The Independent Means Visa in Costa Rica, also known as the Costa Rica Retirement Visa or the Pensionado Visa, offers temporary residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Costa Rica provides a pathway to temporary residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a Central American paradise known for its natural beauty and high quality of life.
Overview
A route to temporary residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Costa Rica
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with passive income from a foreign source
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years
Months to Visa
2-3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
4 months per year
Availability
High
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application in person at the Costa Rican Immigration Office or through a licensed attorney
Overview
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.
Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
What types of income qualify as passive income?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Costa Rican citizenship?
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Biometrics
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through a police clearance certificate from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 3 years.
Applicants must prove they can support themselves without working in Costa Rica
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
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