Relocation Letter
Dear expat,
Welcome to Costa Rica, we are happy to have you here! If you are considering relocating permanently to Costa Rica or unsure about which immigration status best suits your situation, we are here to help.
The residency status has the most benefits, since residents have all the rights that Costa Ricans have except for political rights. Keep in mind that a temporary residency may turn into a permanent residency after three years, during which you will be required to enroll in social insurance (Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social) and timely renew your residency once.
There are different categories that may apply to you, but the most common are pensioner, investor and “rentista”. We are happy to help you look for the one that fits your needs and to explain the recently approved benefits for new residents, such as tax exemptions when importing household items.
Our services include a review of the documents needed from the origin country, obtaining an appointment for your fingerprints to be taken, paying for the filing rights on your behalf, preparing and filing the documents for the Immigration Office, and following up until a decision is reached. Upon request, we may accompany you to enroll in the social insurance, your embassy and to get your picture taken once the request is approved.
However, if you are thinking of a long term stay without permanently relocating the remote worker visa might be a better fit. This applies to workers who have a steady income from a source outside of Costa Rica, such as work, salary, rental or business income. There are many benefits for remote workers that can include your spouse and/or children, and the related costs are significantly lower, however you cannot become a permanent resident afterwards.
If you already have a resident status and need help to renew it or change to permanent residency, we can lend a helping hand to deal with the Costa Rican public institutions. Feel free to contact us at relocate@ghp.cr.