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Costa RicaStatus in-countryLast checked October 17, 2026

Temporary Residence – Pensionado

retiree

A temporary residence subcategory for foreigners who receive a lifetime pension. The Reglamento de Extranjería requires proof from a competent authority of a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month. The spouse, children under 25 and adult children with disabilities can be included.

See requirements ↓

Life in Costa Rica

Money

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.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

7.4

#4 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Retirees with a lifetime pension from a government, private or other recognised source.

Eligibility

  • Lifetime pension

    Show proof from a competent authority that you receive a lifetime (vitalicia) pension of at least US$1,000 per month.

    US$1,000

    Minimum lifetime pension · or colón equivalent

    • Colón equivalent uses the BCCR sale rate
    Official wording

    Proof from a competent authority that you receive a lifetime (vitalicia) pension of no less than US$1,000 per month, or the colón equivalent at the BCCR sale rate.

  • Foreign certification

    If the certification is issued abroad it must be legalised and authenticated or apostilled.

  • DependantsDependants

    Your spouse, children under 25 and adult children with disabilities may be included in the application.

    • Children must be under 25, unless they are adults with disabilities
    Official wording

    Spouse, children under 25 and adult children with disabilities may be included.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementClean record
  • Document checklistFiliation form and signed application (solicitud de permanencia legal)
  • FeesResidence application payment (Art. 255, Ley 8764)

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 6 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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