Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Tax residency via passive income or bank deposit. Territorial tax system means foreign income stays tax-free.

$4,500· Full service · No hidden fees

Why Costa Rica?

Territorial tax system: Costa Rica does not tax foreign-source income. Your pension, overseas business profits, investment returns, and rental income from abroad stay tax-free in Costa Rica.

Note for U.S. citizens: The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. Costa Rica’s territorial system benefits non-U.S. persons directly. Americans still get residency, banking access, and lifestyle benefits.

Two qualification paths: Prove $2,500/month in passive income, OR deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank. The deposit remains yours and generates the qualifying income through interest.

Work permitted: Unlike the Pensionado visa, Rentista holders can work as self-employed professionals or consultants in Costa Rica.

Stable democracy: Costa Rica has no military, a strong rule of law, and has been a stable democracy for over 70 years. It consistently ranks as the happiest country in Latin America.

Path to citizenship: Permanent residency after 3 years, citizenship after 7 years. Costa Rican passport offers 150+ visa-free destinations.

Who Is This For

Passive income earners with rental income, dividends, investment returns, or business distributions of at least $2,500/month.
Savers with capital who can deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank to generate qualifying income.
Remote workers and consultants who want legal residency with the ability to work self-employed.
Non-US persons seeking a territorial tax jurisdiction where foreign income is not taxed.
Families looking for a safe, English-friendly country with excellent healthcare and quality of life.
Long-term planners building toward a second passport (citizenship at 7 years).

The Process

Step 1: Income Qualification
We determine your qualification path: either documented passive income of $2,500/month, or a $60,000 bank deposit strategy. We help you gather proof of income or coordinate the bank deposit.

Step 2: Document Preparation
We prepare your complete application package: passport copies, criminal background check (apostilled), income documentation or bank deposit proof, and all required forms. Timeline: 2-3 weeks.

Step 3: Application Submission
We submit your application to Costa Rica’s immigration authority (DGME). You can submit remotely through a Costa Rican consulate or in-country.

Step 4: Residency Approved
Once approved, you receive your DIMEX (Costa Rican ID card) and temporary residency status valid for 2 years.

After that:

Year 3: Eligible for Permanent Residency
Year 7: Eligible for Citizenship

Requirements

Income option: Documented passive income of $2,500 USD per month from sources outside Costa Rica (investments, rentals, business distributions, dividends)

Bank deposit option: $60,000 USD deposited in a Costa Rican bank, generating interest income that satisfies the monthly requirement

Passport: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity

Criminal background check: From your country of residence, apostilled

Health insurance: Valid coverage in Costa Rica (local or international policy)

Proof of address: Rental agreement or property ownership in Costa Rica

What's Included

Full application preparation: We handle all documentation, forms, and submissions

Income qualification strategy: We help you document passive income or structure the bank deposit

Document authentication: Apostille coordination and translation services

Immigration filing: Submission to DGME with status tracking

Bank introduction: Assistance opening a Costa Rican bank account (required for deposit option)

DIMEX coordination: We ensure you receive your Costa Rican ID card

Ongoing support: Guidance on maintaining status and renewal requirements

Timeline

Milestone	Timeframe
Initial consultation and strategy	1 week
Document preparation	2-3 weeks
Bank account opening (if deposit option)	2-4 weeks
Application submission	1 week
Immigration processing	3-6 months
DIMEX issued	2-4 weeks after approval
Permanent residency eligible	3 years
Citizenship eligible	7 years

Important Notes

Income must be foreign-source: The $2,500/month must come from outside Costa Rica. Local Costa Rican income does not qualify for Rentista status.

Bank deposit remains yours: The $60,000 is not a fee or investment. It stays in your account, and you can withdraw from it. You just need to maintain the balance to prove ongoing qualification.

CCSS enrollment required: All residents must enroll in Costa Rica’s public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social). Monthly cost is based on declared income, typically $50-150/month.

Physical presence: You should spend meaningful time in Costa Rica each year to maintain residency. There is no strict minimum, but immigration may question renewals with minimal presence.

Work rights: Rentista visa holders can work as independent contractors or self-employed. You cannot be employed by a Costa Rican company without a separate work permit.

Renewal: Temporary residency is valid for 2 years and renewable. After 3 years, apply for permanent residency which does not expire.

Need to create passive income? If you do not have qualifying passive income, we can help create it through our Passive Income Certification.

Click here to: Renew your Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Get Started Today

$4,500

Includes everything listed above.

Questions first? Contact Us