--- title: Student Temporary Residence — Costa Rica (2026) description: Free complete guide to the Student Temporary Residence visa for Costa Rica. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Costa Rica flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fcr.png&w=3840&q=75]COSTA RICA STUDENT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE (ESTUDIANTE) Category: Student · Processing time: 3-6 months Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] Recently verified 3 min readCommunity feedback: open Save visa to plan Visa decisions require official verification MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/] Apply through official authority Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-10-03. Apply on official site → [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] Visa type Student Processing time 3-6 months Fees DimexCard: USD 123 Validity Confirm on official source Stay duration Confirm on official source Entry type Confirm single/multiple entry rules Insurance Confirm if required Bookmark Save this visa to My Plan OVERVIEW The Student Temporary Residence visa in Costa Rica allows international students to reside in the country for full-time study at an accredited educational institution. This visa is essential * Leads to permanent residency: No * Requires job offer: No * Language required: No * Minimum education: Acceptance letter ESTIMATED COSTS * - DimexCard: USD 123 * - ApplicationFee: USD 50 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS * - Acceptance letter from a recognized institution * - Proof of funds to support your stay * - Police clearance certificate (apostilled) * - Birth certificate (apostilled) * - Passport valid for the duration of your studies APPLICATION STEPS 1. Apply at Dirección General de Migración 2. Submit documents 3. Receive DIMEX card Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería → [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] 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 → [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] Browse foreign embassies in Costa Rica (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/costa-rica/] Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal. Application checklist TRACK YOUR STUDENT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PREPARATION Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan. 0 / 12 complete * Confirm Student Temporary Residence requirements on the official Costa Rica immigration source.Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.Check whether this pathway accepts self-sponsored applicants. * Prepare document: Acceptance letter from a recognized institutionCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Proof of funds to support your stayCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Police clearance certificate (apostilled)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Birth certificate (apostilled)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Passport valid for the duration of your studiesCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Complete step: Apply at Dirección General de Migración * Complete step: Submit documents * Complete step: Receive DIMEX card * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval. * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations. Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/] GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Student Temporary Residence in Costa Rica. Get reminders BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS * - Right to study * - Renewable yearly 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. Official portal → [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] RELEVANT LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/costa-rica/work-authorisation-rules/] Employment · Severity: Critical In Costa Rica, understanding work authorization rules is critical for anyone looking to work in the country, whether as a local or a foreign national. You should note that not all visas grant the right to work. For… * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/costa-rica/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/] Immigration · Severity: Critical Your ability to remain in Costa Rica is contingent upon the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. Many individuals, including tourists, students, workers, families, and… * Housing Contract and Deposit Rules [/laws/costa-rica/housing-contract-and-deposit-rules/] Housing · Severity: Medium In Costa Rica, rental agreements must include specific written terms to be legally binding. These contracts should outline the obligations of both the tenant and the landlord, including rental amount, payment… ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/costa-rica/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium In Costa Rica, some agents exploit newcomers by overcharging for essential services related to document translation, notarization, or apostille certification. This scam particularly targets visa applicants, families,… * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/costa-rica/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium In Costa Rica, a scam has emerged where individuals impersonate airport staff, immigration officials, or travel agents. They claim that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country, expedite their processing,… * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/costa-rica/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium In Costa Rica, the scam involving fake university or scholarship letters poses a significant risk to students, parents, and scholarship applicants. Fraudsters often impersonate educational institutions or scholarship… * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/costa-rica/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium In Costa Rica, a common housing scam targets newcomers, particularly students, families, and remote workers. Scammers create fake listings for apartments or houses, often using attractive photos and enticing rental… QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK Use this self-check for Student Temporary Residence. It does not replace official legal assessment. I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher Result: Likely eligible baseline COMMON REJECTION REASONS * - Incomplete application or missing documentation. * - Failure to demonstrate sufficient financial means. * - Issues with the validity or authenticity of documents provided. APPLICATION TIPS * - Ensure all documents are translated into Spanish if required. * - Double-check that your acceptance letter specifies your program and duration. * - Submit your application well in advance of your intended start date to allow for processing. SOURCES & REFERENCES Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ. * Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería [https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categor%C3%ADas-Migratorias.aspx] Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements. * MigrantIQ visa record Summary record maintained for planning and source verification. Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS * All visas · Costa RicaIndex [/visas/costa-rica/] * Costa RicaCountry [/countries/costa-rica/] * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/costa-rica/] * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/] * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/] * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/] * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=costa-rica] * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/] Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHO IS STUDENT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE FOR? This visa is designed for applicants matching Student pathway criteria. HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE? Typical processing time is 3-6 months, subject to documentation quality and application volume. WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FIRST? Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting. LANGUAGE TESTS * No mandatory language tests listed. CONTINUE PLANNING * All visas for Costa Rica [/visas/costa-rica/] * Costa Rica laws hub [/laws/costa-rica/] * Costa Rica scam alerts [/scam-alerts/costa-rica/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. 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