Residency guide · Pensionado
Costa Rica Pensionado Residency: Requirements for Retirees
Updated October 2026
The Pensionado category is the most popular way for retirees from the U.S. and Canada to live legally in Costa Rica. Here is what it means in general terms, which documents you need, and how the process works from your first call to your DIMEX card. The exact amounts that apply to you are confirmed in your consultation.
Who qualifies
You must prove a permanent, lifetime pension or retirement income. The required monthly amount is confirmed in your consultation, because it is set by current regulations. Your spouse and dependent children can usually be included under the same income.
- U.S. Social Security retirement benefits
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
- Government, military or private company pensions
- Lifetime annuities that guarantee payment for life
What does not count
Income from employment, savings, investment returns or annuities with an end date does not qualify as a pension. If that describes your income, the Rentista or Investor categories may fit better.
Main documents
- Pension letter stating the amount and that it is paid for life, apostilled
- Birth certificate, apostilled
- Criminal background check from your country of residence, apostilled
- Marriage certificate if your spouse applies with you, apostilled
- Valid passport and passport photos
- Fingerprint registration and consular/embassy registration
- Official Spanish translations of all foreign documents
Step by step
- Consultation to confirm Pensionado is your best route
- We send a tailored document checklist
- You gather, apostille and send your documents
- We translate, review and file your application with Migración
- We follow up until approval
- You complete Caja (CCSS) enrollment and receive your DIMEX
Obligations after approval
- Spend the minimum time in Costa Rica required for your category
- Meet the pension currency-exchange requirement
- Keep your Caja (CCSS) contributions current
- Renew your temporary residency on time; we tell you when you qualify for permanent residency
Can I work as a Pensionado?
Pensionados cannot work as employees, but may generally own a business and receive its profits. We review your plans so you stay compliant.
Every category has specific amounts, timing and requirements that change from time to time. This guide is general information, not legal advice—the exact figures that apply to you are confirmed in a private consultation.