Inversionista Visa (Investor Residency)
Category: Migration · Processing time: 6-12 months / —
Recently verified
Apply through official authority
Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-29.
Visa type
Migration
Processing time
6-12 months / —
Fees
MinIncomePoints: Minimum investment of USD 150,000 (~EUR 138,000) in a Costa Rican business, real estate, or qualifying asset
Validity
Temporary residency valid for 2 years, renewable.
Stay duration
Indefinite as long as the investment is maintained.
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Inversionista Visa (Investor Residency) immigration pathway. Path to permanent residence: —. Path to citizenship: —. Income / points requirement: Minimum investment of USD 150,000 (~EUR 138,0
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Minimum investment of USD 150,000 in a Costa Rican business, real estate, or qualifying asset.
Estimated Costs
- - MinIncomePoints: Minimum investment of USD 150,000 (~EUR 138,000) in a Costa Rican business, real estate, or qualifying asset
- - MinSavings: —
- - PathToPr: —
- - PathToCitizenship: —
Required Documents
- - Proof of investment (e.g., business registration, property deed).
- - Valid passport.
- - Background check certificate.
- - Proof of financial means.
Application Steps
- Gather required documents.
- Submit application to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for processing (6-12 months).
- Receive your visa approval.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in Costa Rica (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Citizenship timeline: —
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Costa Rica depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Costa Rica, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Costa Rica for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Costa Rica, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Costa Rica, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Costa Rica through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa pro
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Costa Rica, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Inversionista Visa (Investor Residency). It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Insufficient proof of investment.
- - Incomplete application forms.
- - Failure to meet financial requirements.
- - Criminal record issues.
Application Tips
- - Ensure all documents are translated into Spanish if necessary.
- - Keep copies of all submitted documents.
- - Consult with a local immigration expert if needed.
- - Be prepared for potential interviews or additional documentation requests.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Last verified 2026-05-29.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Migration pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 6-12 months / —, subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.