How to Retire in Costa Rica with a Pensionado Visa

If you are interested in moving abroad to Costa Rica to retire you can obtain permanent resident status with a pensionado visa. A pensionado visa, which means 'pension based residency' is granted based on meeting the minimum pension fund payment qualification and grants retirees permanent residency in Costa Rica.

To qualify for a permanent residence visa, or a pensionado visa, under the category of 'pension based residency' you will need to have a minimum pension fund payment of $600 per month. This monthly amount must come from outside Costa Rica and must be a pension payment or a pension investment fund payment. You must also commit to living in Costa Rica for at least 4 consecutive or alternate months each year to qualify for this visa. If you come to Costa Rica on the pensionado visa then you are not allowed to work in Costa Rica except for taking employment with the government. However if you would like to invest in Costa Rica you are allowed to do that.

In order to apply for the permanent residence pensionado visa you will need to meet a number of requirements. You will need a completed application form and special authority to representative. You will need a copy of your birth certificate and that of any dependants coming to Costa Rica with you. You will also need photocopies of your passport and marriage certificate, if you are married. You will need to have proof of sufficient financial resources. You will need to have a police statement of good conduct. You will also need to be willing to submit to a background check by the Costa Rican Ministry of Security. You will need to have some passport size photos of yourself. You may also need some additional items depending on your situation. It is best to check with the local embassy or consulate as to what items are currently needed. You may also need to have documentation that verifies you pension payment amount and where they originate from since you have conditions to meet for that.

When you are ready to submit your application for the pensionado visa you can take it to the Costa Rican Department of Immigration or to either the Costa Rican consulate or embassy in your home country. When you turn in the application you are given a receipt that you should hold onto as it is proof of a pending application. If the application is approved you or your representative must go to the Department of Immigration to receive the statement of approval and to get your resident ID card.

Your pensionado visa will be valid for one year but can be renewed. To meet renewal requirements you will have to show proof of pension income. You will also have to show that you spent at least four months of the last year in Costa Rica. And you will need to submit to another background check.