At ERP Lawyers & Associates we provide advice in immigration law, such as applications to obtain Residencies, and adjusting to the requirements of each of the different existing categories.

For different reasons, such as legal certainty, natural beauty, democracy, education, access to infrastructure, and health service, among others, Costa Rica has become not only a tourist destination but also a home for many foreign people who decide to settle temporarily or permanently.
It is at the time of making this decision that it is very important to seek advice to ensure that this entire process is carried out accordingly and that it covers every one of the needs of each person.

Specifically, with respect to Migration, there are general immigration requirements established in our legislation, which apply to all the different categories of residence. These requirements are:

a) Residency Application
b) Birth certificate duly apostilled or legalized.
c) Criminal record certificate duly apostilled or legalized. This certificate will be valid for six months unless the document expressly indicates another period of validity.
d) Marriage certificate duly apostilled or legalized. This requirement applies only in cases where the applicant wishes to cover their spouse as a dependent. If there are children, the birth certificate of each of them must also be presented.
e) Six recent passport-size photographs.
f) Copy of the first page of the passport and entry stamp to the country.
g) Proof of government payments.
h) Official translation of all documents issued in a language other than Spanish.

With respect to the category of resident as a pensioner, the specific requirement is to have a monthly and permanent pension for the minimum amount of USD $1,000.00, which gives the foreign person the right to request, together with their family, the category of Temporary Resident Pensioner. This must be certified by the authority or institution that provides said privilege and must be apostilled and translated into Spanish if it is issued in another language.

If you are interested in enjoying your pension in Costa Rica, and/or have questions or queries regarding the requirements and the process, we invite you to contact us by email at info@erplawyer.com, where we will gladly assist you with your inquiry.