COSTA RICA: IMMIGRATION FOR FINANCIALLY INDEPENDANT INDIVIDUALS

ADVANTAGES

1. 1. 1. Immigration: The different immigration programs we offer to help you with have quite simple formalities for rentiers, retirees and investors.
      2. Cost: A cost of living and real estate relatively weak compared to the other developed countries such as Canada, while the establishments, much cheaper, are usually on the same level or on a higher level as these countries.
      3. Economy, politics and medical services: A fast and regularly growing economy, which makes this country the most stable and the most prosperous of the region. In addition, the country possesses a stable political situation, making the investments there very interesting and a very high-quality healthcare system.
      4. Geography: A location right in the centre of both Americas, which gives the country a proximity with the rest of the nation found on the same side of the hemisphere. A rare status as a carbon neutral country given the advancement in energy technologies and the abundance of natural resources attracting many tourists and expatriates from all over the world.
      5. Population: A local population famous for being extremely welcoming and friendly.
      6. Nature: A large number of forests, mountains and beaches. With its pure and fresh air, the natural beauty of Costa Rica is well known throughout the world.
      7. Culture: The country has behind it a compelling past that left many cultural prints known worldwide. 4 of Costa Rica’s most unique locations are classed  as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

SERVICES

We can help you in a large number of services that we’ve specialised in over the years of working with clients. Our experts propose an integral immigration and integration service in Costa Rica, that’ll make you think the formalities to obtain your goal are a kid’s game.

On that note, down below are the different services Inimex Costa Rica offer to anyone interested:

1. 1. 1. A legal service including all the essential details for the different immigration programs regarding the financially independent individuals, the retirees and the rentiers. In that way, we guide you through the sectors of company, bank, civil and administrative rights. Moreover, our advocate associates will advise you on the registration and/or the foundation of a company, as well as the fiscal rights procedures.
      2. Detailed assistance in the opening of a personal and/or commercial bank account. You can choose between a few of them: Scotiabank de Costa Rica, Banco CMB, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional de Costa Rica or HSBC.
      3. Signing up your children in an educational institution of your choice, whether it’s public or private. It’s preferable to choose the most prestigious establishments the country has to offer, such as Blue Valley School in Esperanza, following the english educational system; Lincoln School in Santo Domingo educating the students the American way; or European School in San José, a school that combines the American and European educations.
      4. In real estate, guidance and support on the property location or purchase process in the country. We are right next to you during all of it, starting from the search for a suitable property, going through all the steps, until the final point which is the signature at the notary. The most prestigious zones are Escazú next to San José, Santa Anna for mountain views and Jacó for beach and ocean views.
      5. Translation services for the translation of all your documents, assistance when you get to the country, personal driver to get you around easier, and way more.
      6. Citizenship acquisition is two ways: naturalisation or birth in the country.

REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. 1. You’ll be asked to provide a solicitude letter exposing the reasons for which you ask for a temporary residence in Costa Rica.
      2. The payment of 50$. The stranger’s name must be noted as an applicant. This sum must be cancelled in columns on account 242480-0 of the Bank of Costa Rica. 
      3. Payment of 1,25$ and 2,50$ for each page presented with the residency petition. The foreigner’s name must be noted as an applicant.
      4. You will be required to contribute to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (C.C.S.S.), by purchasing voluntary insurance. The cost will depend on your income, but is around 9-10% of your declared monthly income.
      5. Receive a monthly income of at least 2,500$ coming from property income, placement, et. It’s also possible to transfer a minimum of 60,000$ on a costarican bank account for the living fees, which are equal to 2,500$ per month for a two year period.
      6. Commit to not working in Costa Rica since this visa has as its only goal to allow foreigners to reside in the country.

DOCUMENTS

All your papers must be translated, legalised and apostilled by a local and authorised translator.

1. 1. 1. Receipt of fee payments and proof of stable income
      2. Completed and signed application form
      3. Proof of fingerprint registration
      4. Original police certificate 
      5. Passport and photocopies of all pages
      6. Evidence of consular registration
      7. Original birth act or certified copy (if applicable)
      8. Original marriage record or certified copy (if applicable)
      9. The covering letter must include: the applicant’s full name, nationality, age, profession, current address and place or means of notification. The letter must be signed by either an immigration officer or a notary.

PROCESS

1. 1. 1. First off, a consultation will be organised, during which you’ll be informed of all the details and stakes concerning the procedure you are going to follow. You’ll get told about the administrative difficulties, your children’s future education, the healthcare system, and whichever subject you’d like to get some information on that relates to the matter at hand.
      2. We aid you in the making and the legalisation of all the documentation necessary according to the immigration conditions in Costa Rica. We’ll stay by your side for whatever procedure you’re going to undergo.
      3. Our translators will make sure your documents are fit to be presented in the right language, spanish.
      4. Meanwhile, we’ll assist you in the subscription of medical insurance and make you visit some properties we think could interest you into buying or renting, with the help of our real-estate partners.
      5. You’ll need to deposit the amount of 60,000$ in a local bank after you’ve opened an account in said bank. You’ll also need to get a letter stating that you’ll be able to access a minimum of 2,500$ per month for at least 2 years.
      6. We’ll present to the immigration authorities your full file, next to a portfolio we’ll have prepared beforehand.
      7. You’ll receive your first residency permit, valid for a year, with the possibility of renewal.

INFORMATION

1. 1. 1. The first residence permit is called a temporary permit and is issued for a period of one year, renewable twice.
      2. After three years, the holder may apply for an ordinary permit for a period of 3 years, renewable twice.
      3. At the end of this 9-year period, the holder can apply for a 10-year “carte privilégiée”, which is renewable.

CITIZENSHIP

Naturalisation

First of all, the candidate must get a visa (if necessary) to be able to travel to Costa Rica to ask for a residency permit according to the immigration program.

After a 3 year period, it’s possible to present a request for a permanent residency permit in Costa Rica. The permanent residency allows strangers to work in the country.

Finally, after residing in Costa Rica for at least 7 months, it is possible to present a nationality request.

It is important to note that the children born in Costa Rica directly obtain the country’s citizenship.