Medical Visa Costa Rica: How the Medical Treatment Stay Permit Actually Works
People searching for a medical visa for Costa Rica are usually looking for the wrong term — Costa Rica has no dedicated “medical visa” category. What it does have is a Medical Treatment Stay authorization, a subcategory of the broader “Estancia” permit issued by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), that lets a foreign national remain legally in the country while receiving certified medical treatment. It is not a residency status, and its duration is tied directly to what the treating medical institution certifies as necessary. This guide covers the actual requirements, cost, and what changes if treatment runs longer than expected.
- Most nationalities — including U.S., Canadian, UK and EU citizens — enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days. This permit matters when treatment will run longer than that.
- It is a subcategory of Estancia (not residency), governed by Law No. 8764 and its Immigration Regulations (Executive Decree No. 37112-GOB).
- The core requirement is certification from the treating medical institution confirming the person is under treatment and needs to remain in the country; the permit’s validity matches that certified timeframe.
- The fee is USD $100 (or its colón equivalent), under Article 256 of the law. Treatment lasting past six months triggers additional document requirements.
Practice Area: Immigration
What the Medical Treatment Stay actually is
The Medical Treatment Stay is one of several subcategories under Estancia — a status contemplated by Law No. 8764, the General Immigration and Foreigners Law, and its Immigration Regulations (Executive Decree No. 37112-GOB). Unlike temporary or permanent residency — granted under categories such as Pensionado, Rentista, Investor, or Family Ties — Estancia is a narrower authorization: it lets a person remain legally in the country for a specific, defined purpose, for as long as that purpose justifies, without conferring resident status.
Here, the purpose is receiving medical care at a recognized hospital or clinic in Costa Rica. DGME requires the medical institution itself to certify two things: that the person is actually under treatment, and that the treatment requires them to remain in the country for a specific period. That certification is, in practice, the centerpiece of the entire application — without it, there is no application to file.
DGME requirements
Per DGME’s official immigration regularization guidelines, applying for a Medical Treatment Stay requires:
- A written application from the applicant, stating the reasons for wanting to remain in Costa Rica under this subcategory, a means of receiving notifications, and their exact address.
- Proof of payment to the Government of Costa Rica of USD $100.00, or its colón equivalent at the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s reference exchange rate, under Article 256 of Law 8764.
- A certified copy of every page of the applicant’s valid passport.
- Certification from the treating medical institution, confirming the person is receiving treatment and that remaining in the country is necessary for that purpose, stating the estimated timeframe.
This list reflects the general requirements DGME publishes for this subcategory; depending on the specific case — nationality, prior immigration history, or whether the application is filed from inside or outside the country — additional conditions can apply, which are worth reviewing before filing.
How long the permit lasts
Unlike categories with fixed terms (one year, two years, and so on), the Medical Treatment Stay’s validity is tied directly to whatever timeframe the medical institution certifies. If treatment is estimated at three months, the permit is granted for that period; if the medical institution certifies a year of treatment, the authorization is set accordingly. This means that if treatment extends beyond what was initially expected, an updated medical certification and, as applicable, a formal extension with DGME are required — simply remaining in the country on the assumption the timeframe will adjust itself is not an option.
If treatment runs past six months
When the authorized stay under this subcategory exceeds six months, DGME requires, in addition to the general requirements:
- A birth certificate, properly legalized and authenticated or apostilled.
- A criminal background certification, also legalized and authenticated or apostilled.
The regulation includes an important exception for cases where the patient’s physical condition makes it impossible to process these documents in the required format: in that case, a sworn declaration covering birth and criminal record information can be submitted instead. This provision recognizes that, for people undergoing serious medical treatment, requiring consular processing or apostilles from their home country may not be reasonable or even possible.
Can a family member accompany the patient?
Law 8764 defines a dependent as a spouse, minor children or adult children with a disability, unmarried children up to age 25, parents, and minor or disabled siblings who are economically dependent on the person holding the immigration status. When someone needs extended medical treatment and requires the presence of a close family member — common with oncology treatment, complex surgery, or extended rehabilitation — it is worth evaluating whether that family member can apply as a dependent tied to the patient’s application, rather than entering under a separate immigration category. Each case needs to be assessed on the family relationship and the documentation available.
What happens if you overstay
Remaining in Costa Rica beyond the authorized period without processing an extension or a change of category triggers an immigration fine of USD $100 for each month of irregular stay, under Law 8764. Alternatively, the person can face a re-entry ban equal to triple the length of their irregular stay. For someone in the country specifically for medical reasons, falling into irregular status can also complicate access to healthcare and other administrative matters tied to the treatment itself — one more reason to file for an extension ahead of time, not when the permit is already about to expire.
How AG Legal helps
Nuestro servicio: AG Legal advises foreign nationals and their families on the Medical Treatment Stay process before DGME, including:
- Preparing and filing the complete application, including coordinating with the medical institution for the required certification.
- Evaluating whether a family member can apply as a dependent tied to the application.
- Managing extensions when treatment runs longer than the initially authorized period.
- Evaluating immigration alternatives if the person wishes to remain in Costa Rica beyond what this subcategory allows once treatment concludes.
AG Legal appears on the list of attorneys published by the U.S. Embassy in San José and in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) directory of English-speaking lawyers for Costa Rica. Inclusion on either list does not constitute a government endorsement or recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Costa Rica have a medical visa?
- Not exactly. Most nationalities enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days. For treatment lasting longer, foreign nationals apply for the Medical Treatment Stay, a subcategory of Estancia under Law No. 8764, rather than a dedicated “medical visa.”
- How much does the Medical Treatment Stay cost?
- The application fee is USD $100.00, or its colón equivalent at the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s reference exchange rate, under Article 256 of Law 8764.
- How long does the permit last?
- Its validity matches whatever timeframe the treating medical institution certifies as necessary. It is not a fixed period that applies uniformly to every case.
- What happens if my treatment takes longer than six months?
- Additional documents are required: a legalized and apostilled birth certificate and criminal background certification. If the patient’s physical condition prevents processing these, a sworn declaration can be submitted instead.
- Can a family member accompany me during treatment?
- It is possible to evaluate whether a close family member qualifies as a dependent (spouse, children, parents, among others under the legal definition) to apply tied to your application, depending on the case.
- What happens if I stay in Costa Rica after the permit expires?
- An immigration fine of USD $100 applies for each month of irregular stay, or alternatively a re-entry ban equal to triple the length of the irregular stay. It’s important to request an extension before the authorized period expires.
Need to Apply for a Medical Treatment Stay in Costa Rica?
AG Legal manages the full process before DGME, including coordination with the medical institution and evaluation of family dependents.
CONTACT AG LEGALRecommended reading
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Immigration requirements can vary by case and are subject to change by DGME; always confirm current requirements with our immigration team before starting a process.