Eligibility quiz
Do you have a spouse or partner who is a Costa Rican citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Costa Rica
You can live legally in Costa Rica for more than 90 days and up to two years.
Your stay can be extended for another period of the same length.
Work in Costa Rica
You can work for an employer or for yourself, but only in paid activities the immigration authorities authorize.
Travel in and out
You can leave and re-enter Costa Rica as a resident using your valid passport and immigration document.
Use public healthcare
You can be covered by public health insurance, but residence alone does not make all care free.
If you work, you are normally covered through the insurance plan for your work.
How to apply
Applying from inside Costa RicaApplying from inside Costa Rica
Find an immigration office
Find a Costa Rican immigration office where you can apply for residence, either at the main office or a regional office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense near your city?”
Register your marriage
If you married outside Costa Rica, register your marriage with the Costa Rican Civil Registry before applying for residence.
Register your marriageSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register a marriage from abroad with the Costa Rica Civil Registry for residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Get the application form
Get the formulario de filiación for your residence application from the immigration office.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the formulario de filiación for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Fill in the form
Complete the form in clear block letters and sign it. Also prepare your application letter and sign it in front of the official or have a lawyer authenticate your signature.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the formulario de filiación and application letter for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Pay the application fees
Pay the equivalent of US$50 in colones and the required stamp charges into Banco de Costa Rica account 242480-0, in your name. Keep the payment receipts for your application.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fees for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Register your fingerprints
If you are over 12, register your fingerprints with the Ministry of Public Security and keep the confirmation.
Register your fingerprintsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register fingerprints for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Complete consular registration
Complete the consular registration required for your residence application and keep the confirmation.
Find registration instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain consular registration for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the immigration office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Call 1311 to book an appointment at the immigration office.
Find appointment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment by calling 1311 for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your completed application and required documents to the immigration office. If you are married, go with your Costa Rican spouse so that each of you can attend an individual interview.
Find appointment detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at an immigration office appointment for Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the immigration office to decide your application, and answer any requests for more information or documents. If approved, you can stay in Costa Rica as a temporary resident for the period granted.
Find decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I find out about a decision on Costa Rica residencia temporal vínculo con cónyuge costarricense?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Partner's Costa Rican ID
Provide a copy of your Costa Rican spouse or partner's identity card. Have the copy checked against the original by the immigration office receiving it or certified by a notary.
Partnership court decision *
Get a certified copy of the court decision recognising your partnership from the court that issued it. Your partnership must be recognised by a court for this pathway.
* Only if you apply through an unmarried partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence conditions
Keep your immigration document valid and work only in activities the immigration authorities authorize.
To renew, you must prove each year that you live with your spouse and show that you know each other.
Social insurance contributions
If you are neither an employee nor self-employed, you must join and pay into public health insurance and disability, old-age and survivors’ insurance.
If you work, you are normally covered through the insurance plan for your work.
Residence can end
Your residence can end or be cancelled if it expires without an extension, its conditions are broken, you work without permission, or there is fraud or another legal ground.
If you cannot prove you live with your spouse, renewal can be refused and you may be ordered to leave Costa Rica.
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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