Republic of Costa Rica · residence general · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Temporary residence for people of independent means who can show stable monthly income for a sustained period.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official DGME page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government processing fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Granted for a defined period (commonly two years) and renewable while the income is maintained, leading to permanent residence after the qualifying period. Confirm current terms on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Rentista category grants temporary residence to foreign nationals who demonstrate a stable, guaranteed monthly income for a sustained period - typically evidenced by a bank certification or a deposit that guarantees the required monthly amount over the period. It does not require employment in Costa Rica. The category is granted for a defined period and renewable, allows dependents, and after the qualifying period of temporary residence the holder can apply for permanent residence. It is administered by the DGME.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A stable, guaranteed monthly income at or above the required amount is demonstrated for the prescribed period.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓The income is evidenced by a bank certification or qualifying deposit acceptable to the DGME.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and a clean criminal-record certificate are presented.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓Dependents, if included, are evidenced by apostilled civil-status documents.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Common blockers
- !The guaranteed monthly income or qualifying deposit falls below the required amount.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- !The bank certification does not guarantee the income for the prescribed period.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- !Required documents are not apostilled or legalised.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Bank certification guaranteeing the required monthly income for the prescribed period, or proof of a qualifying deposit.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Valid passport and recent criminal-record certificate, apostilled or legalised.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Birth and, where applicable, marriage certificates for dependents.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Consular registration as required by the DGME.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you can guarantee the required monthly income for the prescribed period via bank certification or deposit, using the official DGME page.
Build the evidence pack
Obtain the bank certification or deposit proof and gather passport, apostilled criminal-record and civil-status documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the Rentista temporary-residence application with the DGME following the official Law 9996 requirements.
After approval
Register for the DIMEX ID card and renew before expiry toward permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means).
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) · verified
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Temporary Residence - Inversionista (Investor)
Temporary residence for foreign nationals making a qualifying investment in Costa Rica.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
Costa Rican permanent residence, typically reached after a qualifying period of temporary residence or directly through a first-degree tie to a Costa Rican.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prove income for Costa Rican Rentista residence?+
You typically provide a bank certification guaranteeing a set monthly income for a sustained period, or a qualifying deposit that secures that amount. Because the required amount is set by regulation, confirm the current figure and accepted proof on the official DGME page.
Does Rentista residence lead to permanent residence?+
Yes. After the qualifying period of continuous temporary residence, Rentista holders can apply to change to permanent residence. Confirm the current qualifying period on the official DGME page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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