Costa Rica Rentista Visa
The Rentista Visa is the alternative to Pensionado for people who do NOT have lifetime pension but DO have stable passive income or significant capital. Popular among younger US expats (not retired) or independent professionals.
Two ways to qualify
Option 1: $2,500 USD/month passive income
- Show stable passive income of $2,500 USD/month for minimum 2 years forward
- Valid sources: rentals, dividends, interest, royalties, annuities
- Bank certification confirming continued income
Option 2: $60,000 USD deposit in Costa Rican bank
- Deposit $60,000 USD in an authorized Costa Rican bank
- Bank issues a “term deposit” certificate releasing $2,500/month over 24 months
- Simpler if you don’t have classic passive income streams
One qualification covers the whole family group: a single $2,500/month income (or one $60,000 deposit) also covers your spouse and children under 25 as dependents — no additional income or deposit is required for them.
Required documents
- ☐ Current US passport
- ☐ Birth certificate apostilled + translated
- ☐ Marriage certificate (if applicable) apostilled
- ☐ FBI background check apostilled + translated (last 6 months)
- ☐ Bank/employer letter confirming income OR deposit proof
- ☐ Passport photos
- ☐ Consular + migration fees
Costs
- Migration fees: ~$300-$500 USD
- Apostilles + translations: $200-$400 USD
- Immigration attorney (recommended): $1,000-$2,500 USD
- Total: $1,500-$2,500 USD
Rentista vs Pensionado — which to choose?
| Item | Pensionado | Rentista |
|---|---|---|
| Min income | $1,000/month | $2,500/month |
| Income type | Lifetime pension | Passive (rentals, dividends) |
| Alternative | N/A | $60K USD deposit |
| Age | No restriction | No restriction |
| Renewal | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Path to permanent | 3 years | 3 years |
| CAJA healthcare | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Allows employment | ❌ Own business only | ❌ Own business only |
Use Pensionado if: receive Social Security/pension (~$1,000+/month) Use Rentista if: no pension but have savings/investments generating $2,500+/month OR can deposit $60K
Related information
Official source: Dirección General de Migración
Last verified: 2026-06-11.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation