A Costa Rica Investor Residency gives qualifying investors and their families a recognised, legal route to residency in Costa Rica. With a minimum investment from $150,000, it is one of the Americas region’s notable residency options in 2026.
What you can invest in
- $150,000 in real estate, business, or registered investment
- $100,000 for approved reforestation/forestry projects
- Sustainable tourism and other qualifying investments
How long it takes
Costa Rica’s typical processing time is Several months. Timelines depend on document readiness, due-diligence checks, and current government caseloads, so starting early and submitting a complete file is the single biggest factor in a fast approval.
Who you can include
You can bring your family with you: Spouse and dependent children. Including dependants at the time of application is almost always simpler and cheaper than adding them later.
What you receive
Low investment threshold, stable democracy, high quality of life, and Law 9996 tax/import incentives.
Path to permanent status
Temporary → PR after 3 yrs; naturalization after 7 yrs (5 for Ibero-American/Spanish)
Costs to budget for
Beyond the headline investment of $150,000, plan for Government + legal fees. You should also budget for legal representation, translation and document legalisation, and due-diligence fees where they apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Costa Rica program cost in 2026?
The minimum qualifying investment starts at $150,000, plus government and professional fees.
How long does it take?
Several months.
Do I have to live in Costa Rica?
Enter the country at least once per year.
Can I include my family?
Yes — Spouse and dependent children.
