Immigration Alert: Possible Regulation Change Affecting Expats in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been a sought-after destination for tourists, expats, and digital nomads, thanks to its rich biodiversity, stable political climate, and welcoming culture. However, the practice known as “perpetual tourism,” where individuals continuously extend their stay by making brief exits and re-entries to renew their tourist visas, has raised concerns among policymakers and local communities. In response, a new legislative proposal aims to regulate this practice and strengthen the country’s immigration controls.
 
-“Perpetual tourism” refers to the strategy employed by some foreigns who, upon nearing the expiration of their tourist visa, leave Costa Rica briefly—often to neighboring countries like Nicaragua or Panama—and then re-enter to obtain a fresh tourist visa. This cycle allows them to reside in the country indefinitely without obtaining formal residency. While this method has been tolerated in the past, it presents challenges, including:

– Economic Impacts: An increased demand for short-term rentals and real estate in popular areas, leading to inflated property prices and making housing less affordable for local residents.

– Social Impacts: Strain on local infrastructure and resources, as well as potential cultural shifts in communities with high concentrations of transient populations.

To address these issues, the proposed bill introduces several significant changes:

1. Re-entry Restriction: Tourists who have utilized their full 180-day visa must wait at least 90 days before re-entering Costa Rica as tourists. This measure aims to discourage the cyclical “visa run” practice.

2. Increased Overstay Fines: The bill proposes tripling the current fines for overstaying a visa, raising the penalty to $300 per month for tourists who exceed their legal stay. The revenue from these fines would be allocated to the General Directorate of Migration (DGME) to enhance immigration enforcement and services.

Implications for Long-Term Visitors

Individuals wishing to reside in Costa Rica beyond the standard tourist visa period are encouraged to explore legal residency options, such as: Investor, Rentista, Retired or Digital Nomad.

The proposed legislation signifies Costa Rica’s effort to balance the benefits of tourism with the need for sustainable community development and effective immigration control. By implementing stricter regulations on tourist visa renewals and increasing penalties for overstays, the country aims to encourage those wishing to stay longer to pursue appropriate residency pathways. This approach seeks to protect local communities from the unintended consequences of perpetual tourism while maintaining Costa Rica’s appeal as a welcoming destination for genuine visitors and residents.

For personalized legal advice on immigration and residency in Costa Rica, please contact Quatro Legal.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.