🏠 OVERVIEW
Country
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Program
Pensionado Visa
Local Name
Visa de Pensionado
Type
Retirement
Status
Active
Initial Duration
24 months
Renewable
Yes
(24 mo)
Temporary residence for retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month. Covers the applicant, spouse, and children under 25 with no additional income needed for dependents.
💰 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Income Requirement
$1,000/mo
Pension Requirement
$1,000/mo
Application Fee
$250
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Health Insurance
Not required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Not allowed
Self-Employment
Not allowed
Own Business
Allowed
Work Permit Included
No
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Max Child Age
25
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Territorial
Regime Name
Territorial Tax System
Foreign Income Taxed
No
Capital Gains Taxed
No
🏆 PATH FORWARD
Permanent Residency
Yes
Years to PR
3 years
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Citizenship
Yes
Years to Citizenship
7 years
Language Required
Yes
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
in person
Processing Time
60–180 days
Apply from Abroad
No
📝 NOTES
No minimum age requirement. Pension must be lifetime and from a government/military pension, Social Security, corporate pension, or lifetime annuity. Tax incentives valid through June 2026 include one-time tax-free import of household goods, 2 vehicles free of import taxes, and exemption from income tax on foreign pension income. Must enroll in Caja (CCSS) public healthcare system. No additional income required for spouse and children under 25.
📋 ALSO IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers:
- Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos (digital nomad visa)
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING PENSIONADO VISA