Legal FAQ

What Is The Process To Obtain Residency And What Are The Laws?

After acquiring your Costa Rica Investment Property, there are many ways to file and request residency. It is a good idea to speak with an immigration lawyer to see which is the best route for you. The interpretation and enforcement of residency laws is constantly changing, as often as several times per year, so the need to obtain proper counsel before starting this process is important!

One of the oldest organizations specializing in this is the Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR), but there are several others here in Costa Rica doing the same work. In general, you can file as a business owner, investor, retiree, spouse of a Costa Rican or parent of a Costa Rican. Once you have found an organization that you think you would like to use, research the local bulletin boards and forums and ask for first hand opinions from people who have actually used them, received their residency, and now live here. Good companies will never have a problem supplying references.

The Costa Rica residency application process usually takes a couple of months, sometimes longer, so it's important to present all required documents in order to avoid unnecessary delays.