Costa Rica Annuitant Residency

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 12 August, 2025

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length 2 years

Possible to extend? Yes, renewable in 2-year increments if requirements are still met.

Who can apply? Individuals who can demonstrate stable, long-term financial support and meet Costa Rica’s residency criteria.

Minimum Income Requirements USD $2,500 per month for a minimum of 2 years.

Time for visa applications On average, 6 to 12 months from the date of submission.

Want to know if you can apply?

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If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to ocean breezes, lush rainforests, and the relaxed pace of pura vida living, Costa Rica’s Annuitant Residency could make that dream a reality. Designed for individuals with a guaranteed long-term income, this residency category lets you enjoy the country’s beauty and benefits without the need to work locally.

Whether you’re looking for a tropical base for retirement, a safe and stable environment to spend part of the year, or a pathway to eventual Costa Rican citizenship, the Annuitant Residency offers a clear, legal route. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the official requirements, the application process, and the unique perks you can expect, straight from trusted government sources.

Costa Rica Annuitant Residency Overview

The Costa Rica Annuitant Residency is a form of temporary residency designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable, long-term income from a reliable source. While Costa Rica has offered residency programs for retirees, investors, and rentistas for many years, the annuitant category is specifically tailored to those receiving consistent income from pensions, annuities, or other verifiable financial sources. It provides a legal pathway to live in Costa Rica while enjoying the country’s many tax and lifestyle benefits, without engaging in local employment.

Who Is It For?

The Annuitant Residency is ideal for:

Individuals with a permanent, guaranteed monthly income of at least USD $2,500, verified through official bank or certified accountant documentation.
People who wish to live in Costa Rica either full-time or part-time without the need to work locally.
Applicants seeking a path toward Costa Rican citizenship after seven years of continuous residency.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

With Annuitant Residency status, you can:

Legally reside in Costa Rica while maintaining your income from abroad.
Import household items tax- and duty-free, as well as up to two vehicles with exemptions.
Travel freely in and out of Costa Rica during the application process.
Open a local bank account and, once approved, access full banking services including SINPE transfers.
Start and operate your own business (though you cannot be employed by a Costa Rican company).
Apply for citizenship after meeting the seven-year residency requirement.

Costa Rica Annuitant Residency Requirements

To apply for Costa Rica Annuitant Residency, you’ll need to submit a complete set of official documents. All foreign documents must be duly apostilled or legalized and, if not in Spanish, officially translated by a certified translator in Costa Rica.

Basic document checklist:

Completed application form and letter of request.
Two recent passport-size photos.
Proof of payment for the USD $250 application deposit.
Valid passport, with certified copies of the main identification page and most recent entry stamp.
Birth certificate, apostilled.
Police record certificate (valid for six months from issuance; not required for children under 12)
Marriage certificate (if applicable), apostilled.
Official translations of all non-Spanish documents.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must provide proof of a permanent and stable monthly income of at least USD $2,500 for a period of no less than two years.

If the income comes from within Costa Rica, it must be verified by a document issued by a bank in the National Banking System.
If the income is from abroad, it must be verified by a banking institution in the country of origin.
If no banking institution issues the document, a certificate from a Certified Public Accountant (based on reliable documents from the income’s source country) may be used.

Private Health Insurance

While private health insurance is not mandatory for the Annuitant Residency application, registration with Costa Rica’s national healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CCSS) becomes mandatory after your residency is approved. This requires a monthly contribution, which covers public healthcare services and contributes to the pension system. Many applicants choose to maintain private health insurance during the application process or as supplemental coverage once registered with CCSS.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

How to Apply for the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency involves gathering official documents, meeting the financial requirements, and submitting your application to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). Below is a step-by-step guide based on official guidelines.

Step 1 – Gather All Required Documents

Prepare all documents listed in the Visa Requirements section, ensuring:

They are duly apostilled or legalized.
Any non-Spanish documents are officially translated by a certified translator in Costa Rica.
The police record certificate is less than six months old.

Step 2 – Draft and Sign Your Application Letter

Your application must include a formal letter of request addressed to DGME. This letter should outline your intent to apply for Annuitant Residency and confirm that you meet all requirements.

Step 3 – Provide Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Include bank-issued proof (or certified accountant documentation) showing a guaranteed monthly income of at least USD $2,500 for at least two years.

Step 4 – Pay the Application Deposit

Deposit USD $250 as part of your application fee, keeping proof of payment for submission.

Step 5 – Submit Your Application

You can file your application:

In person at the DGME offices in Costa Rica.
Through a Costa Rican consulate in your home country (documents will be forwarded to DGME).

Step 6 – Wait for Review and Approval

While your application is being processed, you may freely enter and exit Costa Rica as long as you comply with tourist entry requirements (valid passport, proof of funds, and a return or onward ticket).

Step 7 – Register with CCSS After Approval

Once approved, you will receive instructions to register with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) for healthcare and pension contributions before receiving your residency card (DIMEX).

Step 8 – Receive Your DIMEX Card

After completing all post-approval steps, you will be issued your DIMEX card, officially granting you temporary residency under the Annuitant category.

Stay Requirements for Annuitant Residents

To keep your Costa Rica Annuitant Residency valid, you must visit Costa Rica at least once every year. Even if you spend most of your time abroad, failing to meet this minimum presence requirement can result in the cancellation of your residency.

The permit is usually granted for two years, after which you must apply for renewal before it expires. At renewal, you will need to prove that you still meet the monthly income requirement of USD $2,500 and that your documentation remains valid. While your application is being processed, you are free to enter and exit Costa Rica as long as you meet standard tourist entry conditions, such as holding a valid passport, demonstrating economic solvency, and having a return or onward ticket.

Once approved, you can choose to live in Costa Rica full-time or part-time, provided you meet the annual visit rule.

How Much Does the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency Cost?

The total cost of applying for the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency depends on official government fees, document preparation expenses, and any translation or legalization services you may need. The core application deposit is USD $250, which must be paid when you submit your application. Additional costs may include:

DIMEX card fee: Around USD $100–$140 plus small bank and postage fees
Official translations: Starting at about USD $30 per document (varies by length and language)
Apostille/legalization: Varies by country, often USD $0–$100+ per document
Police record certificate: Varies by country, often USD $0–$100+
Passport-size photos: Around USD $5–$15
Courier or mailing fees: Around USD $10–$50 if needed
CCSS monthly contribution: Based on declared income (for USD $2,500/month, often a few hundred USD)
Optional professional/legal assistance: Can range from a few hundred to a few thousand USD, depending on services

It’s important to budget for both the official immigration fees and the supporting documentation costs, as failing to submit complete, properly legalized documents can delay your application.

Taxes for People With a Costa Rica Annuitant Residency

Holders of the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency enjoy several tax benefits, especially when their income is sourced from abroad. The declared income used to qualify for this visa is exempt from Costa Rican income tax, as Costa Rica generally taxes only income generated within its borders.

Additional tax advantages include:

Duty- and tax-free importation of household goods for personal use.
The ability to import up to two vehicles without paying import taxes or duties.
20% reduction in the real estate transfer tax when purchasing property.
Exemption from taxes on professional or scientific instruments used for personal activities.

It’s important to note that holding an Annuitant Residency does not automatically make you a tax resident in Costa Rica. You will only be considered a tax resident if you meet the standard residency criteria for tax purposes. This includes spending more than 183 days in the country in a tax year or meeting other legal requirements under Costa Rican tax law.

Living in Costa Rica with the Annuitant Residency

Living in Costa Rica with an Annuitant Residency offers a unique balance of comfort, security, and the vibrant pura vida lifestyle. With your residency in place, you can settle into a tropical environment known for its biodiversity, friendly communities, and political stability. You’ll have the freedom to enjoy modern amenities in cities like San José or Escazú, or embrace a slower pace in beach towns and mountain villages. Since your income comes from abroad, you can focus on enjoying Costa Rica’s natural beauty, fresh local food, and cultural events without the pressure of finding local employment.

Daily life as an annuitant can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. You can explore national parks, take up hobbies like surfing or birdwatching, or get involved in community activities. The Annuitant Residency also makes it easier to integrate into local systems, such as opening a bank account, purchasing property, and accessing the public healthcare network through the CCSS once you’re registered. Whether you plan to stay year-round or divide your time between Costa Rica and your home country, this visa provides a legal and flexible foundation for a fulfilling life in one of the most sought-after destinations in Latin America.

Best Cities to Live in Costa Rica

San José

As Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, San José offers the most developed infrastructure, a wide range of services, and excellent healthcare facilities. It’s a hub for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, with theaters, museums, and lively markets. While it’s a bustling urban environment, it also serves as a convenient base for exploring the country, thanks to its central location and strong transportation connections.

Escazú

Often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Costa Rica,” Escazú is known for its upscale neighborhoods, international schools, and modern shopping centers. It’s especially popular with expatriates who want easy access to San José’s amenities but prefer a quieter, more residential setting. The city offers beautiful mountain views, cooler temperatures, and a mix of local charm with cosmopolitan comforts.

Tamarindo

Located on the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is a vibrant beach town famous for its surfing, stunning sunsets, and active expat community. It offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and outdoor activities. While it’s more tourist-oriented than some other towns, Tamarindo provides a lively coastal atmosphere and easy access to other beach destinations in the Guanacaste region.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). ₡1,000 = approximately $1.85 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Costa Rica is around ₡580,000 CRC, which equates to approximately $1,075 USD. Keep in mind that costs and salaries vary significantly depending on the region and your lifestyle.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

San José

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $650 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $950 per month
Basic Utilities – $85 per month
Wi-Fi – $35 per month
Public Transport – $0.90 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $300–$450 per month

Escazú

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $1,067 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $1,950 per month
Basic Utilities – $115 per month
Wi-Fi – $55 per month
Public Transport – $1.70 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $500–$650 per month

Tamarindo

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $950 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $1,400 per month
Basic Utilities – $100 per month
Wi-Fi – $45 per month
Public Transport – $1.20 one-way
Groceries (2 people) – $400–$550 per month

FAQ

Can I work in Costa Rica with an Annuitant Residency?

No. This visa does not allow you to be employed by a Costa Rican company. However, you may own and operate your own business or work remotely for clients abroad.

How long is the Annuitant Residency valid?

The residency is typically granted for two years at a time. You must apply for renewal before it expires and continue to meet the USD $2,500 monthly income requirement.

Do I have to live in Costa Rica full-time to keep my residency?

No. You are only required to visit Costa Rica at least once every year to maintain your status. However, if you plan to apply for citizenship later, you’ll need to meet continuous residency requirements.

Can my family join me under this visa?

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application, although additional documentation (such as marriage and birth certificates) will be required.

Will my foreign income be taxed in Costa Rica?

No. Costa Rica generally only taxes income earned within the country. The income you declare to meet the visa requirement is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.

Can I get help applying for the Costa Rica Annuitant Residency?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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