Costa Rica: New In-Country Requirement for Dependents

In a sudden change of policy, the General Immigration Directorate (DGME) in Costa Rica is now requiring dependents of foreign nationals applying for Temporary Residence for Accredited Companies to be physically present in Costa Rica to file their application. Otherwise, the DGME is refusing to accept the application. Previously, both principal applicants and their dependents could remain outside of Costa Rica during the filing of their Temporary Residence application. Dependent applicants who are outside Costa Rica should be aware that they need to travel to Costa Rica to submit their Temporary Residence application and may incur additional costs and time. Fragomen is reaching out to the DGME to petition for review of the new rule.