This guide is for migrants who left Costa Rica for the United States — for a variety of reasons, or due to irregular immigration status — and now must or wish to return to the country, as well as for those who stayed in Costa Rica without renewing the documents proving their immigration category.
Most Costa Ricans do not emigrate: there are approximately 180,000 Costa Ricans in the United States, while around 230,000 Americans are in Costa Rica, most of them without immigration documents to be in the country. However, some nationals of Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and other countries have migrated to the United States or other destinations after having obtained documents in Costa Rica, such as permanent, temporary, or special-category residency.
Which immigration categories can be renewed in Costa Rica?
Two categories can be renewed even after they expire: Permanent Residency and Approved Refugee status (with an approving resolution). Both can be renewed even if the three-month grace period has passed.
People with an expired Permanent Residency or Approved Refugee document that has been expired for less than 10 years can renew it through an appointment at 1311, explaining the reasons the renewal was not done, via a note authenticated by an attorney. If the person left the country, they must provide an apostilled criminal record or police record from the country they are returning from.
How do I return to Costa Rica if my DIMEX is expired?
It is advisable to request a Certificate of Immigration Status from the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, via email at certificacionstatus@migracion.go.cr. With that certification and the expired DIMEX, you can demonstrate your right and ability to enter the country to the airline for boarding, and later complete the DIMEX renewal in Costa Rica.
What should I do if I migrated to the United States on humanitarian parole?
A common example: a Nicaraguan national with Permanent Residency in Costa Rica, expired for eight years, left legally for the United States under Humanitarian Parole. Before returning to Costa Rica, this person must request a Federal Criminal Record, apostilled in the United States, and arrange their flight, always keeping in mind that the ticket should be purchased with acceptance of the expired DIMEX, or by obtaining a status certification to ensure an orderly return. If more than 10 years have passed without renewal, in addition to the apostilled criminal record, a formal authorization must be requested to determine whether the DIMEX renewal proceeds.
Which immigration categories cannot be renewed?
Temporary Residencies expired for more than three months, Special Categories (any) expired for more than three months, and Stay permits expired for more than three months cannot be renewed. It is important to check the wording on the blue or green DIMEX: Temporary Residency, Special Category Free Condition (except Approved Refugee), Special Category Restricted Condition, Digital Nomad Subcategory, or Stay. If these are left expired for more than three months, they are considered lapsed, with no possibility of renewal.
What if my category cannot be renewed?
In that case, the person must apply for a visa at the nearest consulate and meet the requested requirements — it is advisable to go directly to the consulate to confirm the specific requirements for each case. As a general reference, these usually include:
- A passport-size photograph
- A copy of the passport
- An apostilled judicial background certificate for immigration purposes
- A flight itinerary or reservation
- Proof of financial means to cover subsistence
- Payment of the required bank stamps/fees
The general recommendation is to always keep your immigration document current, renewing it even three months before it expires. If your case involves an expired DIMEX or a specific immigration category, schedule a consultation to review the best path for your situation.