# Moving to Costa Rica — Official Task Guide

> Maintained by Relokato (relokato.com/costa-rica)
> Generated: 2026-08-31 · Not legal or immigration advice

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## Immigration & Residency

### Choose your residency category: Rentista, Pensionado, or Digital Nomad

Rentista needs $2,500/mo in provable passive income and leads to permanent residency after 3 years. Pensionado needs a $1,000/mo lifetime pension, same residency path. Digital Nomad needs $3,000/mo…

**Source:** DGME — Categorías migratorias — <https://migracion.go.cr/>

### Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country + apostille

Required for Rentista and Pensionado applications. Allow 2–8 weeks depending on your country's issuing authority.

**Source:** Hague Conference — Apostille Authorities by Country — <https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41>

### Gather and apostille your financial documentation

Rentista requires a bank letter demonstrating the income stream; Pensionado requires an authenticated pension certification letter. Both must be apostilled before submission.

**Source:** DGME — Requisitos — <https://migracion.go.cr/>

### Submit your residency application to the DGME

Real-world processing for Rentista and Pensionado commonly runs 9–18 months due to DGME backlog. Most applicants manage the wait on 90-day tourist stamps with periodic border exits, or use an…

**Source:** DGME — Official portal — <https://migracion.go.cr/>

### If applying for the Digital Nomad visa instead, file online via TramiteYa

Requires $3,000/mo income proof, health insurance with $50,000+ coverage, and a $100 fee paid to Banco de Costa Rica. Processing runs roughly 15 business days — far faster than Rentista/Pensionado…

**Source:** DGME — Nómadas Digitales — <https://migracion.go.cr/nomadas-digitales/>

## Financial

### Open a Costa Rican bank account

Most banks require a DIMEX card or at minimum proof your residency application is filed. Banco Nacional and BCR are generally the most foreigner-friendly for opening early.

**Source:** Banco Nacional de Costa Rica — <https://www.bncr.fi.cr/>

### Enroll in CAJA (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)

Mandatory once your residency is approved — the DGME will not issue your DIMEX card without proof of active CAJA enrollment and payment. Bring your passport, DGME approval letter, and proof of…

**Source:** CCSS — Afiliación — <https://www.ccss.sa.cr/>

### Get private supplemental health insurance for the application gap

CAJA enrollment can't happen until residency is approved, so private coverage bridges the wait — often several months to over a year.

**Source:** INS — Seguros — <https://www.grupoins.com/>

### Research your home country tax obligations while living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica runs a territorial tax system — foreign-sourced income generally isn't taxed locally — but your home country's tax residency rules still apply. Consult a tax advisor who knows both…

**Source:** OECD — Tax Treaty Information — <https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/tax-treaties.html>

## Post-Arrival

### Complete your DIMEX biometrics appointment

Scheduled through BCR after DGME approval and confirmed CAJA enrollment — photo and fingerprints, then the physical card arrives by mail roughly 22 business days later.

**Source:** DGME — DIMEX — <https://migracion.go.cr/>

### Find your assigned EBAIS clinic and register

CAJA assigns you a primary-care clinic (EBAIS) by neighborhood — this is where routine care and referrals start.

**Source:** CCSS — EBAIS — <https://www.ccss.sa.cr/>

### Check driving rules and licence requirements

Foreign licences are generally valid alongside your passport for tourist stays; once you're a resident, confirm current rules for exchanging or obtaining a Costa Rican licence.

**Source:** COSEVI — Licencias — <https://www.csv.go.cr/>

### Renew your DIMEX card before it expires (start 60 days before expiry)

Your initial temporary residency DIMEX is typically valid for 2 years. Start the renewal process about 60 days before it expires. You'll need: updated proof of income or pension (issued within 6…

**Source:** DGME — Renovación DIMEX — <https://migracion.go.cr/>

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## About this guide

Relokato maintains official-source relocation task lists for people moving abroad without corporate HR support. Every task in this guide links to the government or institutional source it came from.

This is not legal, immigration, tax, or professional advice. Verify all requirements with official authorities or a licensed professional before acting.

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