Immigrants in Costa Rica face delays for residence card issuance

Immigrants in Costa Rica are experiencing significant delays in receiving their Resident Identity Cards (DIMEX), the government has confirmed, as reported by Fragomen. The delays affect both initial and renewed cards, with current processing times extending to two months or longer for Short-Term Visa and Temporary Residence holders and up to three months or more for Permanent Residence and Special Category Visa holders, measured from the date of the DIMEX application appointment. Normally, DIMEX cards are issued within 30 days.

While the Costa Rican government allows immigrants to maintain legal status without a valid DIMEX if they have scheduled or attended their appointment with the General Immigration Directorate, those without a valid card may face practical restrictions. These include limitations on traveling abroad, accessing government services such as obtaining a driver’s license, and completing financial transactions like opening a bank account.

It remains unclear when these delays will be resolved. Affected individuals can see if they may qualify for expedited issuance, though such exceptions are typically reserved for urgent cases such as medical emergencies or critical business travel.

Costa Rica’s DIMEX system serves as the official identification for immigrant residents and is required to access a range of government and financial services. The recent backlog highlights growing demand and administrative pressure on the General Immigration Directorate.