Do you know the subcategory Estancia?
Estancia is a less known migratory subcategory. The reasons why foreigners do not use it can be several, but what interests us in this text is to get to know this option so that people can consider it as an option, within so much, for their migratory regularization.
Estancia is a subcategory of the Non-Resident category established by article 87 and 88 of law 8764. The Estancia itself has 4 different types:
1) Those of special relevance in the scientific, professional, religious, cultural, sports, economic or political fields that, according to their specialty, are invited by the powers of the State or public or private institutions, or by universities or university colleges.
2) Those who are business agents, traveling agents or commercial delegates who enter the country to attend the matters related to the activities of the companies or corporations they represent, provided that they do not earn salaries or fees in the country and do not need to reside in the national territory to carry out their activities.
3) Those who work as reporters, cameramen and other personnel of the mass media, who enter the country to perform functions of their specialty and do not earn a salary in the country.
4) Persons who require specialized medical treatment in a recognized hospital center.
The Estancia is granted for a period of 1 year renewable for 1 more year.
It is possible to apply for the Estancia without the certification of criminal record or the certification of birth certificate. In this case, the Estancia is granted for 6 months renewable up to a maximum of 2 years. If the person wishes to continue with this category for more than 2 years, he/she must make all the requirements under a new employer or cause and it will not be the renewal procedure, but a new Estancia procedure.
It is considered that the Estancia is for short terms to exercise one of the above-mentioned activities (article 88).
The document granted under the Estancia subcategory is an official DIMEX and if the bearer is able to have it for 5 years (60 full months) he/she may apply for Naturalization by Residency. Here it is important to clarify that, as explained above, with the same cause or employer, it is not possible to obtain the Estancia for more than 2 years. But, if it is the case that some person can obtain the Estancia with different employer, cause, etc., he/she will have the opportunity to obtain the naturalization. But the Estancia cannot be converted to residence.
The holder of the Estancia DIMEX cannot cover dependents, such as spouse, minor children, mother and father, etc.
The Estancia process is easy, convenient since the government fee is unexpensive, and the duration of the response is usually very short.
The work permit of Estancia for the types by which the DIMEX holder is authorized to work is restricted. Some types Estancia are not authorized to work as they are not based on a work fundament.
The requirements are also less demanding than any other category. In general, the Estancia subcategory is a beneficial option for those who need to obtain an official DIMEX with low fee costs and in a short period of time. Especially those who need a period of time to establish themselves in the country in an easy manner while deciding on more stable plans to integrate into Costa Rican society and meet the formal and substantive requirements of any category or subcategory of temporary or permanent residency.
