Family visas
Costa Rican Family Temporary Residence (Vínculo with a Costa Rican)
Temporary residence for the foreign spouse of a Costa Rican and for dependent relatives, based on a family link (vínculo) to a Costa Rican citizen or legal resident.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The US$50 fee, three-year criminal-record window and interview/renewal requirements are from secondary summaries and an IOM requirements sheet, not confirmed directly on migracion.go.cr. Verify current requirements on the official Regularización pages.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Costa Rica government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Residencia temporal por vínculo con costarricense (matrimonio / familiar)
- Route type
- Temporary residence based on family link
- Application fee
- US$50 (or colón equivalent) to the Government
- Reported figure; verify current amount on migracion.go.cr.
Who it is for
- Foreign spouses of Costa Rican citizens
- Minor children, and adult children with a disability, of the applicant
- Other qualifying first-degree relatives depending on the sub-category
Requirements
- Signed application with the applicant's details
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Legalised or apostilled birth certificate
- Legalised or apostilled criminal-record certificate covering the last three years
- Legalised or apostilled marriage certificate (registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry if celebrated abroad)
- For dependent children, the application is made by the parents; disability is proven by medical opinion
- Proof of payment of the government application fee
How to apply
- Submit the application and documents to the DGME services platform or a regional delegation
- Both spouses attend an individual ratification interview, signed by both
- On approval, obtain the DIMEX foreigner ID card and renew annually, proving continued cohabitation
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.