Bilingual law firm in Escazú, Costa Rica
Your legal partner for life in Costa Rica
Residency, real estate, business and insurance, handled by a bilingual team that explains every step in plain language.
Bilingual team
We work with you in English or Spanish.
INS partner
Partner of Costa Rica's Instituto Nacional de Seguros.
Office in Escazú
Meet us at Edificio Monterrico, Trejos Montealegre.
Free first consultation
Tell us your situation and we'll outline your options.
What we do
Legal services for expats, investors and families
One firm for the legal side of your life in Costa Rica, from your residency to your home, your company and your insurance.
Immigration
Residency for retirees, rentistas, investors, families and workers, from gathering documents to receiving your DIMEX.
Real Estate
Buying, selling, renting or developing property, with title checks, escrow and closing handled correctly.
Business
Company formation, corporate and tax compliance, CCSS employer registration and estate planning.
Insurance
Car, home, health and life coverage through INS, plus legal help when a claim is denied or disputed.
- English & Español
- Escazú, San José
- Immigration · Real Estate · Business · Insurance
About Costa Legal
Clear legal guidance, in your language
Costa Legal is a bilingual law firm in Escazú that helps foreigners and Costa Ricans navigate Costa Rican law, from residency applications to property purchases, companies and insurance.
Costa Rica's systems are notoriously complex. We prepare the paperwork, deal with the institutions and keep you informed at every stage, so you can focus on your plans.
- Personal attention from start to finish
- Forms and filings prepared for you
- A network of trusted realtors, developers and banks
How we work
Three steps, no surprises
Free consultation
Tell us about your situation through the form, WhatsApp or in person. We explain your options and what you'll need.
We prepare everything
We gather and review your documents, complete the forms and file them with the right institutions on your behalf.
We see it through
We follow up with the authorities and keep you updated until the process is complete.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does the residency process take?
There are three stages: about 8 weeks to gather documents, typically 9 to 12 months for the immigration department (DGME) to review your application, and about 4 weeks for your CCSS registration and DIMEX card. Times depend on the government's workload.
Can I stay in Costa Rica while my application is pending?
Yes. Once your application is filed, the DGME issues a receipt that, together with your passport, works as valid ID, and the law allows you to remain in the country while the application is pending.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Yes. Documents in another language must be translated into Spanish, and foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized. Birth certificates and background checks must be issued within six months before filing.
Can we start while I'm still abroad?
Yes. The first stage is gathering the documents you'll bring to Costa Rica, and we guide you through it wherever you are.
Do you work in English?
Yes. Our team works in English and Spanish, and we explain every document and step in the language you prefer.
Contact details
Email
[email protected]