Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Family plays a key role when adapting to a new location. When Fragomen receives a new immigration case, an initial “high-touch” call is held with the client. The majority of this conversation typically revolves around family-related topics, as applicants are often more concerned about the status and application of their dependents than their own.

Immigration professionals assisting families relocating to Costa Rica often receive questions such as: 

• • • Am I able to bring my spouse under the same application?
    • Are my children over 18 years of age considered my dependents?
    • Is my 30-year-old son with a disability my dependent?
    • My mom and dad live with me, and I want to bring them too — is that possible?

This blog outlines the eligibility requirements for family and dependent residency in Costa Rica.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent in Costa Rica?

The Reglamento de Extranjería (Immigration Ruling No. 37112-GOB) states in its second article that dependents are defined as: 

“Spouse, children under or over age with disabilities, unmarried children up to 25 years of age, parents, and siblings under or over age with disabilities, who are economically dependent on the holder of an immigration status.” 

Therefore, the dependents of a main applicant can be:

• • • Spouse: Includes same-sex partners if a valid apostilled marriage certificate is provided. Civil union partners may qualify if a judicial resolution from the country of origin recognizes the union.
    • Children under 18 years of age: Automatically considered dependents for all types of applications.
    • Children over 18 years of age with a disability: No age limit applies. The disability must be supported by medical documentation.
    • Children over 18 and under 25 years of age: If they can prove enrollment in studies.
    • Parents of the main applicant: Must be economically dependent, supported by an affidavit.
    • Siblings of the main applicant: Regardless of age, if a disability is proven.

Some of these dependents can apply for temporary residency, while others may need to apply under a different immigration category.         

Special Category for Dependents (Categoría Especial)

What if the main applicant’s spouse has a parent who is economically dependent? Applications are possible but may fall into a special category rather than temporary residency.

Article 137 of the Reglamento de Extranjería (No. 37112-GOB) specifies the following scenarios:

• • • Special category by relationship with a Costa Rican citizen: adult children up to 25 years of age, and single siblings up to 25 years of age, who are economically dependent. 
    • Special category by relationship with a permanent resident includes the spouse or civil union partner (with a judicial resolution), parents, minor children, and adult children up to 25 years of age if they are economically dependent.
    • Special category by relationship with a temporary resident: parents or adult children up to 25 years of age, in both cases, if they are economically dependent.

Summary of dependents who may qualify under special category (non-exhaustive): 

• • • Children of a Costa Rican national, under 25 years old.
    • Siblings of a Costa Rican national, single and under 25 years of age if they depend economically on the Costa Rican national (proven with an affidavit).
    • Spouse of a permanent resident, including civil union partners if the status is proven by judicial resolution.
    • Parents of a permanent resident, if they are economically dependent on the resident (an affidavit is required).
    • Children of a permanent resident, under 18 years of age or under 25 if economically dependent.
    • Parents of a temporary resident, if economically dependent.
    • Children between 18 and 25 of a temporary resident, if economically dependent.

Other scenarios covered under Article 137 may also qualify. It is important to assess each case individually.

Moving to Costa Rica with Family: Practical Considerations

Most applicants relocating to Costa Rica arrive with their families. Estimates suggest that more than 80% of main applicants travel with their families. Successfully managing an immigration application requires ensuring that both the principal applicant and their family members meet all the documentation and eligibility requirements.

How Fragomen Can Help

Fragomen places strong emphasis on family-inclusive immigration strategies that minimize stress, prevent delays, and create a smoother transition for everyone involved. Each case is unique, and understanding the full picture of a family’s situation allows for strategies that are both compliant and compassionate.

Fragomen’s goal is not just to process documents, but to help families truly settle and thrive in their new home.

For individuals interested in exploring other residency options, see Fragomen’s blog on Costa Rica Investment Residency.

Need To Know More?

For questions related to family relocation and residency in Costa Rica visit Fragomen’s Costa Rica Citizenship page and schedule a consultation or contact Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro at [email protected].

This blog was published on 22 October 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.