Residency Through Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

A New Pathway for Investors

For years, Costa Rica has attracted retirees, digital nomads, and lifestyle seekers. But the most powerful residency pathway - especially for property buyers - is residency through real estate investment, known as Residencia por Inversionista.

In 2021, Costa Rica reduced its minimum investment threshold from $200,000 to $150,000, making it more accessible than ever for foreigners purchasing homes, condos, land, or commercial properties. In 2025, this option has become one of the most popular ways for North Americans to establish long-term legal status in the country.

If you're buying property - or planning to - here’s everything you need to know.

What Qualifies as an Investment?

To apply for investor residency, you must invest at least $150,000 USD in one of the following categories:

• Real estate (home, condo, lot, land, rental property)

• Tourism-related projects

• Shares in a Costa Rican corporation

• Forestry or sustainable development projects

• Large equipment or capital for a business

  
  

But for most foreign applicants, the simplest and most common qualifying asset is real estate.

Step 1: Purchase Eligible Property

Your investment must be registered formally with the National Registry (Registro Nacional).This includes:

• The property must be titled (not concession).

• The deed must be properly recorded.

• The registered value must equal or exceed $150,000.

  
  

If purchasing through a corporation (S.A. or SRL), the corporation must list you as the primary shareholder for the investment to count toward residency.

Tip:If the property value is close to the minimum threshold, your attorney can update the registered value to reflect the true purchase price.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Just like other residency categories, investor residency requires certain documents from your home country and Costa Rica.

You will need:

• Passport and copies

• Birth certificate (apostilled)

• FBI or RCMP background check (apostilled, issued within 6 months)

• Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)

• Proof of property ownership (certificación registral)

• Property value certification

• Application form (in Spanish)

• Eight passport-size photos

• Fingerprints taken at the Ministry of Public Security

• Payment of government fees

  
  

All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, then translated into Spanish once in Costa Rica.

Step 3: Submit Application to Immigration

You can apply:

• Online via Trámite Ya, or

• In person at Migración in San José or regional offices.

With your application, attach proof that your real estate investment meets or exceeds the $150,000 requirement.

Government filing fees range from $250 to $400, depending on the applicant.

You will then receive a file number (expediente) which grants legal status while you wait.

Step 4: Enroll in Costa Rica’s National Healthcare System (Caja)

Once Immigration approves your residency, you must register with Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).

Your monthly Caja fee will be calculated based on:

• Your declared income,

• Your investment status, and

• Whether dependents are included.

  
  

Investor residents typically pay $80 to $160 per month, though this varies.

Step 5: Receive Your DIMEX Residency Card

After completing the Caja enrollment and final approval steps, you'll receive your DIMEX card, Costa Rica’s official residency ID.

It is valid for two years.

To keep it active, you must:

• Visit Costa Rica at least once per year (one day is enough)

• Keep Caja payments current

• Maintain your qualifying investment

  
  

After three renewals (usually 5 years), you become eligible for permanent residency, which allows you to work freely and removes investment requirements.

Can Your Family Be Included?

Yes. Investor residency allows you to include:

• Spouse

• Children under 25

• Children with disabilities, regardless of age

  
  

Your dependents will require their own documentation (apostilled birth certificate, passport copies, photos, etc.), but they do not need to make their own investment.

How Long Does It Take?

Typical processing time:

• 6 to 12 months for approval

• Faster if documents are complete and attorney manages the file

• Delays are common if documents are not apostilled or properly translated

  
  

Most applicants remain legally in the country under their file number while waiting.

How Much Does It Cost?

A realistic cost estimate for investor residency in 2025:

Cost Type	Estimated Amount
Government fees	$250–$400
Caja enrollment	$80–$160 monthly
Translations	$20–$50 per page
Apostilles (home country)	$10–$20 per document
Attorney fees	$1,200–$2,500
Property purchase fees	3–4% of property value

Remember: the $150,000 real estate purchase is the core investment requirement.

Advantages of Investor Residency

• Legal long-term stay without border runs

• Access to the national healthcare system

• Ability to own and operate businesses

• Simple renewal process

• Pathway to permanent residency

• Ideal for property owners who plan to spend part or full time in Costa Rica

  
  

For many investors, this residency category also reassures future buyers and renters, making it easier to sell or manage a property professionally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying concession land that does not qualify

• Under-declaring the property value

• Applying before the title transfer is complete

• Forgetting to maintain investment thresholds

• Not using a regulated escrow company

• Relying on uncertified translators or unlicensed attorneys

  
  

Proper legal guidance eliminates 95% of these issues.

Final Thoughts

Residency through real estate investment is one of the most practical and rewarding ways to build a long-term life in Costa Rica. For buyers already planning to purchase property, it is often the easiest path - offering security, stability, and the ability to fully integrate into the country.

With the right attorney, a clear understanding of documentation, and a verified investment, most applicants find the process straightforward and predictable.

Want help finding the best property deals? 

Contact me directly for personalized listings, video walkthroughs, or a free consultation.

sabina@palmrealestatecr.com| WhatsApp Me +506 8713 8080 | Based in Guanacaste, CR