COSTA RICA IMMIGRATION & MOVING EXPERTS



Timeline for Individuals / Families
Considering Making the Move to 
Costa Rica 
Sometime in the Near Future​



Step 1 Prospects gather their paperwork required from their home country.  We assist the client in the gathering of paperwork.
Step 2:  Prospect comes to Costa Rica where we meet and review paperwork presented and then meet with lawyer. Legal paperwork required from local sources created and steps taken to open file on behalf of prospect(s) at Immigration. With proof of application, appointment made to finalize balance of paperwork.
Step 3:  All paperwork submitted by Costa Rica Immigration & Moving Experts.  Immigration process starts.  Applicant is legally able to remain in Costa Rica.
Step 4:  During the first three months of the application process, Immigration reviews the contents.  The following three month, Immigration will make the decision to approve or disapprove.
Step 5:  Prospect completes the final step of application process by joining compulsory medical program.  Security deposit and Dimex fee
deposited with Immigration.  Appointment made for you to pick up your cedula, also known as, "Dimex card."


Step 6:  Renewal time at end of 24 months 
(operative word, "renewal," and not, "reapplying").
Step 7:  Obligation to be in Costa Rica a minimum of 1 time every
12 months. Most people make their visit near renewal time.
Step 8Very Important / Upon having your cedula (Step 5) for a total of 36 months, you can request for and expect to receive a change from "temporary" to "permanent" status. With this change, you are legally able to work here in Costa Rica. You can compete in the local work force against a natural-born Costa Rican or a fellow expat who has already received permanent status.
Step 9:  Based on the above scenario, a person considering early retirement from their home country, but wanting/needing to supplement their finances, would have the legal right to work here,
own a business, run that business, draw a salary, etc.
Pros to Applying Early:

-Ability to work sooner upon arrival.

-Cedula with permanent status in your possession, which assists with  legal and commercial transactions,

-Have immediate medical coverage, called the "CAJA", from the time    Step #5 is completed. You are covered for pre-existing and future medical conditions.

-From the time of Step 3, any changes regarding requirements by Immigration would not be applicable to you unless 
changes are in your favor.
Cons to Applying Early:

-You are responsible for payments into the CAJA. Payments vary based on reported income. CAJA remains a very good back-up medical  
program to your existing home-country medical policy/program.
Pensionado                                           Rentista                               Resident Investor
1) Financial Requirements:

US$1,000/month 
guaranteed for life 


2) Length:

Temporary                                                          Temporary                                                 Temporary


3)  Renewable At:

24 months                                                           24 months                                                  24 months


4)  Can Work in Costa Rica:

No                                                                              No                                                   Yes, with exceptions


5)  Includes Immediate 
     Family Members                                                                   

Yes                                                                            Yes                                                                 Yes


6)  Paperwork Require from
     Home Country:                 

Yes                                                                            Yes                                                                 Yes


7)  Paperwork Required from
     Costa Rica:

Yes                                                                           Yes                                                                 Yes       


8)  Government Medical Required           

Yes                                                                           Yes                                                                 Yes


9)  Costs to Acquire Status:

Based on number of applicants              Based on number of applicants       Based on number of applicants
             on application                                               on application                                    on application                             


10)  Time Required from 
       Start of Application

         Typically 6 months                                     Typically 6 months                            Typically 6 months


11)  Enjoy Benefits of Status:    

  Upon acceptance of application                      Upon acceptance                                Upon acceptance 
                                                                                  of application                                       of application                             





US$2,500/month 
for 24 months
US$150,000
1-time investment 


Three Types of Statuses
Are You 
Ready?



Contact Us Right Now to Have All of Your Questions Answered & All of Your Concerns Addressed About the Residency / Legal Status Process. .

We Pride Ourselves in Having Up-to-date Information Regarding the Immigration Laws & Regulations of Costa Rica. .

We Will Provide to You & Your Family a Plan of Action, Firm & Competitive Pricing, Swift Communication with You At All Times & Total Transparency When You Become One of Our Clients. .

We Have Assisted Hundreds of Individuals & Families with Their Move to Costa Rica for Many Years. .
Contact Us
Take Your First Step
What's Next. .