In Costa Rica, there are two types of residency:
- Permanent residency: This is an immigration status that allows
the person obtaining it to stay in the country indefinitely and
work freely.
- Temporary residency: Temporary residency is authorization to
stay in Costa Rica temporarily, usually in connection with a
professional work situation.
- Temporary workers for specific occupations: domestic
servants*
Who can apply for permanent residency?
This type of residency may be applied for by aliens whose
spouses or first-grade blood relatives are Costa Rican, or by those
who have enjoyed temporary residency for 3 consecutive years.
Requirements for permanent residency application will depend on
the reason for which the alien requests such residency, i.e.
whether the application is based on the grade of blood relationship
or by virtue of having had temporary residency.
