Diverse Investment Opportunities for Costa Rica Residency

Costa Rica residency by investment has grown in popularity, attracting global investors with its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and socioeconomic stability. While real estate remains a popular investment channel, there are several other avenues approved by the Immigration Directorate that are less commonly known but equally viable.

Diverse Ways to Secure Costa Rica Residency by Investment:

Exploring these various avenues can lead to fulfilling and strategic investments that qualify for residency.

Real Estate and Vehicle Investments:

Recent changes in regulations now require that any property investment be registered under the personal name of the principal applicant at the Public Registry. If the property is jointly owned, only the principal applicant’s portion needs to meet the $150,000 investment threshold. The value that will be taken into consideration by the Immigration Department will be determined by the Municipality. There may be a huge difference between the purchase price and the valuation price that a municipality may assign to a property. Required documents include:

• Municipal valuation of the property.
• Proof of up-to-date municipal tax payments.
• Ownership documentation from the Public Registry.

Corporate Shares:

Utilizing corporate shares for residency has become increasingly common due to advantages in liability management and estate planning. To meet the investment criteria through corporate shares, a capital stock adjustment may be needed to reflect an investment of $150,000. This adjustment is more about formalizing the value in your legal books rather than additional financial outlay. Necessary documentation includes:

• A capital stock certification.
• A CPA letter confirming the value of your investment.
• A certification of good standing from the corporation.

Lastly, take note that your corporation will need to be active at the Tax Agency.

Securities Investment:

Investing $150,000 in securities on the stock market is a lesser-known route due to Costa Rica’s relatively undeveloped stock market. Investments must be registered with SUGEVAL (General Superintendency of Securities of Costa Rica). A CPA certification is required to verify the investment. The investment can be made under a personal name or through a corporation.

National Interest or Productive Projects:

Investments designated as of national interest by the government or as part of productive projects are particularly impactful. For this type of investment, it is mandatory the government grants the label of project of national interest. It must be published in the official newspaper to make the public announcement. If the investment is done through a productive project, a letter from the public institution associated with that process will need to issue a letter stating that the investment has a direct relationship with the economic sector of the country.

Venture Capital Funds:

For those interested in venture capital, forming a corporation to manage investment funds is an option, though this requires registration with both the Public Registry and SUGEVAL. Investment verification is completed through a CPA’s letter, similar to other investment forms.

Sustainable Tourism Projects:

Investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure, verified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), can also qualify for residency. This sector offers opportunities to contribute to environmentally sustainable development, a growing priority within Costa Rica.

Streamlining Your Investment for Residency:

While some investment routes involve more complex interactions with government agencies, the first two options—real estate and corporate shares—are generally quicker and simpler, appealing to many expats.

Regardless of the method, investing in Costa Rica not only offers a pathway to Costa Rica residency but also contributes positively to the country’s economy. All investment types fulfill Costa Rica permanent residency requirements, providing investors not only with a chance to live in a tropical paradise but also to engage in meaningful economic activities.

Interested in exploring how to get Costa Rica residency through investment?

Quatro Legal specializes in navigating the Costa Rica residency laws and can guide you through the available Costa Rica residency options to find the best fit for your investment goals. Get your complimentary e-consultation today.