Costa Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance

Update February 24, 2026: Delays in the issuance of DIMEX residence cards continue, and Costa Rica’s General Immigration Directorate (DGME) has indicated that processing disruptions are likely to persist. In response, the DGME has introduced several temporary, limited concessions to mitigate the impact on foreign nationals. Among these measures, authorities will temporarily accept expired passports, expired DIMEX or other residence documents, or a valid Costa Rican driver’s license for DIMEX-related procedures that would normally require a valid passport, provided the biographical details match those in the individual’s immigration file and the document is in good condition. 

Update January 9, 2026: Delays continue for foreign nationals applying for initial and renewed DIMEX cards, with processing times worsening for certain categories and now reaching approximately four months for Temporary Residence holders. Foreign nationals affected should work with their immigration professional for case-specific advice.   

October 23, 2025: Foreign nationals in Costa Rica are experiencing delays in receiving initial and renewed Resident Identity Cards (DIMEX), likely due to backlogs and high demand. Current processing times are now two months or longer for Short-Term Visa and Temporary Residence holders, and up to three months or longer for Permanent Residence and Special Category Visa holders, counted from the date of the DIMEX application appointment. Typically, DIMEX are issued within 30 days after the appointment. Though the government allows foreign nationals to maintain their legal status in Costa Rica without a valid DIMEX if they have scheduled or attended their appointment with the General Immigration Directorate, those without a valid card may face restrictions in traveling abroad, initiating certain government services (such as obtaining a driver’s license), and completing financial transactions (such as opening a bank account). It is not clear when these delays will be resolved. Affected foreign nationals should consult their immigration professional to determine whether they may qualify for an expedited issuance request with the General Immigration Directorate. However, such exceptions are typically granted only in urgent cases, such as medical emergencies or critical business travel.      

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to  [email protected].