Costa Rica Updates DIMEX Card Rules

Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) has introduced temporary measures to address a backlog of over 20,000 pending applications. These rules, effective through February 16, 2027, aim to simplify the process for obtaining or renewing the DIMEX residency card. Processing times have recently stretched to four months or more, prompting officials to reduce the paperwork required for issuance.

Under the current resolution, applicants only need to provide proof of CCSS (Caja) enrollment, payment of the required fees, and a signed informed consent form. To keep the queue moving, the DGME is discouraging the submission of extra, non-mandatory documents. Migration has also expanded filing locations to include specific post offices in Santa Ana and San Jose Central to help clear the bottleneck.

Legal residents and digital nomads already in the system are the primary groups impacted by these changes. While your legal stay remains valid while waiting for a card, the lack of a physical DIMEX often creates hurdles for banking and local services. To bridge this gap, authorities are currently allowing the use of expired passports, DIMEX cards, or driver’s licenses for official procedures, provided the biographical details match immigration records and the documents are not damaged.

If you need to renew or replace a card, you can schedule appointments via the 1311 call center or through the official DGME website. Services are available at migration offices, BCR bank branches, and Correos de Costa Rica locations. Keep in mind that renewal surcharges apply if you file more than 30 days after your card expires. Staying informed on these visa updates can help you avoid unnecessary travel delays or banking lockouts.

Read our full Costa Rica guide for the complete picture.