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As we mentioned in the last section, most of the pensionado
programs privileges were revoked in 1992, so the only real
advantage for becoming a pensionado is to be able to stay
in the country legally. Now more and more people are looking
at other ways of obtaining Costa Rican residency.
The residency program is for people who wish to reside
in Costa Rica full-time but who cannot qualify for pensionado
or rentista status. It is also for those who can qualify,
but choose not to because some of the advantages were taken
away. In the latter case, a $600-per-month pension from an
approved source is required.
(1) Residente Inversionista There are several
other ways for foreigners to obtain legal residency. As we
mentioned in the last section, they can become inversionistas
(resident investors) by investing $50,000 in an approved organization
such as a tourism or export business, $100,000 in a reforestation
project or $200,000 in another type of business. With this
type of residency you have to live in the country six months
a year.
2) First Degree Relative Foreigners can also
claim permanent residency if they have an immediate or first-degree
relative in Costa Rica, i.e. a child, spouse or parent (mother
or father), brother or sister (in this particular case, the
applicant must be single) who is a citizen.
They must also prove they have financial means to support
themselves while living in Costa Rica (about $600 per month).
Relatives of foreigners who have become Costa Rican citizens
are also eligible for residency. In all cases you will be
asked to prove your relationship. You can usually work under
this category. All the documents required for other residency
applications must be provided.
(3) Marriage Marrying a Costa Rican also
entitles you to residency. This is the fastest way to become
a resident. We personally know of many expatriates who have
married Costa Ricans for this very reason. Anyone under this
category is not required to prove a minimum foreign income.
In addition, anyone who has lived for several years under
another residency category, such as pensionado or rentista,
may apply for Costa Rican residency. Many ex-pensionados do
this because they can generally qualify for this status easily.
With this type of residency you have to visit the country
once a year.
As in the other residency categories, you need an application,
birth certificate, marital status certificate, police report,
several passport photos and in some cases documents proving
your relationship to your Costa Rican relatives.
(4) Working Costa Rican Corporation
There is a newly added residency status for those who have
a working company or sociedad anónima. You must have
a minimum number of local employees and provide financial
statements. Just having a Costa Rican corporation will not
qualify a person for this status.
(5) Residency Under Special Circumstances
Residency is sometimes to some people who do not fall into
any of the previous categories. Not all people who apply under
this category will obtain residency. If there are two people
with the exact circumstances, one may be granted residency
and the other may have it denied. Since each case is different
we suggest you talk to Roger Petersen. He is listed in the
section on attorneys in this chapter and has helped a few
of his clients obtain this type of residency.
(6) Temporary Residency Residencia temporal
is for students enrolled in a university or language school,
Peace Corps volunteers and members of affiliated church service
groups, employees of foreign firms, employees of many national
companies and other categories. Language teachers at any language
institute in San José may obtain temporary residency.
Others doing jobs that Costa Ricans cannot do are also eligible
for this status.
Temporary residency permits are valid for three months to
a year and can be renewed. Temporary residents may enter and
leave the country as often as they wish, paying the tourists
rate of exit tax. Once all documents are correctly presented,
temporary permits are approved as quickly as possible.
Because each persons situation is different, the procedure
is complicated. All residency programs require mounds of paperwork,
so we advise you to consult a lawyer to facilitate this process.
To find a competent, trustworthy attorney, go to the ARCR
office or see the section in the previous chapter entitled,
"How to Find a Lawyer".
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