The minimum investment required for Costa Rica Residency by Investment is $200,000 USD in a business or property in the country.
Q: What are the investment options available for Costa Rica Residency by Investment?
A: Costa Rica offers a range of investment options including real estate, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, tourism, and more.
Q: Can I include my spouse and dependents in my residency application?
A: Yes, investors can include their spouse and dependents in their residency application.
Q: Can I own a company in Costa Rica as an investor resident?
A: Yes, as an investor resident, you can own a company in Costa Rica and receive dividends.
Q: What documents are required for the residency application?
A: The residency application requires various documents such as proof of investment, a criminal background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), application form, and fingerprints.
Q: Do residency holders need to leave the country every 180 days?
A: No, residency holders are not required to leave the country every 180 days, unlike other types of residency.
Q: What is the cost involved in the residency application?
A: The cost for the residency application includes government fees and service fees charged by immigration assistance providers.
Q: What are the benefits of Costa Rica Residency by Investment?
A: Costa Rica Residency by Investment offers benefits such as tax exemptions for residents and excellent healthcare services.
Q: How long do I need to hold residency before applying for citizenship?
A: After seven years of continuous residency, investors can apply for citizenship, which offers visa-free travel to 149 destinations.
Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)