COSTA RICA IMMIGRATION & MOVING EXPERTS
Pensionado Status
United States Applicants
The Documentation that is Required for Pensionado Status is as follows:
(please attach your name and contact number
to each document sent to any government or private agency for easy identification)
1. Passport (no additional requirements):
a. For all persons listed on application.
b. We suggest that your passport be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the time of application.
2. Birth Certificate (must be apostilled):
a. Request certified, long-form copy from your state of birth at their Department of Health or order through VitalChek on their website at: www.vitalchek.com.
3. Marriage Certificate (must be apostilled):
a. Request certified copy from the state where you were married or through VitalChek on their website at: www.vitalchek.com.
4. Proof that applicant is entitled to a minimum of US$1,000.00 per month income
either in the form of a private pension guaranteed for life (must be apostilled)
Government pension or Social Security:
a.) Contact either your LOCAL social security office or the Federal Office to request a Social Security Benefit Letter in SPANISH.
The national phone number is 1 (800) 772-1213.
b.) Send this document via email to [email protected].
This Social Security Benefits Letter does NOT need to be Apostilled.
Note: After the Pensionado has had their Pensionado Status for a period of 36 months,
they may apply for Permanent Resident Status, which has no income requirements.
All documentation other than your passport must have been issued within 6 months of the time we submit application to Immigration here in Costa Rica.
5. American Citizens must contact the FBI and obtain a "Identity History Summary"
or commonly known as a "FBI Background Check."
The following steps must be taken to obtain this letter:
a. Complete the Applicant Information Form found at:
There's a lot of information on this website, but it's very easy to navigate.
b. A payment of US$18.00 is required and this can all be done online.
For those clients who require assistance regarding their FBI report, we suggest
contacting one of our team members, William Licht at the phone number below.
When you receive your FBI-Background-Check via email, forward your document(s) via email to William Edward Licht, Apostille Services. He, in turn will prepare the documents and have the documents Apostilled, then, he will send them directly to Costa Rica Immigration and Moving Experts in Costa Rica on your behalf.
William has been working with us for over 20 years and will Apostille all of your documents for you at a REDUCED price. .
William Edward Licht, Apostille Services
7340 Stirling Road #201
Hollywood, Florida 33024-1668
Phone: 754-423-8823
Regarding your fingerprint card:
Your fingerprint card will need to be sent physically to the FBI to be processed. The address is listed on their website noted above. This card cannot be uploaded and sent electronically. We can accommodate you regarding this matter. If you are in Costa Rica, please get in touch with Kevin or David to arrange for an appointment for your fingerprinting.
Assistance:
The team at Costa Rica Immigration & Moving Experts will assist you with all of the acquisition of your paperwork required for one's legal status. This is a no-stress process!
