Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Costa Rica has positioned itself as an attractive destination for international investors. As part of a broader strategy to stimulate post-pandemic economic recovery and encourage international investment, the country passed Law 9996 in 2021. The law was designed to attract foreign investors, retirees and rentiers by introducing a number of important reforms.

Among the most notable changes:

• • • The minimum investment requirement for temporary residency as an investor was reduced from USD 200,000 to USD 150,000.
    • Real estate investment must now be held directly by the individual applicant under their personal name. It is no longer possible to qualify for investor residency through real estate if the property is registered under a corporation’s name, although real estate investments made through a corporation are not entirely excluded and must meet strict conditions.

What is Costa Rica Investment Residency?

The investor visa provides temporary residency to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Costa Rica. It can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Costa Rica Investment Residency Requirements

Applicants must show an investment of at least USD 150,000 in one of the categories recognized by Law 9996.

What Types of Investments Qualify for Residency?

Costa Rica recognizes several categories of qualifying investments under Law 9996. Each requires proper documentation and compliance with local regulations.

1. 1. Real Estate or Registrable Assets

• • • • The applicant must be the registered owner of a real estate or movable property duly recorded in the National Registry.
      • Investments made through a mortgage loan may qualify if the applicant demonstrates an initial down payment of at least USD 150,000 or reaches this threshold in combination with other qualifying investments.

2. Company Shares

• • • •  The applicant must prove their capital contribution as a shareholder.
      •  The company’s share capital must reflect the actual investment made by the applicant, and that contribution must be equal to or greater than the legal minimum.
      •  A notarial certification must show that the applicant is a shareholder in the company and that their subscribed and paid-in capital contribution meets or exceeds the legal threshold.
      • Only companies with active economic operations in Costa Rica are eligible. Inactive holding companies do not qualify.

3. Securities

• • • • Investments made through a licensed brokerage firm (puesto de bolsa) registered with SUGEVAL, Costa Rica’s securities regulator, are eligible.

4. Projects of National Interest or Productive Projects

• • • •  Investments in projects that have been formally recognized by the Costa Rican government.
      • Projects of national interest must be declared by the Executive Branch through an executive decree, which is then published in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta.

5. Reforestation Projects

• • • • Certification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) is required, in line with the Forestry Law (No. 7575), confirming a sustainable investment of at least USD 150,000.

6. Venture Capital Funds

• • • •  The investment fund must be registered with SUGEVAL’s National Securities Registry.

7. Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Projects

• • • •  Designed for investments in projects that support Costa Rica’s tourism sector under sustainability principles.
      • To qualify, the project must obtain a technical opinion from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), confirming that it meets the criteria for sustainable tourism infrastructure.

Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica: Key Considerations

When it comes to real estate, the importance of specialized guidance cannot be overstated. Many foreign investors proceed with property acquisitions under structures that, while valid for commercial or tax purposes, ultimately cannot be used to support a residency application. This often results in costly restructuring or, in the worst cases, the inability to qualify for residency at all.

It is important to note that real estate investments made through corporations are not entirely excluded. With the right planning, these structures may still serve as a valid path to residency, but only if certain requirements are met, such as maintaining an active economic purpose and ensuring sufficient share capital. Without careful preparation, investors often face additional costs, unexpected setbacks, and delays.

 Securing residency in Costa Rica requires more than simply meeting the minimum investment threshold. Careful planning, proper documentation, and a clear understanding of legal requirements are essential. By aligning investments with immigration goals and preparing strategically from the outset, investors can protect their investment and enjoy a smoother, more successful path to living in Costa Rica.

Need to Know More? 

To know more about immigration to Costa Rica, visit Fragomen’s Costa Rica Citizenship page and schedule a consultation or contact Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman at [email protected].

This blog was published on 9 September 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.