Pensionado residence
The retirement route. The income bar is low, but the income must be a lifetime pension from a government scheme or a recognised private plan. A couple can qualify on one pension.
Who it is for. Retirees with a permanent pension of at least USD 1,000 a month.
Researched, not independently verifiedmedium confidenceReviewed 20 September 2026
Fact
- Income required
- US$1,000
- Savings required
- Not stated
- Investment required
- None
- Application fee
- Not stated
- Processing time
- 270–365 days
- Permission lasts
- 24 months
- Permanent residence
- After 3 years
- Citizenship
- After 7 years
a month
Renewable
Remote work not coveredLocal employment not allowedFamily can joinInsurance requiredPolice certificate
Apply through the authority, not through us: www.migracion.go.cr (opens in a new tab)
Sources
Researched, not independently verifiedmedium confidenceReviewed 20 September 2026
Check this against
- DGME — residence categories, rentista and pensionado requirements (opens in a new tab)Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería · National immigration authority