Article 33 of the Migration Law in Costa Rica states that:

“…Foreigners have the obligation to exit the country when their term as authorized by the migration authority expires, unless otherwise authorized through a request in the change of category or an extension granted by said migration authority”

This same article establishes that if the foreign person does not leave the country in the established term he/she will have to pay a fine of $100 per month of irregular (Illegal) permanence in the country.

In the event that the foreigner does not pay the fine, he/she will not be able to enter the country again for a term equivalent to the triple of their unauthorized stay. This article in the law was not being implemented because of an executive decree that delayed the implementation of the same, but this extension comes to an end on April 19.

As of April 20 the fine will be applied to tourists and those foreigners entering the country who are non-residents, and also those foreigners who have a temporary residence or special category but whose DIMEX (Migratory Identification Document for Foreigners) is expired at the moment they are leaving the country.

The entity informed that the $100 fine per month past due is retroactive for each month the foreigner has remained irregularly in the country since March 1st 2010, date in which the General Law of Migration entered in effect. This means some expats could owe thousands.

“The institution calls on those people with a past due migratory status that they make sure to renovate/renew as soon as possible, not just to avoid the fine in the event they have to leave the country, but so they can also have access to health, education and financial services among others, which are not accessible if their DIMEX is expired”, commented Gisela Yockchen, director of Migration.

The fine does not apply for minors, permanent residents (even if their DIMEX is expired) and refugees.

The fine can be paid in agencies of Banco de Costa Rica, Tucan agencies, online through the Migration site and branches of Correos de Costa Rica in La Cruz and Liberia in Guanacaste, Paso Canoas and Alajuela. To renew the DIMEX foreigners must call the Migration call center (1311) or 2221-1120 of Banco de Costa Rica for an appointment.

If you have any questions about immigration matters in Costa Rica you can contact Marcela Gurdian of Immigration Experts directly: [email protected] or call on of the offices today.

San Jose Office:

• Tel: (506) 2290-8050 / 2290-2794
• Fax: (506) 2290-8055
• Address: One block west of Princesa Marina Restaurant, Sabana Oeste, San Jose, Costa Rica. P.O. BOX: 226-1200
• Email: [email protected]

Playas del Coco Office:

• Tel: (506) 2670-2021
• Fax: (506) 2290-8055
• Address: Pacifico Village Shop, Suite 20, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste
• Email: [email protected]

Website: www.immigrationexpertscr.com