Temporary residence by marriage to a Costa Rican
vínculo matrimonial · Official name: Residencia temporal – persona extranjera con vínculo matrimonial con persona costarricense (Ley 8764, art. 79 inciso 1; Reglamento de Extranjería arts. 78-79)
A foreigner married to a Costa Rican citizen, or in a common-law union recognised by a judge, can get temporary residence 'free of condition' for one year at a time from the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). Both spouses attend an individual interview to confirm the relationship. Unrecognised common-law unions are not accepted. After 3 consecutive years of temporary residence, the spouse can apply for permanent residence; after 2 years of marriage and residence, the spouse can apply to the TSE for naturalisation.
Life in Costa Rica
Finance
3
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
CRC
Costa Rican Colón
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–25%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 13%
Salary scale 2026: monthly salary up to CRC 918,000 exempt; 25% on the excess over CRC 4,727,000 a month. Self-employed have a separate annual scale.
Living
1
Happiness
#4 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Foreign spouses and judicially recognised common-law partners of Costa Rican citizens.
Eligibility
Marriage to a Costa Rican or judicially recognised union
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe marriage must be registered with the Civil Registry of Costa Rica (marriages abroad must first be registered there). Common-law unions need a court resolution recognising them; applications based on unrecognised unions are inadmissible.
Interview of both spouses
Sign in to check this route against your profileBoth spouses go to the DGME service counter or regional office to give individual interviews confirming their details; the migration police may check the information.
Proof the couple knows each other
Sign in to check this route against your profileEvidence showing mutual knowledge between the spouses must be provided.
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