Immigration Law

Costa Rica is a great place to live! No army, a robust public health system, temperate weather all year long, and awesome beaches and mountains. Do you want to be a part of this wonderful country? Acacia Legal is here to help.


Our attorneys will happily assist you with your residency petition so that you may acquire legal status in Costa Rica. We will assess your case in a personalized manner and advise as to the best route for your residency process.


The immigration attorneys at Acacia Legal will guide you through the oftentimes complex residency process and accompany you every step of the way.   Your legal status is important to us and we have the expertise to ensure that your residency case is handled with professionalism and personalized attention.   

If you are interested in moving to Costa Rica, please click here: 

¿Need help? 

FAQ's

  • What must a document comply with in order to be used in Costa Rica?

    The document must be authenticated by an apostille or by the legalization process.

  • What is an apostille?

    It is a simpler form of legalization of documents in order to verify their authenticity in the international law. 


    It is basically a sheet that is added to the documents that the competent authority stamps on a copy of the public document.


  • Which countries need to apostille their documents?

    All countries party to the La Haya Apostille Convention. 

  • Can I stay in Costa Rica during the process?

    Yes, as a benefit for having an open process, the person can stay in Costa Rica for the time remaining for the residency to be processed without the need to leave every 90 days.

  • If I want to drive with a foreign license, must I leave the country every 90 days?

    Yes, despite having an open process for a residency to be able to drive with a foreign license you must leave the country every 90 days or the days that were stamped in your passport for that foreign license to be valid. 

  • How can I obtain a Costa Rican driver's license?

    This can be done once you have the DIMEX, that is until the residency process is approved. 

  • What is the processing time for a residency?

    There is no official processing time, but it takes approximately 1 year. 

  • Can I bring cars and household goods duty free?

    Yes, this can only be done for those who have a residency as pensionados, rentistas and investors, which must be done upon application to the government once they are approved as residents.

  • Does the residency apply only to me or also to my family?

    It applies to the principal person and his or her dependents, i.e., spouse and children under 25 years of age.

  • Can I leave the country while the residency is being processed?

    Yes, there is no obligation to remain in Costa Rica while the residency is being processed. 

  • What is the difference between a rentista and an investor?

    They are different categories, the rentista must have a stable and permanent income of $2500 for 2 years and the investor must have invested $150,000 only once. 

  • If I am in the process, do I have to comply with the entry requirements for tourists?

    Yes, until a person is approved as a resident and has the DIMEX, he/she will continue to be considered a tourist and must comply with the entry requirements, including the return ticket.

  • Can I open Costa Rican bank accounts while in process?

    That depends on the bank you are interested in, there are some that allow you to open it while in process, but others will require you to be a resident. 

  • What is the monthly amount I must pay for insurance (CCSS) once it is approved?

    For each person is different, this amount is calculated according to the amount of gross income of each person. 

  • Is it mandatory for a Costa Rican minor or resident to have an exit permit?

    Yes, in order to leave the country, minors who are Costa Rican or approved as residents must process an exit permit even if they are leaving the country with their parents. 

  • Can I work as a resident?

    It depends on the category for which you obtained your residency, not all residencies allow you to work. 

  • If I obtain Costa Rican citizenship do I lose my original citizenship?

    It is said that you must renounce the citizenship of your country of origin, but in practice this is not the case. The reality is that most people continue to use the passport of their country of origin without any problem.