Investor Visa In Costa Rica
Obtaining an investor visa for Costa Rica allows you to reside and work permanently in this Central American nation, making it an attractive option for foreigners interested in taking advantage of the country’s strong economy. If you are considering starting a business in Costa Rica or investing in its import/export or real estate sectors, obtaining an investor visa for Costa Rica is a crucial step in facilitating your plans and ensuring legal compliance.
Costa Rica is not only an ideal destination for living abroad but also a great place for investment and with that for you to receive the Residency for Investors in Costa Rica. The country has established itself as one of the most attractive Latin American countries for Foreign Direct Investment, offering a wide range of investment opportunities. Whether its manufacturing, transportation, hospitality (hotels, B&Bs, bars, restaurants), tourism, real estate, amongst others, Costa Rica provides ample options for investors looking to establish themselves in the country.
An investor visa in Costa Rica: why invest?
Costa Rica has a strategic geographic location, with ease of access to markets in North and South America. It is also a safe country, with some of the lowest crime and violence statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean. Moreover, the country has a booming tourism sector which accounts for nearly 6 percent of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), meaning it is set up to cater to foreigners and has one of the highest levels of English proficiency in the region. Other major sectors of the economy include medical supply, agriculture and IT services.
Costa Rica’s economy has shown consistent growth over recent years, with GDP increasing by close to 3 percent annually during the past decade, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country also maintains a favourable tax regime for foreigners, based on the principle of territoriality, meaning you will not be taxed on earnings generated outside Costa Rica.
To obtain an Investor Visa in Costa Rica, follow these steps:
Step 1
Investment Amount: To qualify, you need to invest US$200,000. This investment can be in an active business, real estate, stocks or securities, or forest plantations (with a minimum investment of US$100,000).
Step 2
Application Process: Submit your application for the Costa Rica Investor Visa at the General Directorate of Immigration in Costa Rica.
Step 3
Visa Validity and Renewal: The Investor Visa is valid for 2 years. You can renew it if you maintain your investment. For renewal, you need to prove that you have lived in Costa Rica for at least 6 months each year, either continuously or intermittently.
Step 4
Permanent Residency: After residing legally in Costa Rica for 3 or more years with any temporary residence permit, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
What are the Requirements for an investor visa in Costa Rica?
Anyone interested in getting an investor visa for Costa Rica must make a minimum investment of $150,000 (USD) .
Typical paperwork and documentation required for obtaining an investor visa include:
2×2 inch headshot of yourself
The receipt of payment of applicable fees
Your passport
Record of your fingerprints
Copy of your birth certificate
Marriage certificate, if applicable.
What should I do After obtaining my visa?
Before getting an investor visa for Costa Rica, your investment must be approved by the Costa Rican government and your request can take up to two months to process. The visa will be filed as a temporary residence permit. If you are approved for an investor visa and live in Costa Rica, after three years you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
To maintain your status, you must be present in the country for a minimum of 72 hours every year. Dual citizenship is permitted for citizens from certain countries, including the United States and Canada, making an investors’ visa a popular option for individuals from these countries.
If asset and political diversification plus healthy, laid-back living in a paradise location sounds like your thing, then Costa Rica might be just the place for you. And if you’re not necessarily looking to invest there, the country’s offers at least three other residency programs that could be well worth considering.
