Student Residence Permit
Costa Rica
Last updated: December 22, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$250-$300
3-4 months
High
About this Visa
Costa Rica lets foreign students live there while they study at a local school. You get a provisional visa to enter, then a residence permit once you're there. The government treats student status as temporary—it's for studying, not working or staying permanently. This visa is for anyone from any country who gets accepted to a Costa Rican school. You must be a full-time student and have enough money to pay for school and living costs on your own. The residence permit is part of Costa Rica's Special Category temporary residence system. Student status does not provide a direct path to permanent residence, but it allows you to legally accumulate time in the country.
Key Benefits
- Stay legally in Costa Rica while you study without tourist visa extensions
- Bring spouse and children as dependents
- Get a residence ID card (DIMEX) for easier banking and services
- Accumulate legal residence time toward future permanent residence
- Remain for duration of enrollment with renewals
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Be accepted to an accredited Costa Rican school
- Have a valid passport
- Have no serious criminal record
- Have enough money to support yourself without working
- Be enrolled full-time during your stay
- Intend genuinely to study, not use visa to live there indefinitely
Financial Requirement
Show proof you have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses. This can be your own savings, a parent's bank statement, or a scholarship letter. There's no fixed minimum amount—officials decide if it's enough based on your situation.
Documents
- Letter of acceptanceFrom an accredited Costa Rican school
- Valid passportMust be valid for at least 6 months after arrival
- Birth certificateOriginal, legalized with apostille, translated into Spanish
- Police clearance certificateFrom your home country, legalized and translated into Spanish
- Bank statements or sponsor letterProof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
- Proof of fingerprintsTaken at a Costa Rican police office
- Notarized passport copiesMade by a Costa Rican notary
- Application fee receiptProof of visa fee payment
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.