🇨🇷 Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista)
Costa Rica's investor residence (Inversionista) is managed by the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) and allows temporary residence through a qualifying investment. Under Law 9996, the threshold was reduced from US$200,000 to US$150,000 in 2021, but this is a limited-time offer (publicly stated to expire mid-2026). As of this update (June 2026), the offer may have expired or be about to expire, and the threshold may have reverted to US$200,000; ⚠️ Applicants must confirm the current applicable amount with DGME or a local attorney before applying. After a certain period of temporary residence, one may apply for permanent residence. This is a neutral compilation of public information.
Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista) Key Requirements Overview
| Type | Investor Temporary Residency (may convert to Permanent Residency) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | At least US$150,000 (limited-time offer under Law 9996, originally US$200,000; offer stated to expire mid-2026; confirm current applicable amount with DGME before applying) |
| Primary investment methods. | Qualified investments include real estate, businesses, or government-approved projects. |
| Residency Requirements | During the temporary residency period, investment must be maintained; permanent residency can be applied for after three years. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | Application for citizenship is only possible under general naturalization regulations (including residence duration). |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse and dependent children (as per regulations). |
| Processing Timeline | Depending on DGME processing progress, it often takes several months. |
| Recent Changes | Since 2021, the threshold was reduced from US$200,000 to US$150,000 as a limited-time offer (public records indicate validity until mid-2026). As of June 2026, the offer period has ended; whether the threshold has reverted to US$200,000 must be confirmed with DGME. |
Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista) Key considerations
- ⚠️ The US$150,000 threshold is a limited-time offer, with public records indicating validity until mid-2026. As of this page's update (June 2026), the offer period has ended, and the current threshold may have reverted to US$200,000; verification before application is essential.
- Investment must be continuously maintained during the residency period; early disposal or withdrawal may affect status.
- Residence does not equate to citizenship; naturalization follows different residency duration and conditions.
Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista) Application Process
- Select a qualifying investment category and complete an investment of at least USD 150,000.
- Prepare investment proof and personal documents.
- Apply for a temporary residence as an investor with the Immigration Directorate (DGME).
- Maintaining investment and status is required, with applications for permanent residency to be made once conditions are met.
Costa Rica Investor Residency (Inversionista) Frequently Asked Questions
Is the investment threshold for residency in Costa Rica $150,000 or $200,000?
Under Law 9996, the threshold was reduced from US$200,000 to US$150,000 in 2021, but as a limited-time offer valid until mid-2026. As of this page's update (June 2026), the offer period has ended, and the threshold has likely reverted to US$200,000. The exact current amount should be confirmed with DGME or a local immigration attorney.
Can I obtain permanent residency immediately through investment residency?
Generally, one first obtains a temporary residence for investors, maintains the investment, and after a certain period (commonly three years in public information), may apply for permanent residency. Actual requirements are subject to DGME regulations.
Official sources：Costa Rica Immigration Directorate (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) · Data Date：2026-06。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.