Area of law
At AG Legal, we guide international clients through every step of the immigration process, from residency applications and work permits to ensuring full compliance with Costa Rica’s legal requirements. Whether relocating for work, investment, or retirement, our dedicated team provides tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Legal solutions to move forward.
At AG Legal, we guide international clients through every step of the immigration process, from residency applications and work permits to ensuring full compliance with Costa Rica’s legal requirements. Whether relocating for work, investment, or retirement, our dedicated team provides tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Dedicated to fighting for your rights with results that matter.
Start with AG Legal—it’s simple to submit your case for an evaluation.
Our experienced team thoroughly investigates your case to build a strong strategy.
We are committed to achieving the best possible results for you.
Expert international legal services with over 25 years of experience.
Specializing in business law, investment guidance, and comprehensive legal solutions for clients worldwide.
Legal representation for a wide range of practice areas: Dedicated to providing effective solutions.
Recovering what’s rightfully yours
Empowering your business with expert corporate law solutions
Guiding you through every step of your immigration journey
Safeguard your innovations and brand identity with our expert
Providing comprehensive counsel on workplace regulations, employee rights, and dispute resolution.
Our Litigation & Arbitration team manages high-stakes disputes within Costa Rica's legal framework, including multi-million-dollar cases
We provide specialized real estate law services to guide international clients through property purchases, legal due diligence, and compliance with Costa Rican property laws.
Outsourcing services in Costa Rica, enabling businesses to delegate essential functions such as accounting, human resources, and administrative tasks.
Residency applicants must submit a complete set of original documents, which require an Apostille or official legalization. The application must be fully complete at the time of submission—otherwise, it will be immediately rejected and fees are non-refundable. Key documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of financial stability (such as pension or investments), a police clearance certificate, and recent consulate authorization.
The processing varies depending on visa type and applicant preparedness. Standard residency applications typically take 2–3 months for the initial review, though overall approval may take several additional months. Delays primarily occur due to missing documentation, incomplete applications, or high application volume. Staying updated and submitting a thorough, accurate application can significantly reduce wait times
Popular residency categories include: Pensionado: Proof of $1,000/month lifetime pension. Rentista: Proof of $2,500/month income for at least 2 years or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank. Inversionista: Investment of at least $200,000 in real estate, shares, or a business. Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers with income of $3,000/month or more. Family reunification or marriage-based options are also available. Denominated categories have different financial, documentation, and maintenance requirements. Carefully matching your situation with the correct residency type is key
Essential documents generally include: Valid passport, Birth certificate, Police clearance from your most recent country of residence, Proof of income (bank records, pension documents, or investment statements), Proof of legal stay in Costa Rica at time of application
Yes. U.S. citizens can typically enter Costa Rica as tourists for up to 180 days and begin the residency application process while in-country. However, you must complete all requirements and remain legally present (not exceeding your authorized stay) during the process. Tourist status cannot be automatically extended, so planning is crucial to maintain legal status while your application is processed