The Residency blues

Costa Rican residency grants foreign nationals the legal right to live in Costa Rica. If you plan to permanently relocate to Costa Rica, you should become a legal resident.
http://www.costarica.com/retirement/rel … igibility/


Temporary Residency

Temporary residency allows foreigners the right to live in Costa Rica for a set period of time, usually one to five years. The most common types of temporary residency are Rentista (Annuity Holder), Pensionado (Retiree), and Inversionista (Investor). As of March 2010, foreign spouses of Costa Ricans must apply for temporary residency.

Temporary residents are permitted to live in Costa Rica, own a business, and collect income from a business; they may not work in their own business or as an employee. As a temporary resident, you are subject to certain annual residency requirements, and may have to exchange a required amount of dollars each month. See more on Residency Eligibility.


Permanent Residency

There are two ways to obtain permanent residency: through first-degree relation to a Costa Rican or by holding temporary residency for a period of three years. Permanent residency must be renewed every year, but does not expire. Permanent residents may legally work in Costa Rica.

A first-degree relationship includes parents and children (under age 25) of Costa Rican citizens, minor siblings of Costa Rican citizens, and parents or siblings of disabled Costa Rican citizens. As of March 2010, Immigration no longer considers marriage a first-degree relationship status; spouses of Costa Rican citizens must file for temporary residency.

If you have held temporary residency – Rentista (Annuity Holder), Pensionado (Retiree), Inversionista (Investor), or Spousal – for more than three years, you are eligible to change your residency status to permanent resident. This request will be subject to a $200 fee. See more on Residency Eligibility.


Citizenship

Some residents choose to cement their link to Costa Rica by applying for citizenship through naturalization. You are eligible for naturalization after two years of marriage to a Costa Rican or seven years of legal residency.


If you plan to permanently relocate to Costa Rica, you should also plan to become a legal resident. There are several paths to legal residency, which are outlined below. We recommend that you consult a lawyer before beginning the process since Costa Rican residency requires a lot of paperwork and knowledge of Spanish legalese.


Permanent Residency

This is the most flexible form of Costa Rican residency.

Application Requirements: First-degree relationship to a Costa Rican citizen.

•    Parents of minor Costa Rican citizens

•    Children of Costa Rican citizens: May only apply through age 25

•    Parents or sibling caretakers of disabled Costa Rican citizens

•    Minor siblings of Costa Rican citizens

•    Additionally, expats who have had legal temporary residency (see below) for at least three years may apply for permanent residency.

•    Note: As of March 2010, spouses of Costa Rican citizens do not qualify for permanent residency. They must apply for temporary residency.

Currency Exchange Requirement: There are no monthly currency exchange requirements.

Caja (Public Health Insurance) Requirement: Permanent residents are required to affiliate with the public health system (CCSS). This may be through your employer or as a voluntary member or an independent worker.

Dependents: Costa Rican permanent residents may claim spouses and first-degree family members (for example, minor children).

Work Status: You are legal to work in Costa Rica. You may also own a company and receive income.

Minimum Residency Requirement: As a permanent resident, you must visit Costa Rica at least once per year for a minimum of 72 hours.

Length of Validity: Permanent residents are required to renew their residency every year.

Just came back from 8 days in Panama,came through Paso Canoas had no trouble received 90 day visa, was driving my own car which has Costa Rican plates.

BillA:
http://www.costarica.com/retirement/rel … documents/ This is another useful site for required documents. Did notice you have no info on registering with USA Embassy which is required also finger prints here in Costa Rica. All documents must have authentication requirements both from USA & Costa Rican consulate located in CA if that is the consulate that is responsible  for the state of your birth.You also will need your marriage license authenticated. Proof of income must also be authenticated by both USA & Costa Rica. Total fees I paid for all authentications to Costa Rica was$280.00 deposited in bank account number (Bank of America) I received from calling Costa Rican consulate.It is my understanding that all documents need to be authenticated in your USA state of origin by The Secretary of State office.

Hi Ron,
Many Thanks for your informative comments. Every day is a new lesson.

"Note: As of March 2010, spouses of Costa Rican citizens do not qualify for permanent residency. They must apply for temporary residency."
The other requirements I was familiar with (except registering with the US Embassy), but this change floored me.

The naturalization process is far more simple than residency, and renders residency moot.
I have already been fingerprinted by CR, and a US police check is not required - avoiding the (US) fingerprinting supreme hassle.
I have been married for (many) more than 2 years and my US marriage has been registered with CR Civil Registry.
My present passport shows more than 2 years in country, adjusted for days out getting visa renewals - for which I will need a certificate from the CR Computer Department of Immigration.
My birth certificate is 'in the works', and even that can be replaced with a sworn statement to Immigration.

It is a year long process but seems far easier than the temporary/permanent residence process.

Comments?

Bill