Residence & citizenship
Costa Rican Permanent Residence
Permanent residence for foreign nationals who have completed the qualifying period of temporary residence or who have a first-degree family link to a Costa Rican.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The three-year qualifying period, first-degree family routes and documentary requirements are from secondary summaries and IOM requirement sheets, not confirmed directly on migracion.go.cr. Verify the qualifying periods, fees and documents 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 permanente (residente permanente libre condición)
- Route type
- Permanent settlement
- Qualifying period
- 3 consecutive years of temporary residence, or first-degree link to a Costa Rican
- Reported; verify on migracion.go.cr.
- Work permitted
- Yes, free condition (no category restriction)
Who it is for
- Temporary residents who have held their status for three consecutive years
- Foreign nationals with a first-degree consanguinity link to a Costa Rican (parents, minor or disabled children, minor or disabled siblings)
- Spouses of Costa Ricans who have completed the required period of temporary residence
Requirements
- Application letter with full name, file number, DIMEX number, nationality, age, occupation and address
- Legalised, authenticated or apostilled birth certificate
- Criminal-record certificate from the country of origin or of legal residence over the last three years, legalised or apostilled
- Evidence of the qualifying temporary-residence period or the family link
- Proof of payment of the government fee and CCSS enrolment
How to apply
- Submit the change-of-category application and documents to the DGME (Gestión de Extranjería)
- On approval, obtain the permanent-residence DIMEX card
- Maintain CCSS enrolment and renew the DIMEX card as required
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.