Residency Through Real Estate: How Buying Property Helps You Live in Costa Rica

For many people, buying a home in Costa Rica isn’t just an investment — it’s the beginning of a new lifestyle. Mornings that start with ocean breezes instead of traffic. A slower pace that feels healthier. More time outside. More connection. More balance.

And if Costa Rica is somewhere you’d like to put down deeper roots, the country offers something wonderful:You can qualify for legal residency simply by investing in real estate.

This option is ideal for buyers who want the freedom to stay longer, come and go easily, and live part-time or full-time without the restrictions of tourist visas.

Here’s a clear, lifestyle-friendly guide to how residency through real estate works — and what it looks like to make Costa Rica part of your life in a more permanent way.

1. Why Residency Matters for Your Costa Rica Lifestyle

While Costa Rica welcomes visitors generously, tourist visas only allow you to stay up to 90 days at a time (depending on your passport). Residency changes everything.

With residency, you can:

• stay in Costa Rica full-time or part-time

• enter and exit the country without time limits

• establish local services, banking, utilities, and insurance easily

• purchase and register vehicles

• apply for legal work options

• open or expand a business

• avoid visa runs

• apply for long-term status later on

Residency gives you the freedom to build a life here — not just visit.

2. Investor Residency: The Category for Real Estate Buyers

Costa Rica created a specific residency category called the Investor Residency (Inversionista).Buying property is one of the simplest ways to qualify.

Minimum Investment Requirement (as of current law):

$150,000 USD

in real estate, a registered Costa Rican corporation, or eligible investment assets.

Most applicants qualify through purchasing a home, land, or luxury villa.

The property must be:

• legally titled

• properly registered

• valued at $150,000 USD or more

• purchased under your name or your Costa Rican corporation

  
  

Once you close on the property, you can apply for residency.

3. What It Feels Like to Live Here as a Resident

This is where the lifestyle piece truly unfolds.

Imagine being able to:

• stay the entire winter

• live part-time between two countries

• enjoy a slow, warm green season

• travel freely without worrying about visa expire dates

• build community, friendships, and familiarity

• really settle into the pura vida rhythm

Residency transforms Costa Rica from a vacation into a lifestyle. And for many buyers, real estate is the doorway into that shift.

4. The Application Process — Clear and Straightforward

The process is very manageable with the right attorney.

You’ll need:

• passport

• FBI or home-country background check

• birth certificate

• proof of property purchase

• corporate documents (if using a corporation)

• application forms

• consular registration

Most documents must be apostilled in your home country and then translated into Spanish for your attorney to submit.

Timeline:

• Filing to approval: 3–12 months (varies)

• You can remain in Costa Rica while the application is processing

Once approved, you receive a DIMEX residency card.

5. Can Family Members Apply Too? Yes.

Your residency can extend to:

• your spouse

• children under 25

• children with disabilities

This makes real estate an ideal path for families wanting to relocate or create a long-term lifestyle together.

6. Does Owning Multiple Properties Count?

Yes — as long as the combined value reaches $150,000 USD.This flexibility helps buyers who:

• invest in multiple condos

• purchase land + a build

• prefer pre-construction projects

• buy strategic rental investments

Many investors use this path to build a portfolio in Costa Rica while securing residency benefits.

7. What Happens After Approval?

Once you receive your Investor Residency, you’ll have:

• 2 years of approved residency

• the ability to renew indefinitely

• the option to apply for permanent residency after 3 years

Permanent residency allows you to:

• work without restrictions

• stay without renewals

• enjoy long-term stability

Some buyers eventually apply for citizenship, but that is a larger, longer process that

begins only after becoming a permanent resident.

8. How Real Estate Opens Doors to Long-Term Living

Residency is only one part of the lifestyle shift — owning property opens the rest.

Real estate lets you:

• come home to your own space

• build equity

• generate rental income

• create a base for long-stay living

• personalize your spaces

• host friends and family

• feel anchored in the community

Many buyers describe the feeling as,“I didn’t just buy a home — I bought a new chapter of life.”

Residency simply makes that chapter easier to live.

9. How I Support Buyers Through the Residency Process

As someone who has helped countless international clients relocate or become part-time residents, I guide buyers through:

• choosing properties that qualify

• understanding ownership structure

• connecting with reliable residency attorneys

• planning timelines

• preparing documentation

• navigating escrow and due diligence

• settling in after purchase

My goal is to help you not only buy confidently, but also transition smoothly into the Costa Rica lifestyle you’re envisioning.

Final Thoughts: Residency Through Real Estate Makes Costa Rica Home

Buying property in Costa Rica is more than a financial investment — it’s an investment in your lifestyle, your peace, and your future. Whether you want to relocate full-time, spend winters by the ocean, or create a meaningful second home, residency gives you the freedom to live here on your terms.

If you’d like help exploring properties that qualify for residency, or you want a trusted attorney recommendation, I’m here to guide you step-by-step.