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Costa RicaStatus in-countryLast checked October 17, 2026

Temporary Residence – Rentista

stable income

A temporary residence subcategory for foreigners who live on a stable, permanent income. Under the Reglamento de Extranjería, applicants must show, with a document from a competent authority, an income of at least US$2,500 per month for no less than two years. 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

People with a guaranteed passive income (e.g. investments, annuities) who want to live in Costa Rica without working locally.

Eligibility

  • Stable income

    Show proof from a competent authority of a stable, permanent income for at least two years.

    US$2,500

    Minimum income · or colón equivalent

    • Colón equivalent uses the BCCR sale rate
    Official wording

    Proof from a competent authority that you will receive a stable, permanent income of no less than US$2,500 per month for a period of at least two years (or the colón equivalent at the BCCR sale rate).

  • Foreign income documents

    If your income comes from abroad, the documents must be legalised and authenticated or apostilled.

    Official wording

    If the income comes from abroad, the documents must be legalised and authenticated or apostilled.

  • DependantsDependants

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

    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)

The full requirements are for members

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