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Most tourists don't need a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. Some long time expats live here as 'perpetual tourists', leaving the country every 90 days for 72 hours or paying the nominal fines for overstaying. Recent crackdowns by immigration have made it advisable to acquire a more formal residency or work permit if you plan to own a business or real estate.

While technically you may apply for the residency yourself, it is wise to get a lawyer specializing in these matters to make the application for you. You must hire a lawyer registered with the Costa Rican bar association. A good lawyer will charge from $1000 to $1500 for the process.

Types of residency and the requirements:

- Residency for Pensioners or Retirees (Pensionados or Rentistas). If you earn $600 per month from your pension, or $1000 a month from your investments you can qualify for these permits.

- Residency for Investors (Inversionista). If you invest in a local business in Costa Rica. According to the Center for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (PROCOMER), the current priority investment areas of business are ornamental plants, leather articles, spices, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, wood products, and tourism. You will be required to invest at least $50,000 US dollars in one of these areas. If you prefer an area of investment not listed by PROCOMER, you must invest $200,000 US dollars in that business. Another option is a reforestation project with a minimum investment of $100,000. You must live in Costa Rica for six months per year and will not be required to maintain a minimum monthly income.

- Work Permits. If you are a qualified business executive or a qualified technician from an accredited institution, a qualified worker in an educational center with a special contract, or a domestic servant, you can get a work permit or temporary residency.