Costa Rica (CR)

Valid passport is the primary identity document for all non-citizens. Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay. Required for all DGME immigration appointments, bank account openings, and property transactions. Bring the original and at least 3 certified photocopies (front page + visa page). Some processes require a certified copy from a Costa Rican notary.

Required for residency applications, family visa petitions, and marriage registration in Costa Rica. Must be an original or certified copy issued by the appropriate authority (not a photocopy). Non-Spanish documents must be officially translated by a Costa Rican certified translator (traductora oficial). If your country is a Hague Convention signatory, an apostille is required; otherwise, legalisation through the Costa Rican consulate in the issuing country is needed.

Required if applying for family-based residency (spouse of a Costa Rican or legal resident), or to register a marriage in Costa Rica. Must be certified/authenticated according to the issuing country's rules, apostilled if applicable, and officially translated to Spanish. Costa Rica recognises same-sex marriages for immigration purposes.

Required for family residency applications covering minor children. Each child must have their own birth certificate, apostilled and officially translated. Also needed for school enrolment in the public and private systems. Children born in Costa Rica are automatically registered at the Registro Civil.

Required for all residency applications. Must be issued within 6 months of submission. Required from each country where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Must be apostilled and officially translated. For US citizens, the FBI-issued background check (with apostille) is the standard document. Costa Rican criminal record check also required — obtained at the OIJ (Organismo de Investigación Judicial) in San José.

Required for Pensionado, Rentista, and Inversionista visa applications. For Pensionado: official letter from pension authority (Social Security, government pension) confirming minimum $1,000/month in pension income. Must be authenticated and translated. For Rentista: certified bank statement showing $2,500/month income over at least 12 months, or a minimum $60,000 bank deposit letter from an approved financial institution. For Inversionista: certified documentation of $150,000+ investment in Costa Rica.

Needed for bank account openings, utility connections, and some government registrations. Accepted forms: recent utility bill (ICE, AYA, CNFL — within 3 months), official lease agreement, or a signed letter from landlord with their cédula copy. If renting informally, a notarised statement may be required. CAJA registration and SINPE Móvil setup also require an address in Costa Rica.

Required if you intend to practise a regulated profession in Costa Rica (medicine, law, engineering, architecture, pharmacy, dentistry). Must be recognised by the relevant professional colegios (guilds). Foreign degrees require authentication (apostille), official Spanish translation, and formal recognition (equiparación) through the University of Costa Rica (UCR) or CONESUP. The process takes 3–12 months and costs $200–600.

Required for employed-based residency (visa de trabajo). The employer must be legally incorporated in Costa Rica and registered with the CCSS. The employment contract must be signed before a Costa Rican notary and submitted to DGME. The employer must demonstrate no qualified Costa Rican was available for the role. Work permits are tied to the specific employer.

Proof of CCSS membership or private health insurance is required for residency applications and for the Digital Nomad visa. For CCSS voluntary enrolment: the CCSS membership certificate (declaración de asegurado) serves as proof. For private insurance: a letter from the insurer confirming active coverage valid in Costa Rica with hospital and emergency cover. Minimum coverage required for Digital Nomad visa: hospitalisation, surgery, emergency care.

If importing a vehicle: original title/registration, proof of ownership, purchase receipt, and any lien release documentation. All documents must be officially translated. The vehicle must pass a MOPT inspection at the border crossing. Import duty (arancel) is 52.29% of assessed value for most vehicles older than 3 years, plus 13% IVA. New vehicles pay 0–50% depending on engine size and age. Costa Rica has strict emissions and age restrictions — verify eligibility before importing.

Required to bring pets to Costa Rica. Health certificate issued by licensed vet and endorsed by the official government veterinary authority within 30 days of travel. Rabies vaccination required (valid certificate). Dogs and cats must have a microchip (ISO 15 digit standard). Entry through SJO (Juan Santamaría) or other SENASA-supervised ports. SENASA (national animal health service) inspects documents at arrival.

The DIMEX card is the Costa Rican residency card issued to all legal residents by the DGME. It functions as your primary ID card once you have residency. Required for: CCSS registration, bank accounts, vehicle registration, property transactions, tax registration at Hacienda, opening a SINPE Móvil account, and most government interactions. The DIMEX contains your NITE (Número de Identificación Tributario Especial) tax number.