Costa Rica Golden Visa & Residence Permit

At a glance

Program

Investor (Inversionista)

Minimum investment

USD 200,000 (the reduced USD 150,000 under Law 9996 applied until July 14, 2026)

Investment types

Real estate, business, shares, tourism

Residence

2 years (renewable)

Processing time

Approximately 4-9 months

Benefits

• Nature and high quality of life ("pura vida").
• Various investment options.
• Path to permanent residence and citizenship.
• Stable democracy and family inclusion option.

Requirements

• USD 200,000 approved investment (real estate must be registered in your own name).
• Clean criminal record and health.
• Legal source of funds.

Costs

Investment

From USD 200,000 (Law 9996 reduction expired July 14, 2026)

Government and legal fees

Additionally apply

FAQ

What is the minimum investment?

The minimum is USD 200,000. The reduced USD 150,000 figure under Law 9996 applied to applications filed until July 14, 2026; as thresholds can change, we confirm the current figure before you apply.

Which investment types are accepted?

Real estate, an active business, shares, securities, and tourism projects are accepted.

What is the residence period?

A two-year temporary residence is granted and renewed as long as the investment is maintained.

When can I move to permanent residence?

Permanent residence can generally be applied for after three years of temporary residence.

Will I pay tax in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica largely follows a territorial tax approach; your foreign income is generally not taxed. Your personal situation should be evaluated separately.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.