Who is the residency for spouses for?

If you find yourself in the situation of being married to a person who holds Costa Rican citizenship, you have the possibility of accessing a valuable opportunity to obtain residency in Costa Rica through the category of Residency for Spouses. This type of residency has been created specifically for those foreigners who have married a Costa Rican citizen, thus offering the possibility to apply for Temporary Residency according to the immigration rules that are currently in force in the country. In order to be approved for this category, it is essential that your marriage is duly registered and recorded in the Civil Registry, which is a fundamental requirement to start the process.

Not married yet? Don't worry. We can help you with the marriage process and ceremony to make it quick and easy. The requirements for a marriage ceremony in Costa Rica are simple: you need two witnesses and to pass an interview with the Immigration Department. An expert lawyer will take care of registering your marriage at the Costa Rican National Registry and you will get an official certificate. It is important to mention that civil marriages in Costa Rica are recognized and valid all over the world.

Advantages of the Spousal Residency Category in Costa Rica

The spouse residency category offers numerous advantages that make it easier for married couples to adapt and settle in Costa Rica. Below, we will explore some of the main advantages that spouses of Costa Rican citizens or residents can enjoy.

  •  Temporary Residency: One of the first advantages is obtaining Temporary Residency. Once the application is approved, this residence is granted and is initially valid for one year. This time allows the spouses to adapt to their new environment and begin to integrate into the daily life of the country. The good news is that this temporary residence can be renewed, thus providing stability and continuity.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Another significant benefit is the path to Permanent Residency. After having held Temporary Residency for a continuous period of three years, spouses have the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency, which requires no additional conditions. This not only provides legal security, but also allows couples to enjoy greater peace of mind in the long run.
  •  Employment Opportunities: Residency for spouses also opens the door to various employment opportunities. Holders of this residency category can work in Costa Rica, either as employees in local businesses or as freelancers. This flexibility is an attractive aspect, as it contrasts with other residency categories that may have more severe restrictions on employment.
  • Business Ownership: Finally, being a resident spouse also allows business ownership in Costa Rica. This means that spouses can not only work, but also establish their own businesses and receive dividends. This advantage is fundamental for those who wish to become entrepreneurs and become an active part of the Costa Rican economy.

Conclusion

In summary, the residency category for spouses in Costa Rica offers a series of significant benefits that facilitate the integration and professional and personal development of married couples. From obtaining Temporary Residency to the possibility of establishing businesses, these advantages contribute to creating an environment conducive to a full and satisfying life in this beautiful country.

Residence requirements for Costa Rican spouse

 

  • Marriage certificate.
  • Fingerprints from Costa Rica M.S.P
  • Migration Application Form
  • Passport size photographs

 

  • Consular Registration
  • Birth Certificate with apostille
  • Criminal Background Check with apostille.

Note:

  • All the documents should be apostilled in your country of origin (if your home country is not part of the Apostille Convention, the documents should be authenticated or legalized in the Embassy of Costa Rica in your country of origin).

Contact us:

Thank you for contact us, we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Nombre Completo
Field is required!
Field is required!
Su correo completo
Field is required!
Field is required!
Enviar
The Government and other expenses associated with your residency are not included.
In addition to our service fees, it is essential to take into consideration that there will be governmental charges and some extra costs. These include costs for Spanish translations of documents in another language.
JAROS Costa Rica Immigation Experts: offers you the local service of processing and bringing the required documentation.

if you live in Costa Rica and need the following documents, JAROS offers you service of processing and obtaining them at the additional cost:

* FBI Background Check & Apostille 

* Birth Certificate & Apostille 

So now you have your Residency in Costa Rica! Remember, that after a certain period of time you will need to proceed with your Residency Renewal.

Click here for more information about the Apostille Convention and check if your home country is a party to it — notable exceptions include Canada and China.