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Step Three: Official Resolution

A resolution from the immigration department indicates that an applicant is accepted for Legal Residency. Normally the resolution follows within a year of presenting a Residency Application. The objective of this step is to comply with the final requirements and receive a Cedula Appointment.

Official Resolution

A resolution is issued once an residency application is accepted.

The fax number provided on the cover letter of the residency application is important because this is where the resolution will be sent. Expect that a successful resolution of a residency application will require a year, however it is important to Follow Up with immigration every three or four months. Asking questions about an active application has a tendency to speed up the process, however it is always best to remain patient. Once the resolution is in hand several steps must follow.

First, a tax of about $200 is due, however the exact amount in colones and the respective account for deposit of the funds is indicated on the resolution. Any branch of the Banco de Costa Rica will accept the payment, however be sure to get the deposit receipt and that the name of the residency applicant is clearly indicated.

New residents are now required to join the national heath care and pension system or Caja. The amount due on a monthly basis depends on age and source of income. The time to enroll is subsequent to the resolution, and applicants are generally required to bring a utility bill to their local caja office in order to establish their address.

Another trip to immigration is required once the resolution, deposit receipt and caja enrollment are in hand. Report to the information window at immigration, which will grant an appointment for the cedula or national identification card. Expect that the the cedula appointment will require a wait of between three and six months.

It is important to comply with requirements of the resolution as quickly as possible as the residency application process is delayed indefinitely until the cedula appointment has been made.