Let’s start with the correct terminology:

A residency card is referred to as a DIMEX, as shown in the picture above.

Not to be confused with Cedula – A.K.A. Citizenship card

Also, not to be confused with a Visa, which, for most of you reading this, is

a 180-day stamp that you receive on your passport upon entering Costa Rica.

Subjects covered

• First time issuance.
• DIMEX Renewal – Normally occurs every two or three years.
• DIMEX Duplicate – Due to loss, damage, or theft.
• Cedula (Citizenship) Duplicate – Due to loss or theft.

First-time issuance

(By appointment – see below).  (Following the approval of your application for legal residency)

• Copy of the Resolution received from the DGME. (Proof of approval of your residency application).
• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• BCR receipts show payment of the three government fees indicated in the Resolution. Those receipts must include your full name, as it is spelled out on your passport. (Precisely). 
• Proof of CAJA enrollment. 
• Photocopies of the appropriate documents relating to the category you applied for. IE: Marriage certificate, proof of pension, proof of income bank letter, Inversionista documents. Each should show a DGME stamp affixed to the photocopy at the time of the submission of the residency application.
• Informed consent document on the use of data, printed and signed. (Attached in the mail you receive). (See a sample below).
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address
• At the time of the appointment, please provide a valid email address, Costa Rica phone number, and address.
• Before your appointment, you must pay ₡7,910 in cash for administrative expenses at Correos de Costa Rica. At BCR branches, you can use a BCR credit card or cash.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled appointment time with all required documents; otherwise, the procedure will not be attended to.
• Prepare to communicate in Costa Rican Spanish.
• Crucial: Engage a neat, polite Costa Rican to assist with translation during each task. Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, so you cannot expect staff at any venue to speak to you in English. Nor can you rely on a phone app. Regarding technical transactions such as this, it is essential to communicate with perfect Costa Rican Spanish. Don’t try to save a buck and end up in frustration and needless expense. You are dealing with a severe process involving thousands of dollars. (CAJA) 

Remember the adage: “Never enough time or $$ to do it right. Always enough of both to do it over.” 

Also, maintain control over your translator no matter how “dear” a friend, relative, or neighbor. Assume nothing. Ever. Keep a printout of your instructions at all times for constant reference so you know how to direct your translator. Otherwise, they may take over the process and make stuff up independently, getting each of you in trouble. (Common occurrence).

Translator Control: A Critical Rule

Always maintain firm control over your translator — no matter how “dear” a friend, relative, or neighbor they may be.

Assume nothing. Ever.

Keep a printed copy of your written instructions within reach at all times. Use it as your reference guide so you stay in command of the process. Otherwise, your translator may start improvising or “helping” in ways that distort your intent — a common mistake that can cause serious trouble for both of you.

Renewal of previously issued DIMEX

(A.K.A. Residency Card – in case you’ve already forgotten the term).

Pros:

• It is less involved and costly than the initial application for Legal Residency.
• Minimal fees.
• If you are 65 or older, an appointment is not required. Depending on where you apply, you may receive either the actual plastic DIMEX card on the same day or a digital version with a QR code that functions similarly while awaiting the arrival of the solid plastic DIMEX card.

Cons:

• Requires an appointment for those under age 65.  How-to instructions are listed below.
• Official instructions on the DGME (Immigration), Correos de CR (Post Office), or BCR (Bank of Costa Rica) websites are in overly wordy Spanish, somewhat ambiguous.
• Each location you visit may have different requirements for documents.
• Pensionados and Rentistas under the age of 65 can only apply at participating BCR branches or at participating Correos de Costa Rica locations. Based on client feedback, Correos de Costa Rica appears to be more accommodating.
• Inversionistas can only apply at the DGME (Immigration) offices.
• Vinculos can apply at all DGME offices (best) or participating BCR branches.

When to apply for renewal:

• 90 days prior to the expiry date on your current card. (Strongly advised).

Requirements for a first, second or multiple time renewal by category

Pensionado

(By appointment – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but only signed in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA DE CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 103 for minors). Payments must be made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• CRC 8,000 in cash if the appointment is at the Correos De Costa Rica.
• Your most recent CAJA payment receipt. (Needs to be the most recent monthly payment).
• Prove that you still qualify for the specific residency category you hold.  

Based on the letter of the law, this means:

Recently issued proof of pension exceeding USD 1,000 per month, fully authenticated and officially translated.

For married couples: Proof you are still married with a recent, fully authenticated extract of your marriage certificate. 

Don’t panic just yet.

In actual practice, here’s what might be asked for(based on my recent visits to four different BCR branches that do renewals – PLUS – feedback from recent client renewal experiences).

1. A photocopy of the Resolution issued at the time of your initial approval. 
2. A photocopy of the proof of pension statement submitted at the time of the original application submission, complete with Apostille, or – if from Canada – Global Affairs stamp, CR consulate authentication, Foreign Affairs (Casa Amarilla) final authentication, and official translations that were done here in Costa Rica.
3. A photocopy of the Marriage Certificate submitted at the time of your original application for residency, complete with authentications and official translations – OR – a recent copy of the marriage registration from the Costa Rica Registro Civil. (Obtained from any local Registro Civil offices).
4. A copy of your last 4 Costa Rica bank statements showing deposits of your pension payments. (Therefore, send those payments to your Costa Rica bank. Or at least for the three months prior to your renewal application.)

In most client experiences, items 1, 2, or 3 above were never requested.

Spouse or dependent family member of a Pensionado

(By appointment – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA DE CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 103 for minors). Payments must be made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• CRC 8,000 in cash if the appointment is at the Correos De Costa Rica.
• Proof that your spouse is current with CAJA. Be sure that your family’s enrollment in CAJA is also in order. If in doubt, visit your nearest CAJA Ebais (Clinic) and double-check.
• Prove that you still qualify for the specific residency category you hold.  
• See above points 1,2, 3 & 4.

Renstista

(By appointment – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 98 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• CRC 7,910 in cash if the appointment is at the Correos De Costa Rica.
• Your most recent CAJA payment receipt. (Needs to be current).
• Prove that you still qualify for the specific residency category you hold.  

By the letter of the law, this means providing a new proof of income, such as a bank letter issued within the past six months, duly authenticated and officially translated. 

In actual practice, depending on the venue of renewal, here is what might be requested:

1. Copies of the most recent four months of your Costa Rican bank statements, each month showing an opening balance of a minimum of USD 2,5K.
2. A photocopy of the Resolution issued at the time of your initial approval. 
3. A photocopy of the proof of income Bank Letter submitted at the time of the original application submission complete with Apostille, – or – if from Canada – Global Affairs stamp, CR consulate authentication, Foreign Affairs (Casa Amarilla) final authentication, and official (done here in Costa Rica) translations.
4. A photocopy of the Marriage Certificate submitted at the time of your original application for residency, complete with authentications and official translations – OR – a recent copy of the marriage registration from the Costa Rica Registro Civil. (Obtained from any local Registro Civil offices).

Spouse or Dependent Family Member of a Renstista

(By appointment – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 103 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only
• CRC 7,910 in cash if the appointment is at the Correos De Costa Rica.
• Proof that your (Renstista) spouse is current with CAJA. Be sure that your family’s enrollment in CAJA is also in order. If in doubt, visit your nearest CAJA Ebais (Clinic) and double-check.
• Prove that you still qualify for the specific residency category you hold. 

See notes 1, 2, 3 and 4 above as to what might be requested.

Inversionista

(Done only at the DGME offices. (By appointment – see below))

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• Proof that you remain current with CAJA.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 103 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• Provide proof that the assets (usually real estate) worth at least $150K are still yours. IE, the same evidence of ownership of the assets you submitted to the DGME (Immigration) by which you were approved for Inversionista residency. (Including all taxes on that asset are paid).

Spouse or Dependent Family Member of an Inversionista

(By appointment at DGME or BCR  – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 98 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• Proof that your (Inversionista) spouse is current with CAJA. Be sure that your family’s enrollment in CAJA is also in order. If in doubt, visit your nearest CAJA Ebais (Clinic) and double-check.
• Your Inversionista spouse has complied with the fourth step as outlined above.

• DIMEX must be renewed twice at one-year intervals after issuing your first DIMEX. (End of year 1; End of year 2; End of yet 3.
• You can switch to Permanent Residency after year 3.
• If you remained in Costa Rica for those entire first two years, you could apply for either Permanent Residency or Citizenship. (At the end of year two). Otherwise, two renewals are required, as outlined in the first point above.
• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Proof that you and your spouse are current with CAJA. Be sure that your family’s enrollment in CAJA is also in order. If in doubt, visit your nearest CAJA Ebais (clinic) and double-check.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 103 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• Proof of marriage from the Registro Civil not more than two months from the date of issuance (downloadable from the Registro Civil website).
• In-person interview to audit authenticity of the marriage – or – Affidavit stating the same and brought in only by the foreign spouse (Vinculo DIMEX holder).

Vinculo – Foreign Parents of a Costa Rican citizen

(By Appointment DGME offices – see below)

• Renewal is completed after the first two years since issuing the first DIMEX – or – you can apply for Permanent residency or Citizenship.
• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX. (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 98 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• Proof that you and your family are current with CAJA. Be sure that your family’s enrollment in CAJA is also in order. If in doubt, visit your nearest CAJA Ebais (Clinic) and double-check.

Replacement of lost or stolen DIMEX cards

• If you require a duplicate of your DIMEX due to loss or theft, it can only be replaced at the DGME offices.
• You must first book an appointment by calling the 1311 (Operated by ICE). You can only reach that number if you are physically in Costa Rica at the time of the call and only by using a Kolbi (ICE) cell phone. Other phones won’t reach 1311.
• Please see below for additional appointment booking instructions.

Lost or stolen CEDULA (Citizenship card).

(Different from a DIMEX as explained above).

• Replaced at the Registro Civil. Unlike previously, there is no O.I.J. report or letter with a notary is required.

Permanent DIMEX renewal

(By Appointment – see below)

• Current passport in readable, undamaged condition.
• Expiring (current) DIMEX card.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: The names of your parents as they appear on your birth certificate.
• TYPED out on an 8.5 x 11” white sheet of paper: Your email address.
• Informed Consent Form: Filled out but not signed until in front of the staffer.
• CONSTANCIA CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO DIMEX 2022 versión N°3 al 3-02-2023. (Sample below).
• Receipts from BCR for the required government fees. (USD 123 equivalent in CRC – paid to BCR account # 242480-0 and must include the applicant’s name as spelled out on your DIMEX. (USD 98 for minors). Payments are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• Current with CAJA.
• CRC 7,910 in cash if the appointment is at the Correos De Costa Rica.
• Arrive 10 minutes before the appointment time.

Overdue Renewals

(By Appointment – see below)

• Suppose you have not renewed your DIMEX (residency) card for more than three months past the expiry date shown on your current card. In that case, you must submit a justification affidavit authenticated by a lawyer, giving clear, credible reasons why you did not renew it on time.
• Once past the three months, you can only renew at the DGME offices.
• Suppose it has expired for over a year; in that case, along with the affidavit of explanation note, you must also provide a new, duly authenticated, and translated criminal background report (e.g., FBI, RCMP).
• Also, in this instance, your renewal can only be applied for at the DGME offices.
• If not past the three-month past due limit, renewals can be carried out at the DGME offices, BCR, or Correos de Costa Rica. Correos de Costa Rica seems to be the most accommodating in most towns.
• Payments on the day of the appointment are made in cash or BCR credit/debit cards only.
• The Bank of Costa Rica will charge USD 8.00, payable in CRC equivalent, for its banking commission.
• Correos de Costa Rica charges: CRC 7,910.

APPOINTMENT BOOKING PROCEDURES

At Participating BCR bank branches

(Only in Spanish)

Note: “CITA” means “Appointment.”

• Appointments are available in 71 BCR offices (see list here ).

• To request the renewal of your DIMEX (residency) card through the BCR, please schedule an appointment by calling 800-BCRCITA (227-2482). Answered with a lengthy Spanish menu of options. 

• The BCR Call Center will indicate the requirements that must be presented according to your residency category and the fees to be paid at the time of your appointment. Fees are paid in colones at the exchange rate on the day of payment.

• The Bank of Costa Rica (BCR) captures all your necessary data. Through this collection, the information is validated by the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME), which prints the DIMEX (residency) card and sends it by mail to the Correos de Costa Rica that you indicate at the time of renewal. 

• The Correos de Costa Rica is responsible for delivering it to the DIMEX cardholder at the postal branch selected by that DIMEX cardholder within 22 business days* once the procedure has been completed at the Bank. The DIMEX cardholder has 30 days to retrieve the card in person, provided they present proper identification. This cannot be delegated.

Booking At Participating Correos de Costa Rica (Post office) Locations

(Proceed to the VEZ windows for service.)

Note: “CITA” means “Appointment.”

https://correos.go.cr/cedula-residencia/

“Benefits” points on the Correos de CR site:•      When you process your DIMEX through the VES windows, you avoid going to the DGME Immigration offices. 

Response: This is an excellent benefit for those living in distant rural areas. In some locations, BCR branches may offer superior service. But overall, Corroes de Costa Rica seems to be the optimal choice in most towns. 

For seniors, DGME offices are optimal depending on the distance from your domicile.

•      Your document travels with priority, reaching its destination quickly. 

Accurate – once the DGME finally prints and sends your card out. 

•      You can track your document at all times. 

In some cases, delays have occurred. However, please note that most of the time, you can expect your hard copy plastic DIMEX card to arrive within 30 to 45 business days. (Not the promised 22 days.)

Booking At DGME locations

Note: “CITA” means “Appointment.”

https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Portal-de-Citas-Web.aspx

Or call 1311 through a Kolbi (ICE) cell phone. Service is only available in Spanish.

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Action that can be taken for overdue DIMEX deliveries

The digital DIMEX (see image below) has preceded the actual plastic DIMEX card and can be printed out or saved to your cell phone, used in place of the solid plastic DIMEX card, until the delayed plastic DIMEX finally arrives.

If you have been waiting for more than 30 business days, visit your nearest Correos De Costa Rica to see if they have received notice of the digital DIMEX. (The Correos de Costa Rica – POST OFFICE- you told the DGME to send the DIMEX card to.)

After waiting 60 days, the best solution is to go to door #3 at the main offices of the DGME in La Uruca (San Jose), where you will walk out with your card within two hours. 

DOOR #3 is pictured at the bottom right of the collage.

It is important to understand that the requirements, costs, and validity of the DIMEX (residency) card remain unchanged.  

Only the physical appearance and content have changed.

Informed Consent Form

Frequently asked questions

Are the renewal requirements still the same?

Yes.         

• ​Identification documents such as an expired DIMEX, a passport, or a license. (See above). 
• Proof of CAJA enrollment and current on your monthly payments.
• Receipts for the required government fee payments. (From BCR).
• Additional documents for your immigration category, if applicable. (See above).

Will I have to pay additional if I do the process at BCR or Correos?        

Yes. Modest service charges apply. 

Will they assist me at Immigration if I show up without an appointment?

Not if you are under age 65. By appointment only.

That includes spouses of those aged 65 or older. They go by the youngest of the two of you. 

If you are 65 or older, you do not need an appointment unless you are married to a spouse who is younger than you.

It is limited to 27 seniors per day. 

Served between 7:20 and 9:30 a.m., Monday to Friday. (Get there by 7 am).

Thursdays are the best days to go.​

How do I book an appointment at the DGME (Immigration) offices or the nearest participating Correos De Costa Rica?

Book by calling the 1311 Call Center, which is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.​ (Not available on Sundays).

When you call 1311, you must be physically located in Costa Rica and use only a Kolbi (ICE) cell phone. (ICE operates the Call Center).

For appointments at the Banco de Costa Rica: 

800 BCR appointment (800-227 2482): Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm