Costa Rica's New $150,000 Investment Residency Threshold

Law 9996 lowered Costa Rica's investment residency threshold from $200,000 to $150,000 and added new tax incentives for qualifying investors.

7/12/20261 min read

time lapse photography of multi-step waterfalls
time lapse photography of multi-step waterfalls

Costa Rica has long been a preferred destination for foreign investors seeking Latin American residency, and Law 9996 has made the path more accessible. The investment threshold for the country's residency-by-investment category has been reduced from USD 200,000 to USD 150,000, alongside new tax incentives for qualifying applicants.

The investment can take several forms, including real estate, registered securities, productive projects, or shares in a Costa Rican business. Applicants who qualify also gain access to import tax exemptions on household goods and vehicles, plus income tax benefits on certain assets - incentives designed to make relocation more attractive for investors and their families.

Costa Rica's stability, established expat communities, and proximity to North America make it a natural fit for clients who want a straightforward residency process without extended time-in-country requirements. Dependents, including a spouse and children, can typically be included under the same application.

At The Azur, we help clients identify a qualifying investment structure, prepare the required documentation, and manage the application through Costa Rican immigration authorities. If the new $150,000 threshold changes the math on your relocation plans, reach out and we'll walk through your options.