Requirements common to all ordinary procedures
- Valid passport.
- Being within the authorized tourist stay period (legal stay).
- A valid apostilled criminal record certificate, valid for the period stated on the document itself, counted from its issue date.
- Apostilled birth certificate.
- Payment of $200.
- Payment of $50.
Permanent residency through a Costa Rican child
This is recognized when a person has a Costa Rican child; if the child is a minor, the applicant may also be exempted from the legal-stay requirement.
Permanent residency through three years of temporary residency
This is recognized once exactly three years have passed since the temporary-residency DIMEX was issued.
Temporary residency through marriage
This applies when a person is married to a Costa Rican national; it is also recognized for de facto unions (unión de hecho). An apostilled marriage certificate, or a marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry, must be provided.
Temporary residency as a rentier (rentista)
For a person who receives at least $2,500 per month for a two-year period from rental-type income. This income is understood as money obtained from monthly returns not involving work, but rather from savings or other dividends.
Temporary residency as a pensioner (pensionado)
For a person who receives at least $1,000 per month in retirement pension income. This must be proven through a document issued by the country's authority or the social security agency that pays the pension.