Costa Rica Residency Step-by-Step: Documents & Fingerprinting

Costa Rica is a dream for many expats—but moving here involves paperwork. Residency applications require careful planning and specific documents.

Key Documents Needed

• Birth certificate and marriage certificate (apostilled)

• FBI background check with fingerprints

• Proof of income or investment, depending on residency type

Fingerprinting

This must be done locally in Costa Rica for residency processing. Plan to book appointments early.

Translations

All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish.

Timeline

Residency approval can take 12–18 months. During this time, stay organized and keep copies of everything.

Be Well & Co. offers document concierge services for expats in Costa Rica, including fingerprinting, apostilles, and residency guidance. Let us help make the process smooth.

Book a Discovery Call

This reminder is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified professional about your specific situation.

Written by Courtney A. Mallow, IRS-Registered Tax Preparer, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant℠, and Founder of Be Well & Co. Financial Consulting. Courtney helps self-employed individuals, people living abroad, and global professionals align their money with their values.