Costa Rican visa resources
DIMEX and Social Security (CCSS)
The DIMEX foreigner identity card and mandatory enrolment with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund that underpin legal residence in Costa Rica.
Important
The DIMEX (Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros) is the identity card issued to foreign nationals with an approved immigration status in Costa Rica. It is required to prove legal residence and is used to access services, open bank accounts and formalise employment. Each resident category (temporary, permanent and some special stays) has its own DIMEX, which must be renewed in line with the validity of the underlying status.
Enrolment with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), Costa Rica's social security fund, is a condition of most resident categories. Residents pay monthly contributions based on their category and declared income, and proof of CCSS affiliation is required at renewal for categories such as pensionado, rentista and investor.
Together, the DIMEX and CCSS enrolment are the practical backbone of living legally in Costa Rica, and lapses in either can affect the renewal of immigration status.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.