What Happens After You Get Residency in Costa Rica?

So your residency was approved—congrats! That little stamp means you’re no longer just visiting… you’re staying. But before you throw your flip-flops on and head to the beach full-time, there’s something else coming your way:

The DIMEX.

This small plastic card (officially called Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros) is your Costa Rican ID as a legal foreign resident. You’ll need it to open a bank account, access public healthcare, get a Costa Rican driver’s license, or do pretty much anything official. But to get your DIMEX, and keep using it, there’s a system you need to understand first—starting with Caja.

Step 1: Pay Into Caja (Even Before You Get the Card)

As soon as your temporary residency is approved, you're expected to enroll in Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, the national public health insurance system. This isn’t optional—it’s one of the conditions of your legal residency.

For many new residents in the southern zone, that means a trip to the Caja office in Palmar Norte. There, they’ll calculate your monthly premium based on your declared income. You make your first payment on the spot—and keep your receipts. Those will be essential in the next step.

Caja coverage includes:

• Public health clinics (EBAIS)

• Hospital care

• Medications

• Emergency treatmentAll included once you’re enrolled and paid up.

Step 2: Apply for Your DIMEX (With Caja Receipt in Hand)

Once you’ve paid into Caja, you’ll schedule your DIMEX appointment through Correos de Costa Rica or the immigration office (Migración).

But here’s the kicker:Before issuing your DIMEX, they’ll check if your Caja payments are up to date. If not? No card.

This is where many expats get held up. They assume that once they’re approved for residency, the rest will just happen. But in Costa Rica, most paperwork leads back to Caja.

Step 3: Want a Costa Rican Driver’s License? Caja Again.

If you plan to drive beyond your 90-day tourist window (and avoid the hassle of crossing the border every 3 months), you’ll want a Costa Rican driver’s license.

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A valid DIMEX card

• Proof of up-to-date Caja payments

• A valid foreign driver’s license

• A translation of that license if it's not in Spanish

Yes, even your driving status depends on Caja. Without it, the license office won’t let you book the appointment.

Step 4: Temporary Residency → Permanent Residency

Most people start with temporary residency, which usually lasts two years and is renewable. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency, which means no more renewal headaches and more freedom to work or stay long-term.

But to apply for permanent residency, you must show consistent Caja payments and legal presence. It’s all connected.

A Personal Note: Why It Matters

One expat shared, “Having my Caja enrollment done saved me when I landed in the hospital for a day. They checked everything—Caja, DIMEX, the works. I would’ve been in trouble without it.”

So don’t wait until you need it. Get your documents sorted now, and future-you will thank you.

🧭 Summary: What to Do After Your Residency Is Approved

Step	Why It Matters
✅ Enroll in Caja	Required within 90 days of approval
✅ Keep receipts	Needed for DIMEX and license
✅ Apply for DIMEX	Must show Caja is paid
✅ Exchange driver’s license	Caja + DIMEX required
✅ Maintain Caja monthly	Needed for renewals and upgrades
✅ Apply for permanent residency	After 3 years of temporary status

🌴 Final Thoughts from Arcadia

Residency in Costa Rica isn’t just a legal status—it’s your pass to living fully here. Caja and DIMEX are your foundation. They may seem like paperwork now, but they’re the reason you’ll be able to drive, stay, get healthcare, and thrive without interruption.

If you're navigating the residency maze and unsure where to start, Arcadia helps expats stay informed and prepared. From real estate marketing to local insights—we’re not agents, we’re your boots-on-the-ground support system.

Ready to simplify your Costa Rica journey?👉 Visit ArcadiaCostaRicaRealEstate.com or message us on WhatsApp at +506-8783-3230.