Request an Initial Evaluation

At JAROS Costa Rica, we review the marriage registration, foreign documents, immigration history, evidence of cohabitation, and the couple’s particular circumstances before filing the application.

WhatsApp: +506 7182 8969 | +506 7235 5512

Quick Guide to Potential Eligibility

You may be eligible if:

• You are legally married to a Costa Rican citizen.
• The marriage is registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
• The foreign national has valid lawful entry and authorized stay when filing the application from within Costa Rica.
• Both spouses are able to attend the immigration interview.
• The couple can demonstrate mutual knowledge and marital cohabitation.
• Foreign documents comply with the applicable apostille or legalization and official translation requirements.
• The foreign national satisfies the applicable personal, immigration, and security requirements.

Approval will depend on the contents of the application file and the evaluation conducted by the General Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners.

Who Is This Residency Category Intended For?

This category is intended for a foreign national who is legally married to a Costa Rican citizen and wishes to establish regular immigration status in Costa Rica.

Once approved, the residency is granted under unrestricted status, known in Spanish as libre condición.

This authorization allows the resident to carry out paid employment or professional activities in Costa Rica, either as an employee or on a self-employed basis, without prejudice to the applicable employment, commercial, tax, and professional regulations.

Authorization to work arises from the approved residency and not merely from filing the application.

For this reason, the foreign national should not begin working solely on the basis of proof that the immigration application is being processed.

The Marriage Must Be Registered in Costa Rica

To apply for this residency, the marriage must be properly registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.

When the marriage was celebrated in Costa Rica, it should be confirmed that the registration was completed correctly and that both spouses’ information matches their identity documents.

When the marriage was celebrated in another country, it is not sufficient to submit the foreign marriage certificate directly to Immigration.

The marriage must first be registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.

Generally, this registration may require:

• The original marriage certificate issued by the appropriate registry authority in the country where the marriage was celebrated.
• The applicable apostille or legalization.
• A complete official Spanish translation when the document is written in another language.
• A valid identity document for the person making the declaration.
• The contact information required to receive notices.

Before filing the immigration application, it should be confirmed that the marriage already appears in the Costa Rican Civil Registry.

Are You Not Married Yet?

When a foreign national and a Costa Rican citizen wish to marry in Costa Rica, JAROS Costa Rica can guide them through document preparation, coordination of the ceremony, and registration of the marriage.

A civil marriage may be performed before a competent authority or by an authorized notary public, depending on the selected procedure.

Requirements may vary according to nationality, marital status, available documentation, and the particular circumstances of each person.

When one of the parties is a foreign national, documents such as the following may be requested:

• A valid identity document or immigration document.
• A birth certificate from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized.
• A certificate of marital status, apostilled or legalized.
• An official Spanish translation when the documents are written in another language.
• Complete information for the two individuals who will act as witnesses.
• Other documents required by the authority or notary performing the marriage.

A certificate of marital status may be subject to a short validity period. For this reason, it is not advisable to request it without first confirming the appropriate time for issuance and apostille.

It is important to clarify that the interview before the General Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners is not part of the marriage ceremony.

The interview takes place later as part of the Temporary Residency Through Marriage process.

Temporary Residency Under Unrestricted Status

A foreign national married to a Costa Rican citizen may be granted Temporary Residency under unrestricted status for an initial period of one year.

After approval, the person must complete the documentation process to obtain the DIMEX, which is the official document proving immigration status in Costa Rica.

The residency must be renewed annually while the person continues to rely on the marriage as the basis for legal residency.

To maintain this category, the person must:

• Keep the marital relationship legally valid.
• Demonstrate marital cohabitation.
• Keep the DIMEX valid.
• Maintain the applicable enrollment with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund.
• Comply with the applicable immigration obligations.
• Complete renewals on time.

Employment Opportunities

One of the main advantages of this category is that it is granted under unrestricted status.

Once the residency has been approved and documented, the person may carry out paid activities in Costa Rica, including:

• Working for a company.
• Providing professional services.
• Performing self-employed activities.
• Managing a business.
• Participating actively in a company.
• Receiving a salary or professional fees.

The practice of certain professions may require membership in a professional association, validation or recognition of academic credentials, special permits, or other legal requirements.

Businesses, Property, and Investments

The resident may:

• Establish or acquire a business.
• Be a shareholder in a corporation.
• Participate in the management of a business.
• Acquire real estate.
• Make investments.
• Receive profits or dividends.
• Enter into commercial agreements.

These activities must be carried out in compliance with the applicable commercial, employment, municipal, tax, and professional obligations.

Having approved residency and a valid DIMEX facilitates many procedures before public institutions, banks, and private companies, but it does not eliminate the particular requirements of each institution.

The Marital Interview Before Immigration

The marital interview is an essential part of the process.

Both spouses must appear at the corresponding office of the General Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners for an individual data-confirmation interview.

During the interview, questions may concern:

• How the couple met.
• The development of the relationship.
• The date and circumstances of the marriage.
• The couple’s residence.
• Daily activities.
• Each spouse’s family.
• Travel, celebrations, and significant events.
• Financial responsibilities.
• Family and personal plans.
• Other matters that make it possible to assess mutual knowledge and cohabitation.

The information provided by both spouses must be clear, consistent, and truthful.

Significant differences between their answers may result in requests for clarification, additional verification, or a more rigorous evaluation of the application.

Evidence of Mutual Knowledge and Cohabitation

Immigration may request evidence supporting the marital relationship.

Depending on the couple’s circumstances, the following may be used:

• Photographs from different stages of the relationship.
• Documents showing a shared residence.
• Rental agreements.
• Utility bills or services registered at the same address.
• Bank statements or shared financial responsibilities.
• Insurance policies, beneficiary designations, or property-related documents.
• Correspondence related to the marital relationship.
• Reservations, trips, or activities undertaken together.
• Information about family members and important events.
• Statements or additional documents when necessary.

There is no single list of evidence applicable to every marriage.

The quality, consistency, and authenticity of the evidence are more important than submitting a large quantity of documents that have no clear connection to the couple’s life together.

When Immigration considers it necessary, the Professional Immigration Police may verify the information provided.

Annual Renewal

Unlike other temporary residency categories that are renewed every two years, Temporary Residency Through Marriage must be renewed annually.

Renewal is not automatic.

Renewal will generally require:

• A marriage certificate issued by the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
• Proof that the marriage remains legally valid.
• Appearance by both spouses to confirm their information and demonstrate cohabitation.
• Updated evidence of married life when requested.
• Payment of the applicable government fees.
• Continuous and current enrollment with the CCSS.
• A valid passport and DIMEX.
• Compliance with any other requirement requested by Immigration.

The marriage certificate used for renewal must satisfy the validity period required under the applicable regulations and procedure.

Renewal should be planned in advance.

When the document is not renewed on time, fines may apply. If more than three months pass after expiration without completing the renewal, cancellation proceedings may be initiated unless duly documented reasons exist.

Separation, Divorce, or Interruption of Cohabitation

This residency depends on the existence and continuity of the marriage and marital cohabitation.

When a separation, divorce, or permanent interruption of cohabitation occurs before Permanent Residency is obtained, the immigration consequences should be reviewed immediately.

The foreign national should not wait until the DIMEX expires to evaluate the situation.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to:

• Report a change in marital status.
• Determine whether another immigration category applies.
• Apply for a change of category.
• Evaluate the continuity of the residency.
• Review the available deadlines and documents.

Each situation requires an individual assessment.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After maintaining Temporary Residency for three consecutive years, the person may apply to change to Permanent Residency.

The change does not occur automatically.

Before filing the application, the following should be reviewed:

• Continuity of Temporary Residency.
• Completed annual renewals.
• Validity of the DIMEX.
• Continuous enrollment with the CCSS.
• Immigration entry and exit records.
• Absences from Costa Rica.
• The marital situation.
• Compliance with immigration obligations.

Permanent Residency provides more stable immigration status and eliminates the need to continue relying on the marriage as the annual basis for renewing Temporary Residency.

Enrollment with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund

After approval, the foreign national must complete the applicable enrollment with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, known as the CCSS.

Enrollment is necessary to complete the immigration documentation process and obtain or renew the DIMEX.

It must also be maintained continuously from the date legal residency is granted.

The type and amount of the contribution depend on the person’s financial, employment, and family circumstances.

Enrollment provides access to the public healthcare system in accordance with the institution’s rules, procedures, waiting lists, and availability.

General Requirements for Applying for Residency

Requirements may vary according to nationality, the country where the documents were issued, the place where the marriage was celebrated, and the applicant’s immigration history.

In general, the application file may include:

• An application for legal residency containing personal information, the request being made, address, and method for receiving notices.
• Signature of the application before an immigration official or authentication by an attorney.
• Proof of the initial government payment of USD 50 or its equivalent in Costa Rican colones.
• Applicable tax stamps.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• The foreign national’s birth certificate, apostilled or legalized.
• The adult foreign national’s criminal background certificate, apostilled or legalized.
• Proof of legal residency in a third country when the criminal background certificate comes from the country where the person legally resided during the previous three years.
• Certified or officially compared copies of the passport pages containing personal information.
• A certified or officially compared copy of the Costa Rican entry stamp.
• A copy of the visa when required based on nationality.
• A certificate or record showing that the marriage is registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
• A certified or officially compared copy of the Costa Rican spouse’s identity card.
• Appearance by both spouses at the immigration interview.
• Evidence demonstrating mutual knowledge.
• Evidence of cohabitation when required.
• Official Spanish translations of documents issued in another language.

Consular registration and initial proof of fingerprinting were removed from the specific regulatory list of requirements through the 2022 amendments.

Requirements, forms, payments, and procedures should be confirmed before filing the application.

Foreign Documents

Public documents issued outside Costa Rica must comply with the applicable apostille or legalization requirements.

When written in another language, they must generally be accompanied by a complete official Spanish translation.

Before requesting documents abroad, the following should be verified:

• The authority competent to issue them.
• The territorial scope of the criminal background certificate.
• The required validity period.
• The correct method of apostille or legalization.
• Consistency of first names and surnames.
• Any differences in dates of birth, places of birth, or parentage information.
• The need to correct or explain any inconsistency.

A seemingly minor difference may result in a formal request for correction and delay the process.

Filing from Within Costa Rica

When the application is filed from within Costa Rica, the foreign national must have valid lawful entry and authorized stay at the time the application is submitted.

Filing the application does not automatically correct an irregular entry or replace the requirements applicable to the person’s nationality.

Before filing, the following should be reviewed:

• The date of entry.
• The authorized period of stay.
• Whether the corresponding visa is required.
• The validity of the passport.
• Immigration stamps and records.

Administrative Processing Period

The regulations establish a maximum period of three months to decide a complete application.

This period begins when Immigration has received all required documents. When the application is filed at a regional office or from abroad, the period may be calculated from the date the documentation is received by the central offices.

When documents are missing, inconsistencies exist, interviews are pending, additional verification is required, or clarifications are requested, the actual processing time may be longer.

Immigration may issue a formal request for:

• Missing documents.
• Clarifications.
• Corrections.
• Supplementary information.
• New certifications.
• Additional evidence concerning the marital relationship.

The regulatory processing period should not be presented as a guarantee that every case will be resolved within exactly that time.

Documentation and Issuance of the DIMEX

After receiving a favorable decision, the person must complete the documentation process within the established period.

The following may apply:

• Payments indicated in the decision.
• Application and issuance fees for the immigration document.
• A security deposit when applicable.
• A valid passport in good condition.
• Active enrollment with the CCSS.
• An appointment for documentation.
• Submission of any additional documents indicated by Immigration.

Amounts, bank accounts, appointments, and procedures should be verified before making any payment.

Approval of residency and issuance of the DIMEX are related but separate stages.

Absences and Continuity of Residency

Temporary Residency may be affected when a person remains outside Costa Rica for more than two consecutive years, unless a legally recognized exception is duly demonstrated.

Extended absences may also affect:

• Renewals.
• Evidence of cohabitation.
• The subsequent change to Permanent Residency.
• Enrollment with the CCSS.
• Continuity of immigration status.

Before remaining outside the country for an extended period, the immigration consequences and the possibility of requesting a suspension, when applicable, should be reviewed.

Situations That May Cause Delays or Affect the Application

Common situations include:

• A marriage celebrated abroad has not yet been registered in Costa Rica.
• Differences between the spouses’ first names or surnames.
• Expired certificates or certificates issued by an incorrect authority.
• Incomplete apostilles or legalizations.
• Translations that do not satisfy the requirements.
• Criminal background certificates with insufficient territorial coverage.
• An expired or damaged passport.
• Irregular entry into or stay in Costa Rica.
• Insufficient evidence of mutual knowledge.
• Contradictory answers during the interview.
• Lack of documentation showing cohabitation.
• An unreported separation.
• Late renewals.
• Failure to maintain continuous enrollment with the CCSS.
• Employment activity begun before residency was approved.

Each application file must be structured according to the couple’s genuine history and the available documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Being Married to a Costa Rican Citizen Sufficient?

No.

The marriage must be registered in Costa Rica, and the couple must demonstrate mutual knowledge and marital cohabitation.

Can I Use a Marriage Celebrated in Another Country?

Yes, but it must first be registered with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.

The foreign certificate must comply with the applicable apostille or legalization and official translation requirements.

Must We Both Attend the Interview?

Yes.

Both spouses must appear for the individual data-confirmation interview and submit the requested evidence.

Can I Work While the Residency Application Is Being Processed?

Simply filing the application does not grant authorization to work.

Authorization arises when residency under unrestricted status has been approved.

Is the Residency Renewed Every Year?

Yes.

Temporary Residency Through Marriage is renewed annually because it depends on the continuity of the marriage and marital cohabitation.

Must We Demonstrate Cohabitation at Every Renewal?

Yes.

Renewal requires proof that the marital relationship remains valid and that both spouses continue to maintain marital cohabitation.

When Can I Apply for Permanent Residency?

After maintaining Temporary Residency for three consecutive years, through a separate application.

What Happens If We Separate or Divorce?

The immigration situation should be evaluated immediately.

It may be necessary to apply for a change of category or take another measure before the DIMEX expires.

Can I Open a Business or Work on a Self-Employed Basis?

Once residency under unrestricted status has been approved, the person may carry out paid activities and participate actively in a business, subject to the applicable regulations.

Obtain Professional Guidance Before Beginning the Process

A residency application based on marriage involves much more than submitting a marriage certificate.

It is essential to verify the marriage registration, prepare the documents correctly, and guide the couple regarding the interview and evidence of cohabitation.

At JAROS Costa Rica, we can assist you with:

• An initial evaluation of your circumstances.
• Review of the marriage registration.
• Coordination of the civil marriage when the couple is not yet married.
• Registration in Costa Rica of marriages celebrated abroad.
• Review of birth certificates and criminal background certificates.
• Review of apostilles, legalizations, and translations.
• Preparation and organization of the documents.
• Guidance for the marital interview.
• Review of evidence of mutual knowledge and cohabitation.
• Filing of the immigration application.
• Follow-up on the application file.
• Assistance with formal requests for additional information or correction.
• Guidance regarding enrollment with the CCSS.
• The DIMEX documentation process.
• Annual renewals.
• Evaluation of separations, divorces, or changes in circumstances.
• The subsequent change to Permanent Residency.

Each case should be evaluated individually before documents are prepared, apostilled, or translated.

Request an Initial Evaluation of Your Case

If you are married to a Costa Rican citizen or wish to celebrate your marriage in Costa Rica, our team can review your circumstances and guide you through every stage of the process.

JAROS Costa Rica – Immigration Experts

WhatsApp: +506 7182 8969 | +506 7235 5512
Email: info@jaroscr.com
Website: www.jaroscr.com

The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace an individual legal evaluation. Requirements, forms, payments, processing periods, and procedures may be modified by the competent authorities.