Passive IncomeActive

Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Costa Rica · Latin America

3.0
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

$2,500

Application Fee

$50

Processing Time

52–78 wks

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

24 months

Path to Citizenship

—

Overview

Costa Rica Rentista Visa requires proof of $2,500 monthly passive income for 2 years, includes dependents, renewable with 4 months annual stay, leads to PR after 3 years.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityOpen to all nationalities

No nationality is officially restricted

Minimum Income$2,500 USD/month
Accepted Income SourcesPassive / Investment Income
Minimum Savings$60,000 USD
Application Fee$50 USD
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedNo
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical Presence120 days/year
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableYes
Duration24 months
Leads to PRYes
Years to PR3 years

Requirements Checklist

- **Identity Documents:**

- Valid passport (good for 6+ months)

- Birth certificate (official copy, Spanish translation stamped)

- Marriage certificate if dependents (official copy, Spanish translation stamped)

- 4 passport-sized photos

- **Financial Proof:**

- Bank statements (12 months showing $2,500 USD/month passive income and $60,000 USD savings)

- Proof of passive income sources (e.g., accountant letter)

- **Health:**

- Health insurance proof (required; specifics not detailed)

- **Other:**

- No apostille, FBI background check, medical exam, or certificate of coverage needed

- Embassy registration proof if applicable

- All foreign docs need Spanish translations and stamps

📍 Application location: Apply at Costa Rica immigration offices, typically in-country after entering on a tourist visa. Consulate application in home country possible but in-country switch common for expats. Submit complete dossier with $50 fee; processing 52-78 weeks.

Tax Information

Tax Regime:Territorial (foreign income exempt)

Costa Rica operates a territorial tax regime, taxing only income sourced within the country. Foreign passive income for Rentista visa holders is not taxed locally. Tax treaty with the US is unknown, so US citizens must file worldwide income reports. No special tax regime like NHR applies. Become tax resident if meeting physical presence (120 days/year); consult advisor for obligations. No existing tax notes specified for this visa.

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Not permitted
·Accepted income sources: Passive / Investment Income

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Research eligibility and gather finances

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    📄 Collect identity and financial documents

    2-4 weeks

  3. 3

    📋 Prepare application dossier

    1 week

  4. 4

    📬 Submit application to immigration

    Same day

  5. 5

    ⏳ Wait for processing decision

    52-78 weeks

  6. 6

    🏛️ Complete in-country registration

    1-2 weeks

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

The minimum monthly income requirement is $2,500 USD. This must be from passive income sources. You also need to show minimum savings of $60,000 USD.
Only passive income sources are allowed, such as dividends, rentals, pensions, or similar. Employment income does not qualify. The structured data specifies passive income explicitly.
Yes, dependents are allowed, including spouse and children. No additional income percentage is specified for adult dependents or child dependents. The main applicant's income covers them.
Yes, it leads to permanent residency after 3 years. The visa duration is 24 months and is renewable. Physical presence of at least 120 days per year is required.
The visa lasts 24 months and is renewable. It requires 120 days physical presence per year. Renewal cost is not specified.
You must spend at least 120 days per year in Costa Rica. Maximum consecutive absence is not specified. Failure to meet this may affect renewals or PR path.
Yes, health insurance is required. Specific coverage level or provider is not specified in the data. Enroll in Costa Rica's healthcare system as needed.
Costa Rica has a territorial tax regime, taxing only local income. Foreign passive income is not taxed. No special regime for visa holders is specified.
Tax treaty with the US is unknown. You remain subject to US worldwide taxation if applicable. Consult a tax advisor for filing obligations.
Yes, minimum savings of $60,000 USD are required in addition to the $2,500 USD monthly income. This proves financial stability. Documentation via bank statements is typical.

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At a Glance

Renewable✓ Yes
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✓ Yes (3yr)
Local Work✗ Not permitted
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical Presence120 days/yr
Admin Ease1.4/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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