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The Costa Rica Rentista Visa offers a renewable two-year residency for individuals with steady passive income; no local job required.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn exactly who qualifies, how much income you need, what documents to prepare, and how to navigate the application process step by step.
Whether you’re a remote entrepreneur, early retiree, or simply seeking a stable base in Costa Rica, this visa could be your gateway to long-term residency.
We’ll cover key questions people ask when considering the Costa Rica Rentista Visa, including:
- How do you qualify for a rentista visa in Costa Rica?
- What visas are available for Costa Rica?
- What is a rentista person of independent means in Costa Rica?
- How long does it take to get a visa in Costa Rica?
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What Is the 2 Year Visa for Costa Rica?
The 2-year visa for Costa Rica refers to the Rentista Visa, a temporary residency option designed for individuals with a reliable source of income from outside the country.
Unlike tourist visas or short-term digital nomad permits, the Costa Rica rentista visa provides a renewable two-year residency status, allowing holders to live in Costa Rica long term without the need for local employment.
Common applicants include early retirees, remote entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors who want to enjoy Costa Rica’s lifestyle while maintaining income streams abroad.
It’s a practical option for people seeking residency without taking on a local job or running an in-country business.
What Is a Rentista Person of Independent Means?
A rentista is a person of independent financial means—someone who earns passive income from sources outside of Costa Rica and does not rely on local employment.
Under Costa Rican immigration law, a rentista must demonstrate a stable income to qualify for temporary residency through the Costa Rica rentista visa.
This income must be documented and certified through official bank letters or contracts, translated into Spanish and notarized as part of the application process.
Unlike the Pensionado Visa, which is only available to individuals receiving a permanent pension (such as social security or a government retirement plan), the Costa Rica Rentista Visa is more flexible.
It allows younger applicants or those with non-pension income to establish residency.
It also differs from the Investor Visa, which requires a direct investment in real estate, business, or local projects.
The rentista category provides a middle ground: it doesn’t demand retirement age or a large capital investment, but it does require consistent, verifiable income from abroad.
How Do You Qualify for Residency in Costa Rica?
To qualify for residency in Costa Rica under the Rentista Visa, applicants must meet both financial and legal requirements.
The key condition is proof of stable income, but other general criteria also apply to ensure the applicant’s legal and financial suitability for long-term stay.
Rentista-Specific Requirements
- Income Requirement: You must show a guaranteed income of $2,500 USD per month for at least 24 months, typically by depositing $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank. Alternatively, you may prove consistent passive income from a legitimate foreign source.
- No Local Employment: Rentista residents are not allowed to work for a Costa Rican employer. However, owning and managing investments or remote businesses abroad is permitted.
General Residency Requirements
- Background Check: A police clearance certificate from your country of residence (issued within the last six months) is mandatory.
- Health Insurance: Enrollment in Costa Rica’s public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CCSS) is required after approval.
- Consular Registration: Applicants must register with their respective embassy or consulate in Costa Rica.
- Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
Required Documentation and Steps
- Application Submission: File your application with Costa Rica’s Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or through a legal representative.
- Proof of Funds: Provide bank documents or income certification demonstrating the $60,000 deposit or equivalent.
- Notarized and Translated Documents: Birth certificate, background check, and income proof must be apostilled, translated into Spanish, and notarized.
- Payment of Government Fees: Application fees, residency processing costs, and Caja enrollment must be settled.
- Wait for Approval: Processing time ranges from 3 to 12 months, during which applicants may remain in Costa Rica as tourists or under a pending residency status.
What Visas Are Available for Costa Rica?
Aimed at retirees with a guaranteed lifelong pension.
- Purpose: For individuals receiving a fixed pension (e.g., government or private retirement income)
- Requirements: Minimum $1,000/month in lifelong pension income
- Benefits: Easier financial threshold than Rentista; similar residency privileges
Investor Visa
For those making significant investments in Costa Rica’s economy.
- Purpose: To encourage real estate, business, or national interest investments
- Requirements: Investment of at least $150,000 in approved sectors
- Benefits: Residency plus the option to earn income from your investment
Temporary stay permit for remote workers and freelancers.
- Purpose: To attract remote professionals working for companies or clients outside Costa Rica
- Requirements: $3,000/month income for individuals or $4,000 for families; valid health insurance
- Benefits: 1-year stay with possible 1-year renewal; simplified entry and tax exemptions on foreign income
Visa Comparison Summary
| Visa Type | Income Requirement | Employment Allowed | Residency Duration | Key Benefit |
| Rentista | $2,500/month (2 years) | No local employment | 2 years (renewable) | Path to permanent residency |
| Pensionado | $1,000/month (lifelong) | No local employment | 2 years (renewable) | Ideal for retirees |
| Investor | $150,000+ investment | Income from asset | 2 years (renewable) | Earn income from local investment |
| Digital Nomad | $3,000–$4,000/month | Foreign clients only | 1 year (renewable) | Tax-exempt temporary stay |
Is It Hard to Get a Visa to Live in Costa Rica?
Getting a Costa Rica rentista visa isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does involve detailed paperwork, strict documentation standards, and patience.
The process is often slowed by bureaucratic delays and misunderstandings about what the immigration office requires especially for first-time applicants.
Challenges with Documentation and Timelines
Applicants must submit a range of official documents, including background checks, birth certificates, proof of income, and translations—all of which must be apostilled and notarized.
These documents are also time-sensitive: most must be issued within six months of submission, and any errors can lead to rejection or costly delays.
The timeline for approval can vary significantly.
While some applicants receive approval within 3 to 6 months, others may wait up to a year depending on document accuracy, processing volume, or whether an attorney is assisting with the case.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Start early: Begin gathering documents several months before your intended move.
- Hire a qualified immigration attorney or residency specialist: This is highly recommended, especially for non-Spanish speakers.
- Double-check apostilles and translations: Costa Rican immigration is strict about documentation. Incomplete or incorrectly translated files are a top reason for delays.
- Keep copies of everything: Digital and hard copies can help you respond quickly if asked for resubmissions.
- Apply in-country if possible: Starting the process while physically in Costa Rica allows easier follow-ups and document submission.
What Is the Difference Between Residency and Citizenship in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, residency and citizenship are two distinct legal statuses.
While residency gives you the right to live, invest, and in some cases work in Costa Rica, citizenship grants full political rights, including the ability to vote, hold a Costa Rican passport, and access all national benefits without ongoing renewal obligations.
Residency—whether temporary or permanent—allows you to live in the country, while citizenship grants full national rights, including voting and a Costa Rican passport.
Understanding the progression from temporary resident to citizen is essential for anyone planning long-term relocation.
Most foreigners start with temporary residency.
Temporary residency is typically valid for two years and is renewable as long as you continue to meet the requirements such as proving income, maintaining health insurance, and staying in the country for the required minimum time each year.
After three consecutive years of holding temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
This status removes the need to prove income and gives you greater flexibility, including the right to work locally.
Permanent residents must still maintain legal obligations.
To apply for Costa Rican citizenship, you must have been a legal resident for at least:
- Seven years if you’re from most countries
- Five years if you’re from a Spanish-speaking country or a country with a special agreement
Applicants must also:
- Pass a test on Costa Rican history and culture (in Spanish)
- Demonstrate fluency in Spanish
- Show clean legal and immigration records
- Renounce your previous citizenship in some cases (though Costa Rica allows dual citizenship, some home countries do not)
Conclusion
Establishing legal residence in Costa Rica through the Rentista Visa offers a structured yet flexible route for financially independent individuals seeking a long-term base in Central America.
While the application process requires careful planning and document preparation, the benefits of legal residency in a politically stable, eco-friendly country with strong expat support can be substantial.
Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, strategic diversification, or global mobility, Costa Rica’s residency framework offers a viable and rewarding option for those ready to make the move.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
