emigranto
Menu
🏖️

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Pensionado Visa

The Pensionado (retiree) visa is Costa Rica's retirement pathway requiring proof of a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month from sources like social security, military pension, or retirement funds. No minimum age requirement. US Social Security benefits qualify as long as they provide at least $1,000/month. One applicant's income can support a spouse and dependents under 25 (or disabled dependents of any age). Initial 2-year temporary residency, renewable for another 2 years, then eligible for permanent residency after 3 years. Work as an employee is prohibited, but you may own a business. Must be present in Costa Rica at least 4 months per year.

⏱️

Processing Time

3-6 months

💵

Cost

$250 application deposit + CAJA fees (~9-10% of stated income)

📅

Duration

2 years initial, renewable for 2 more years

💼

Work Rights

Cannot work as employee; may own business

🔄

Renewability

Renewable every 2 years until permanent residency

✅

Path to Permanent Residence

Yes

Requirements

  • 1Guaranteed lifetime pension of $1,000/month minimum
  • 2Pension letter from issuing authority
  • 3Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • 4Birth certificate (apostilled)
  • 5Marriage certificate if including spouse (apostilled)
  • 6Health insurance or CAJA enrollment
  • 7All documents translated to Spanish

Have questions about pensionado visa?

Quick Stats

Questions0
Path to PRYes
All visa types