How to Qualify for Residency in Costa Rica by Buying Property

Your Guide to the $150,000 Investor Residency (Inversionista)

Have you been dreaming of making Costa Rica more than just a vacation destination? If the "Pura Vida" lifestyle is calling you to stay, there is a fantastic path that combines lifestyle and investment: the Investor (Inversionista) Residency.

This residency category allows you to qualify by purchasing real estate—meaning you can invest in a home you love while securing your legal right to stay in the country. Here is everything you need to know about qualifying in 2026.

1. The Minimum Investment: USD $150,000

To qualify through real estate, the core requirement is a minimum investment of $150,000 USD. This threshold was lowered from $200,000 to make the country even more inviting for international buyers.

• Property Type: You can invest in a primary home, a vacation rental, or even land. Immigration is primarily concerned with the value and existence of the asset.
• Current Value: The property must be properly recorded in the National Registry with a value meeting or exceeding the $150,000 mark.

2. Ownership Structure (Personal Name)

A critical detail to remember is that the property must be registered in your personal name to qualify for investor residency. While it was previously common to hold property in a corporation, current rules generally require personal ownership for this specific residency category.

3. Application Requirements

Beyond the property purchase, you will need to submit a formal application with standard documentation, including:

• A clean criminal record check.
• Your birth certificate.
• Proof of consular registration.
• Note: All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.

4. Residency Status and Renewal

Once approved, you are granted Temporary Residency, which is valid for two years. You can renew this status indefinitely as long as you maintain ownership of the property.

As an investor resident, you can live in Costa Rica, run your own business, or work remotely. While you cannot work as a salaried employee for a local company under this specific category, it offers the perfect flexibility for investors and retirees.

5. The Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After three consecutive years of temporary residency, you are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. Once you reach this stage, you are free to sell your investment property without it affecting your immigration status.

For those who want to fully commit to life in Costa Rica, you can apply for Citizenship after seven years of residency (or five years for citizens of certain countries), provided you physically reside in the country for more than 183 days per year.