Eligibility quiz
Will one of your birth parents be a Costa Rican citizen when you apply?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Costa Rica for life
Your residence has no end date/Categor%C3%ADas%20Especiales/Residencias%20Temporales/V%C3%ADnculo%20con%20C%C3%B3nyuge%20Costarricense.pdf), and you do not need a job or investment to keep it.
Study in Costa Rica
You can access education on the same basis as other lawful residents.
Work in Costa Rica
You can work for an employer/Personas-Extranjeras.aspx) or work independently, including running a business.
Some professions and jobs require a licence or other qualifications.
Travel and return
You can travel with your valid passport and return to Costa Rica/Personas-Extranjeras.aspx) if you meet the entry requirements.
Use public healthcare
With CCSS health insurance, you can use public health services under the insurance and payment rules.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find an immigration office
Find a Costa Rican immigration office that accepts first applications for permanent residence. You can apply at the central office or an eligible regional office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Costa Rica immigration office near your city accepts residencia permanente por vínculo applications?”
Get the application form
Get the application for legal stay for permanent residence by family relationship from Costa Rica’s immigration service.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo application for legal stay?”
Fill in the application
Fill in the application with your personal details, the status you are requesting, your address and how you want to receive notices. Sign it in front of an immigration officer when you submit it, or have a lawyer authenticate your signature.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in and sign the Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required by the immigration office.
See required documentsPay the fees
Pay the fiscal stamp fee into Banco de Costa Rica account 242476-2. If you are changing from non-resident status, also pay the change-of-category fee into account 242480-0 in your name, and keep the receipts.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo application fees?”
Book an appointment
Call the immigration service’s call centre at 1311 to book an appointment to submit your application.
Find appointment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your application, original documents, copies and payment receipts to the immigration office you selected. If a lawyer has not authenticated your signature, sign the application in front of the officer.
Find appointment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to my Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo appointment?”
Wait for the decision
Keep the application number the office gives you and use it to follow your case online. Respond to any questions or requests for more documents from the immigration service.
Check your applicationGet your residence card
Once approved, follow the immigration service’s instructions to complete your identification steps and get your DIMEX residence card. The card identifies you as a resident of Costa Rica.
Find card instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my DIMEX after approval of Costa Rica residencia permanente por vínculo?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Get your birth certificate from the country where you were born. It should show your Costa Rican parent; an older certificate can be accepted if its details match your passport and it is intact and unaltered.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof that your parent is a Costa Rican citizen. Ask immigration which records it accepts as proof.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Identity card and insurance
Renew your foreigner identity card every 2 years after 1–4 years of lawful stay, every 3 years after more than 4–10 years, and every 5 years after more than 10 years.
You must pay renewal fees and generally show continuous CCSS health insurance, with some exceptions.
Without a current card you lack valid migration ID, but your residence does not automatically end.
Residence can be lost
False information or immigration violations, or a link to intentional criminal conduct, may lead to cancellation, an order to leave, or removal from Costa Rica.
The authorities must follow due process when cancelling residence.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Living in Costa Rica: Expat Community
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican visas
Join on FacebookExpats moving to Costa Rica
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican visas
Join on FacebookMove to Costa Rica – Everything You Need to Know
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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