Chinese nationals can apply for Costa Rica investor residency, known as the inversionista category. This page explains the route and what to confirm with the official authority.
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.
Costa Rica does not exclude Chinese nationals from investor residency. The inversionista category is based on documenting a qualifying investment in Costa Rica.
Applicants must show the source and the legality of the funds and pass standard checks. Confirm the current document list with DGME.
The investor category accepts a qualifying investment that can take several forms, including registered real estate, shares or other approved assets in Costa Rica.
A temporary reduced threshold has applied under a special law. That reduced level is scheduled to end in mid 2026, after which a higher threshold is expected to return unless the law is renewed. Confirm the level that applies on your filing date.
Processing depends on the completeness of the file and current DGME workloads. Investor residency is typically granted as temporary residency first, then renewable, and can lead to permanent residency over time under set conditions. Treat timelines as indicative.
Indicative investment thresholds are shown below. These are eligibility thresholds, not fees. Government and professional fees are separate. Verify every figure with the official authority before you act.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investor threshold to 14 July 2026 | USD 150,000 | Reduced level under Law 9996, subject to the sunset date |
| Investor threshold expected after the sunset | USD 200,000 | Expected reversion unless the law is renewed, confirm with DGME |
| Government and professional fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Separate from the qualifying investment |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (DGME) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. There is no nationality based exclusion. The inversionista category is based on a qualifying investment with proof of lawful funds.
It depends on your filing date. A reduced threshold is scheduled to run to 14 July 2026, after which a higher threshold is expected to return unless renewed. Confirm the level on your filing date with DGME.
It can, over time and under set conditions. Confirm the current rules with DGME and the official authority.
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.
We introduce you to vetted, independent advisors, in confidence and at no obligation. Your topic is noted for you below.
Independent and paid by the people we help, never by a government and never by a firm.
One short email when a programme rule changes, with the official source named so you can verify it. No hype, unsubscribe anytime.