Spouse Visa In Costa Rica: All You Need To Know

Joining your partner in Costa Rica isn’t just about moving to a new location; it’s about weaving your life into the vibrant tapestry of Pura Vida together. Need help with spouse visa?

This guide is your first step towards making Costa Rica your shared paradise, offering a clear and concise pathway to obtaining a spouse visa. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of adventure, the warmth of the community, or the tranquility of its landscapes, let’s embark on this journey to unite your paths in the heart of Central America.

Let’s dive in!

How Can Marriage Lead To Temporary Residency In Costa Rica?

The possibility of temporarily residing in Costa Rica is opened by marriage to a citizen from that country.

Temporary residence shall initially be granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent one-year periods, in the category of marriage.

Individuals may apply for permanent residence after holding a temporary residency period of three years.

What Is The Key Requirement For The Marriage Category In Costa Rica?

Individuals married to Costa Rican citizens can apply for temporary residence per the current immigration regulations.

Their marriage must be formally registered with the Civil Registry to fulfil the residency eligibility criteria.

In addition, couples are invited to participate in an interview conducted by the immigration office as part of the application procedure.

To ensure compliance with the immigration protocol, this interview confirms the legitimacy of the marital union.

How Does The Residency Application Process Work For The Marriage Category?

The application process for temporary residency through marriage to a Costa Rican typically takes between 12 and 15 months.

This timeframe is contingent on the processing duration of the Costa Rica Immigration Department (DGME), which typically requires around 9 months to assess the application.

Our team will provide comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process, from start to finish.

This includes assistance with essential tasks such as CAJA (Costa Rican Social Security) registration and DIMEX (Costa Rican ID for Residents) procurement.

Additionally, depending on your preferences, we can facilitate document procurement and offer support with residency renewal.

What Are Documents Needed To Obtain Residency In Costa Rica?

It is mainly the collection of required documents during the first stage of the residency application process, which lasts between 2 and 3 months.

This stage is essential because documents obtained from abroad must be issued at least six months after submission.

To verify the validity of all documents, provide a correct translation if needed and compile them for examination by DGMEMiamiCosta Rica’s Immigration Department, our team shall work closely with you.

How Do You Obtain Vital Records And Background Checks For Residency?

You can take advantage of discounted rates for document procurement, exclusively available to our immigration clients.

Our skilled team can assist in acquiring the necessary vital records and background checks from overseas. Alternatively, you may opt to obtain these documents independently.

It’s important to note that documents sourced from abroad must be issued within six months before submitting the residency application.

Background Check: A national authority must issue this document. For example, US nationals should obtain it from the FBI, while Canadian nationals should obtain it from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. UK nationals should obtain it from the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Birth Certificate: A recent copy of your birth certificate is required for application.
Marriage Certificate: A copy of the marriage certificate will be necessary if one spouse is applying as a dependent.
Important Notes Regarding Documents: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Spanish. Translation costs may vary depending on the original language.

Documents from abroad must be authenticated for use in Costa Rica. Some countries require an apostille, while others require legalisation.

Birth certificates, background checks, and other documents from abroad must be issued within six months before the application is filed.

The original birth certificate issued at birth is not valid for immigration purposes in Costa Rica. Additional documentation may be required if any applicant has changed names.

The Immigration Department requires evidence that the individual on the passport matches the one on the birth certificate.

Therefore, if there have been name changes, appropriate documents are necessary. These documents must be apostilled/legalised and translated into Spanish.

What Documents And Services Are Essential For Residency Applications?

As part of our comprehensive service package, we meticulously prepare documents necessary for your residency application.

These documents, meticulously handled by our experienced team, are included in the overall quoted cost:

Verification Of The Main Requirement: Depending on the specific immigration category you are applying under, our dedicated team will guide you through compiling and preparing the essential documentation to verify the primary requirement. For example, if you’re applying for a pensioner, we will assist in obtaining a pension letter demonstrating that you receive a monthly pension of USD 1000 or more. Similarly, if you’re filing as an investor, we will help gather the required proof of employment.
Form Completion: We complete the paperwork burden by completing the application form on behalf of our clients. Our thorough understanding of the application requirements ensures accuracy and compliance.
Tanded Cover Letter: A compelling cover letter is essential for effectively presenting your case. Pressteanotingl drafts a customised cover letter containing pertinent information about you, highlighting your qualifications and reasons for seeking residency in Costa Rica.
Fingerprinting Assistance: We streamline the fingerprinting process by coordinating with you to schedule appointments at a Police Department. Whether in San Jose or Liberia, we provide transportation from our offices, accompany you to the fingerprinting location, and assist with the necessary paperwork.
Certified Passport Copy: Ensuring your passport copy is certified is a crucial step in the application process. Our team will handle this certification to meet the required standards.
Consular Registration Support: Registration with your country’s consulate is a mandatory step, and we facilitate this process by taking care of the necessary documentation and formalities on behalf of our clients.
Passport-Sized Photographs: We take the hassle out of obtaining passport-sized photographs by capturing the required images during your visit to our office.
Government Fees Management: Initial government fees amounting to USD 250 are part of the application process. We manage this payment on your behalf, ensuring all necessary fees are settled promptly and accurately.

With our comprehensive support and meticulous attention to detail, we aim to simplify the residency application journey for our clients, providing peace of mind and confidence throughout the process.

How To Submit The Application?

Timeline Of The Process

1 week – 19%

After our team has gathered all the necessary documents, we conduct a thorough final review before applying the DGME.

It’s crucial to apply before the expiration of your tourist stamp on the passport (typically valid for 90 days) or before the documents expire.

Applying within the specified timeframe is essential to avoid delays or complications in the residency process.

Our team ensures that all documents are meticulously prepared and reviewed before submission to the DGME, guaranteeing our clients a smooth and efficient filing process.

How Does The DGME Review And Make Decisions On Applications?

Timeline Of The Process

9 to 12 months – 89%

According to regulations, the DGME is required to process applications within 90 days. However, recent processing times indicate that the DGME takes approximately 9 to 12 months to review applications.

Throughout this period, we diligently monitor the status of your application to ensure it progresses as anticipated.

Notification Of Approval

Timeline Of The Process

1 week – 90%

Once the DGME approves your application, they will send an approval notice to you via email.

Upon receiving the approval notice, we will promptly contact you to arrange the subsequent steps in the residency process.

Guarantee Deposit Payment

Timeline Of The Process

1 day – 91%

Upon approval of your application by the DGME, you must make a refundable security deposit to the DGME.

The deposit amount depends on the estimated expenses for return travel to your home country, should it become necessary. As the deposit varies by nationality, it is not included in our quoted fees.

CCSS/Caja Registration And DIMEX Request

Process Timeline

4 to 6 weeks – 99%

Upon approval of your application, we will assist you in completing the mandatory registration with CCSS for the Social Security system, also known as CAJA.

Additionally, we will facilitate the application for your foreigner identification card (DIMEX, also known as cédula).

We will coordinate a convenient time to accompany you for both processes in the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José (GAM) or Liberia.

Receipt Of Your DIMEX

Timeline Of The Process

1 to 2 weeks – 100%

After submitting your DIMEX application, you can expect to receive it in the mail within one to two weeks.

This official identification card solidifies your status as a resident of Costa Rica, providing tangible proof of your residency.

Renewal And Future Steps

Temporary residency obtained through the Marriage Category is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for additional one-year periods.

Once you have held temporary residency for three years, you can apply for permanent residency. Our Beyond payment options are designed to accommodate the renewal process.

By paying the total amount for your residency and one renewal, you can save $311.

Temporary Residency Application: Basic And Beyond

Description: This service involves applying for temporary residency in Costa Rica.
Legal Service Fees: Costs related to legal assistance throughout the application process.
Legal Expenses: Additional expenses for legal services.
CCSS Registration: Registration with the Costa Rican Social Security system.
Translations: Fees for translating necessary documents.
Certification Of Documents: Costs associated with certifying documents.
Power Of Attorney: Legal authorisation for representation.
Passport Size Photographs: Costs for providing passport-sized photos.
Government Fees: Fees required by the government for processing.
Change Of Status: Charges for changing residency status.
DIMEX Application Fee: Fee for applying for a foreigner identification card.
Stamp: Cost of obtaining necessary stamps.
Tax: Applicable taxes.
Total: Overall cost for the temporary residency application process.

Plus One Residency Renewal (Beyond)

Description: This service includes one residency renewal and the initial application.
Legal Service Fees: Costs for legal assistance during the renewal process.
Government Fees: Fees imposed by the government for renewal.
DIMEX: Fee associated with the foreigner identification card.
Total: Total residency renewal costs, including legal fees and government charges.

Important Information Not Included In Pricing

Here’s a simplified explanation of what’s not included in pricing:

Security Deposit: You must pay a refundable security deposit to the Costa Rican Government at the end of the process. The amount varies based on where you’re from and covers potential return travel expenses to your home country.
Biographical Documents: These include things like birth certificates, background checks, and marriage certificates. Since everyone’s situation differs, we don’t include them in our fees. However, we can help you get these documents at a discounted rate if you work with us on your residency.
CPA: If you need to register with CAJA (Costa Rican Social Security) as the principal applicant (not covered by a Costa Rican spouse), you’ll need a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Benefits

✅ Legal Residence: Acquiring a spouse visa in Costa Rica allows individuals to establish legal residency there.

This legal status provides stability and security, allowing spouses to build a life together within the Costa Rican community.

✅ Family Reunification: The spouse visa facilitates the reunification of families by enabling spouses to live together in Costa Rica.

This aspect is particularly beneficial for couples who may have been separated due to immigration restrictions or residency requirements.

✅ Work Authorization: In certain circumstances, spouses holding a visa may be eligible to obtain authorisation to work in Costa Rica.

This allows individuals to contribute to the household income and pursue career opportunities in their new country of residence.

✅Access To Services: With a spouse visa, individuals access essential services in Costa Rica, including healthcare, education, and financial services.

This access ensures that spouses and their families enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in their new home.

✅ Pathway To Permanent Residency: Holding a spouse visa is often a precursor to obtaining permanent residency status in Costa Rica.

By fulfilling the visa requirements and demonstrating a commitment to the country, individuals may eventually qualify for permanent residency, granting them long-term settlement rights.

✅ Cultural Integration: Living in Costa Rica on a spouse visa provides a unique cultural immersion and integration opportunity.

Individuals can explore the country’s vibrant culture, traditions, and way of life, enriching their overall experience and fostering a deeper connection to their new home.

Conclusion

As this guide concludes, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to navigate the spouse visa process in Costa Rica, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your life together. With patience, preparation, and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle as a couple.

Remember, obtaining the visa is just the start; ahead lies the joy of building a life together in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world. Welcome to your shared future in Costa Rica.

Love United!

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