Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements And Options

[Editor2]

Costa Rica has positioned itself as a leading destination for international investors, combining natural beauty, political stability, and a favorable business environment. To further encourage foreign investment and long-term settlement, the government introduced Law 9996 (2021), which reduced the minimum investment threshold and expanded the categories of eligible investments.


For investors, retirees, and professionals, the law offers a clearer and more accessible pathway to residency, which can eventually lead to permanent residence and citizenship.

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What Is Costa Rica’s Investment Residency?​

The investment residency program grants temporary residency to foreign nationals who invest at least USD 150,000 in qualifying projects or assets.


Once granted, investment residency can serve as the first step toward permanent residency and ultimately naturalization as a Costa Rican citizen.

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Key Requirements Under Law 9996​

• Minimum investment: USD 150,000 (reduced from the previous USD 200,000).
• Direct ownership: Real estate must be owned personally by the applicant. Properties held under corporations generally no longer qualify unless strict conditions are met.
• Documentation: Proper registration and proof of investment are mandatory for all qualifying categories.

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Qualifying Investment Categories​

Costa Rica recognizes several pathways to qualify for residency.

1. Real Estate or Registrable Assets
   
   • Applicant must hold title to property recorded in the National Registry.
   • Mortgage-financed purchases may qualify if the applicant contributes at least USD 150,000 upfront or combines it with other eligible investments.
2. Company Shares
   
   • Investment must be reflected in the company’s share capital.
   • Applicant must prove their role as a shareholder through notarial certification.
   • Only companies with active economic operations qualify; inactive holding companies are excluded.
3. Securities
   
   • Investments must be made through licensed brokerage firms registered with SUGEVAL (Costa Rica’s securities regulator).
4. Projects of National Interest / Productive Projects
   
   • Recognized by the government through an executive decree and published in the official gazette (La Gaceta).
5. Reforestation Projects
   
   • Must be certified by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) under the Forestry Law (No. 7575).
   • Requires a sustainable investment of at least USD 150,000.
6. Venture Capital Funds
   
   • Investment funds must be registered with SUGEVAL’s National Securities Registry.
7. Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure
   
   • Projects must be endorsed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) as meeting sustainability standards.

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Real Estate Investment: Practical Considerations​

Real estate remains the most common pathway, but there are pitfalls to avoid:

• Many foreign investors structure purchases through corporations for tax or commercial purposes. However, such ownership may not qualify for residency unless strict requirements are met.
• If the property is not aligned with immigration requirements, restructuring may be needed—causing delays, extra costs, or ineligibility.
• Direct, personal ownership is generally the most straightforward path for residency purposes.

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Application and Next Steps​

Securing residency requires more than simply meeting the investment minimum. Applicants must:

• Prepare accurate documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Costa Rican registration and reporting rules.
• Align their investment choices with immigration objectives from the outset.

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Final Thoughts​

Costa Rica’s investment residency program offers a flexible and appealing route for those looking to combine investment with long-term settlement. Whether through real estate, corporate shares, reforestation, or national projects, investors can benefit from a lower entry threshold and a clear pathway toward permanent residence and citizenship.


Careful planning and early alignment between immigration strategy and investment decisions are essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition to life in Costa Rica.

 

[mike1985]

I’ve been reading about Costa Rica’s investment residency and that USD 150k threshold looks tempting. But can someone confirm — does this have to be a single investment (like one property), or can it be split between real estate and, say, reforestation?

 

[adamhholmes]

I’ve been reading about Costa Rica’s investment residency and that USD 150k threshold looks tempting. But can someone confirm — does this have to be a single investment (like one property), or can it be split between real estate and, say, reforestation?

You can combine investments, yes — as long as the total equals at least USD 150,000 and all parts are in qualifying categories. For example, part real estate, part in a certified reforestation project under Law 7575 would still count. Just make sure documentation is clean and registered under your personal name, not a holding company.

 

[jennifer.javier]

Wait so if someone bought a condo through an LLC (like many expats do for tax reasons), it doesn’t qualify anymore? That sounds like a big issue

 

[steven.harrington]

Exactly — the law changed that. Now direct personal ownership is required for the investment to qualify toward residency. If it’s held under a corporation, it’s generally excluded unless you can prove active economic operations and your role as a shareholder. It’s to ensure the investor is personally tied to the asset, not just passively holding it.

 

[rogerthomson]

I get the intent, but it complicates things for people with existing properties under corporate titles. Legal restructuring in Costa Rica isn’t cheap or fast. And the notarial certifications they ask for — those can take months.

 

[keith]

The best part of this reform is the lower minimum. Dropping it from $200k to $150k opened the door for more mid-range investors. Combine that with Costa Rica’s environmental incentives (like reforestation projects), and it’s becoming a serious contender for sustainable investors.

 

[petter]

Costa Rica’s recalibration of its investment residency architecture signifies a nuanced symbiosis between ecological stewardship and fiscal magnetism. By embedding sustainability into its legal scaffolding, the nation invites capital not merely as commerce, but as conservation.

 

[ellie.quinn]

Omg this is SO exciting!!! It’s like investing AND getting to live in paradise!! The lower threshold makes it sooo much more doable for people who wanna settle somewhere beautiful and safe!