Costa Rica Residency

Costa Rica Residency - How To Become a Legal Resident

Are you considering a move to Costa Rica? If so, you are probably wondering how to obtain residency in Costa Rica

Do you know that foreigners can stay in Costa Rica as tourist for 90 days without any documents or visa's. If you are planning to live part time in Costa Rica, then this may be the easiest and least expensive option for you. Many retirees avoid the paperwork and expense of obtaining legal Costa Rica residency and become "perpetual tourists". They stay for 90 days, go to Panama, Miami or Nicaragua for 72 hours and then return for an additional 90 days. This satisfies the residency / tourist requirment without getting bogged down in paperwork and red tape. It also is an excuse to visit other places outside Costa Rica.

Note - the laws are changing and it is being proposed to offer extension of up to six months before being required to travel outside of Costa Rica and also more serious penalties for those over-staying the time allowed in Costa Rica.

You can become a resident of Costa Rica by obtaining an investment visa. Purchase real estate through Oceanside Realty and we will assist you with information regarding residency in Costa Rica. There are also visas for rentista's (renter's), pensionada's (if you have a pension), marriage visa's and others. Residency can be tricky and confusing - but not impossible. You will need the assistance of a professional.

Note - the Costa Rica residency laws are in a process of change right now making it easier for investors of real estate in Costa Rica and retirees wishing to live in Costa Rica.

For more information on obtaining residency in Costa Rica, please contact one of our professional real estate agents and we will gladly assist in getting you the necessary information and putting you in contact with an attorney that specialized in immigration and residency requirements.

Costa Rica Residency - How To Become a Legal Resident