The Independent Means Visa in Costa Rica, also known as the Costa Rica Retirement Visa or the Pensionado Visa, offers temporary residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Costa Rica provides a pathway to temporary residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a Central American paradise known for its natural beauty and high quality of life.
Visão geral
A route to temporary residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Costa Rica
Requisitos de elegibilidade
Individuals with passive income from a foreign source
Restrições do ancestral da âncora
Meses para a cidadania
Duração do visto
Temporary residency, renewable every 2 years
Meses para o visto
2-3 months
Requisito de presença física
4 months per year
Disponibilidade
Alta
Bolsa Família
Cônjuge e filhos
Visão geral
Submit application in person at the Costa Rican Immigration Office or through a licensed attorney
Dúvidas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
What types of income qualify as passive income?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Costa Rican citizenship?
benefits
Independent Means Visa in Costa Rica
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Costa Rica's tropical paradise.
Stable democracy
High quality of life
Beautiful natural environment
Low monthly income requirement
No minimum investment required
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Online Submission Allowed
Países com isenção de visto
129
Passport Validity
10 years
Access to newly-joined Schengen Area
Ability to live and work in any EU country
Preservation of Croatian cultural heritage
Program Stability
Minimal Physical Presence Requirement
No Generational Limit to claim citizenship
Países com isenção de visto
151
Passport Validity
10 years
Visão geral
Costa Rica offers a stable democracy, excellent healthcare, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Benefícios:
Vantagens:
Dúvidas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
What types of income qualify as passive income?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Costa Rican citizenship?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their stable passive income.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Biometrics
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through a police clearance certificate from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 3 years.
Applicants must prove they can support themselves without working in Costa Rica
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
31
Classificação geral
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Requisitos de elegibilidade
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
58
Custo de vida
33
Quality of Life
50
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Healthcare Quality
62
Internet Speed
48
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Human Freedom
29
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
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