Skip to content
Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Costa Rica Golden Visa & Residence Permit

Costa Rica's Investor (Inversionista) program offers residence through real estate, business, or approved investment from USD 200,000. It grants a two-year renewable residence and leads to permanent residence and citizenship. The reduced USD 150,000 minimum under Law 9996 applied until July 14, 2026; as thresholds can change, we confirm the current figure before you apply.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
Investor (Inversionista)
Minimum investment
USD 200,000 (the reduced USD 150,000 under Law 9996 applied until July 14, 2026)
Investment types
Real estate, business, shares, tourism
Residence
2 years (renewable)
Processing time
Approximately 4-9 months

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking accessible residence by investment (from USD 200,000).
  • Families seeking nature, security, and high quality of life (pura vida).
  • Those seeking flexibility across different investment types such as real estate, business, or tourism.
  • Those seeking a path to permanent residence and citizenship.

The Minimum After the Law 9996 Sunset

Law 9996 temporarily reduced the minimum investment to USD 150,000, but that reduction expired on July 14, 2026, and the threshold stands at USD 200,000. As requirements can change, we confirm the current threshold and any applicable tax incentives before you apply.

Flexible Investment Options

The program accepts various investment types, including real estate, an active business, shares and securities, and approved tourism projects. Under the real estate route, the property must be registered in your own name. This flexibility provides an advantage for investors with different goals.

From Residence to Citizenship

The program grants a two-year renewable temporary residence. Permanent residence can generally be obtained after three years; for citizenship, approximately seven years of legal residence is required for most applicants. Costa Rica stands out for its stable democracy and quality of life.

Planning Around the Timeline

Timing deserves real attention with Costa Rica's Investor route, because the qualifying amount has recently shifted. The reduced USD 150,000 minimum under Law 9996 applied only until July 14, 2026, after which the figure returns to USD 200,000. Since thresholds can move, confirming the current number before you commit is the single most useful step you can take. The route itself is flexible: qualifying investment can take the form of real estate, a business, shares or tourism projects, with real estate registered in your own name. Alongside the investment, expect a clean criminal record, satisfactory health and a legal source of funds. Processing generally runs from four to nine months, after which you receive a two-year residence that can be renewed and, over time, leads toward permanent residence and eventually citizenship. Family members can be included, so a household can settle together and share the same path. For those drawn by the country's nature and its unhurried quality of life, the combination of varied investment options and a clear onward route is appealing. As always, verify the prevailing threshold and requirements before preparing your file.

Benefits

  • Nature and high quality of life ("pura vida").
  • Various investment options.
  • Path to permanent residence and citizenship.
  • Stable democracy and family inclusion option.

Requirements

  • USD 200,000 approved investment (real estate must be registered in your own name).
  • Clean criminal record and health.
  • Legal source of funds.

Costs

Investment
From USD 200,000 (Law 9996 reduction expired July 14, 2026)
Government and legal fees
Additionally apply

FAQ

What is the minimum investment?
The minimum is USD 200,000. The reduced USD 150,000 figure under Law 9996 applied to applications filed until July 14, 2026; as thresholds can change, we confirm the current figure before you apply.
Which investment types are accepted?
Real estate, an active business, shares, securities, and tourism projects are accepted.
What is the residence period?
A two-year temporary residence is granted and renewed as long as the investment is maintained.
When can I move to permanent residence?
Permanent residence can generally be applied for after three years of temporary residence.
Will I pay tax in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica largely follows a territorial tax approach; your foreign income is generally not taxed. Your personal situation should be evaluated separately.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

Other programs in this country

Related Countries

  • Program Details

    USA

    The USA EB-5 Investor Visa opens the way to US permanent residence (green card) through an investment of USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area...

    Program Details

  • Program Details

    Argentina

    Argentina offers residence through the rentista (passive income) and investor routes; both open the way to citizenship in a relatively short time...

    Program Details

  • Program Details

    Austria

    Austria offers a quota-limited 'special settlement' residence permit for those wishing to live without working.

    Program Details

Latest Posts

Guides and Tools