Student Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 months for provisional visa, then several weeks to months for residence permit
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Validity
- 90 days provisional, then residence permit for duration of studies
- Entry
- Single entry
Start application several months before intended study start date. All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be pursuing education at an educational institution in Costa Rica.
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Employment
Costa Rica doesn't allow international students to work alongside their studies.
Required status: No work permitted
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Financial
Proof of financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
Minimum funds: Sufficient for tuition and living expenses
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-sized photos
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Costa Rica; Minimum coverage: Coverage for duration of studies
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Birth certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document submission
Apply for provisional student visa at Costa Rican embassy or consulate with application form, passport, acceptance letter, financial proof, health insurance, background check, birth certificate, passport photos, and all documents translated into Spanish.
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Processing wait
Provisional student visa processed - grants entry to Costa Rica for up to 90 days. Wait 1-2 months for processing.
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Visa collection
Enter Costa Rica with provisional student visa. After arrival, apply for student residence permit to remain for duration of studies. Processing takes several weeks to months.