8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Residency Permit in Costa Rica
About the Author
Herman Duarte, founder of Simple Legal Consulting, is an immigrant from El Salvador who, after living in Costa Rica for 13 years, is now a proud Costa Rican. He holds master's degrees from Stockholm University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Passionate about writing and research, Herman is widely recognized as one of the top lawyers in the region and a leading expert in investment and immigration law in Costa Rica. Drawing from his personal experience as an immigrant, Herman uniquely understands the challenges of navigating the immigration system and is dedicated to helping others successfully transition to life in Costa Rica.
🌊 Planning your residency in Costa Rica? Ensure a smooth application by steering clear of these common pitfalls:
Not Providing Complete Documentation: Every piece of paper counts. Missing documents can delay or derail your application. It's essential to meticulously gather and submit all required paperwork, including birth certificates, criminal records, and proof of financial stability. Each document should be current, correctly filled out, and in the required format to avoid delays or rejections.
For instance, birth certificate and criminal records cannot be older than 6 months and must have an apostille or a chain of legalization.
Any document that is not in spanish must be translated by a Costa Rican official translator (do not worry, we got contacts for the main languages of the world).
In case of federal states, it is mandatory to present federal criminal records (FBI for the USA and RMP for Canada), not the local police records.
Ignoring Application Deadlines: Timing is critical in immigration processes. Missing a deadline can result in significant setbacks, including starting the application process over. Keep a detailed calendar with all important dates and set reminders well in advance to ensure you never miss a critical deadline. One of the key deadlines to keep in mind is the days that you receive on your entry stamp in Costa Rica, as any application that is presented after that timeframe, will result in an automatic rejection by the Immigration Authority (“Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería” “DGME”)
Overlooking Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage (only after the approval and only for residents. Does not apply for digital nomads): Costa Rica requires specific health coverage for residents; make sure your policy complies to avoid application rejection. Your health insurance must cover all necessary medical services, and you must provide proof of this coverage. Review the specific requirements for your residency type and ensure your policy meets these standards.
Misjudging Financial Requirements: Prove financial stability through regular income or a significant investment, depending on your residency type. For instance, a Pensionado residency requires a guaranteed monthly income from a pension, while an Investor residency requires a substantial financial investment in Costa Rican real estate or business. Clearly understand the financial criteria and prepare your evidence accordingly to avoid issues.
Failing to Use Certified Translation Services: All foreign documents must be officially translated and certified to be accepted by Costa Rican authorities. We can make sure that translations are done by certified professionals to meet legal standards. This is particularly important for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records among other documentation.
Underestimating the Value of Legal Guidance: The expertise of an immigration lawyer is invaluable in navigating the complex residency application process. An experienced lawyer such as our founding partner, Herman Duarte, can provide insights into the latest regulations, help you prepare and organize your documents, and represent you in legal matters. Our guidance can save you time and prevent costly mistakes, ensuring a smoother application process.
Not Updating Personal Details: Keep your contact information and personal details up to date with immigration services to avoid issues. Changes in your marital status, address, or other significant details should be promptly reported to the authorities. Failing to do so can lead to complications or delays in your application.
Assuming Automatic Approval: Patience is essential. The process can be lengthy, and proactive follow-up may be needed. Understand that residency applications often require several months for processing. Stay engaged with the process, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and be prepared for potential delays. Regularly check the status of your application and maintain open communication with immigration officials.
🌟 Avoid these mistakes with expert help from Plan B by Simple Legal Consulting. Our team ensures a thorough and efficient residency application process, guiding you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive support, from document preparation to legal representation, making your transition to Costa Rica as smooth as possible. 🌟 Contact us today!