The Costa Rica investor category, known as inversionista, grants temporary residence to applicants who make a qualifying investment. British nationals can apply on the same basis as other foreign investors.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
British citizens can apply for the inversionista category. There is no nationality bar.
Applicants document a qualifying investment held in Costa Rica and pass standard checks, including a clean criminal record and valid identity documents.
Qualifying investments can include real estate, shares in an active business, registered securities, and certain sustainable tourism or forestry projects.
The investment must be made and evidenced in line with current rules. Confirm the accepted asset types with the authority.
The investor category grants a temporary residence permit that is renewable while the investment is maintained. Reporting suggests review can take several months.
After a qualifying period of residence, applicants may move toward permanent residence, and citizenship is possible after a longer period of legal residence subject to conditions. Confirm the current periods with the authority.
The headline cost is the qualifying investment. Reporting indicates a reduced minimum of around 150,000 United States dollars applies under a temporary law that is scheduled to expire in 2026, after which the figure may rise.
Government and professional fees apply separately. Confirm every current figure with the authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying investment | From 150,000 United States dollars (reported) | Temporary minimum reported to run to 14 July 2026, then may rise |
| Government and processing fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Set by the immigration authority |
| Renewal | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Investment must be maintained |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (DGME) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Reporting indicates a temporary minimum of around 150,000 United States dollars under current law, scheduled to expire in 2026, after which the figure may rise. Confirm the current amount with the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria.
It can over time. Investors hold temporary residence, may later qualify for permanent residence, and may apply for naturalisation after a longer period of legal residence. Confirm the current periods with the authority.
Costa Rica's immigration authority, the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria, processes and decides applications.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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