Costa Rica Visa Guide

ByCalculators Online
Updated for 2026 Immigration Rules

Costa Rica Visa Guide

Your complete guide to Costa Rica visa requirements, including tourist exemptions, the Digital Nomad Visa, Pensionado, and Rentista residency options.

🛂 90-Day Visa-Free
💻 Digital Nomad Friendly
🌴 Retirement Options
🇬🇧 UK & US Citizens
Visa Categories

Choose Your Pathway

Costa Rica offers several entry and residency options depending on your purpose of stay, income, and nationality.

Tourist Entry Requirements

Most visitors from the UK, US, Canada, and EU do not need a pre-arranged visa for short stays.

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Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay (6 months validity is strongly recommended by airlines).
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Proof of Onward Travel: A return ticket or a ticket to another destination within 90 days.
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Proof of Funds: Evidence of at least $100 USD per month of intended stay to cover living expenses.
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Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Long-Term Residency

For those looking to stay beyond the initial 90-day tourist period.

Valid for 1 year (renewable for 1 more). Requires $3,000/month income (individual) or $4,000/month (family) from foreign sources. Exempt from local income tax on foreign earnings.
Requires a guaranteed lifetime monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Offers significant discounts on utilities, transport, and entertainment.
Requires proof of a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 USD for at least two years, or a one-time deposit of $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank.
Quick Reference

Visa Types & Durations

A summary of the most common visa and residency categories available in Costa Rica for 2026.

Visa / Residency Type Max Duration Key Requirement Work Rights
Tourist Entry Stamp 90 Days Onward ticket & valid passport No
Digital Nomad Visa 1 Year (Renewable) $3,000/mo foreign income Remote work for foreign entities only
Pensionado 1 Year (Renewable) $1,000/mo lifetime pension No (without separate permit)
Rentista 1 Year (Renewable) $2,500/mo guaranteed income No (without separate permit)
Temporary Resident (Work) 1-2 Years Local employer sponsorship Yes, for sponsoring employer
⚠️ Important Note: All foreign documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, police records) must be apostilled in their country of origin and officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Costa Rica before submission to Migración.
Application Process

How to Apply

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process for long-term residency or visa extensions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).

1
Gather Documents: Obtain apostilled background checks, birth certificates, and proof of income from your home country.
2
Official Translation: Have all foreign documents translated into Spanish by a translator certified by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3
Open a Bank Account: Some visas require depositing funds or proving local financial ties. This is easier to do once you have your passport entry stamp.
4
Submit via Migración: Applications are now submitted digitally through the DGME online portal. You will need a digital signature (Firma Digital) to proceed.

Need Help?

Professional guidance can prevent costly delays.

Website: migracion.go.cr
Location: La Uruca, San José
Appointments are mandatory and often book weeks in advance.
💡 Pro Tip: While it is possible to apply for residency independently, many expats hire a local immigration attorney (gestor). They understand the bureaucratic nuances and can significantly speed up the approval process.
Common Questions

Costa Rica Visa FAQ

Everything you need to know about visiting, working, and retiring in Costa Rica.

No, UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You will receive a tourist entry stamp upon arrival, provided your passport is valid and you have proof of onward travel.

Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least $3,000 USD for individuals, or $4,000 USD for families applying together, from remote work or foreign sources. Bank statements for the last 12 months are typically required.

Yes, you can apply for a 90-day extension at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) before your initial stamp expires. This requires paying a fee and providing a valid reason, such as ongoing tourism or medical treatment.

The Pensionado visa is for retirees who can prove a lifetime monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. The Rentista visa is for individuals who can prove a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 USD for at least two years, or who deposit $60,000 USD into a Costa Rican bank.

Yes, a Costa Rican digital signature (Firma Digital) is now mandatory for submitting residency applications through the DGME online portal. You can obtain this from the Banco Popular or other certified providers once you are in the country.

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