Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) has temporarily simplified requirements for issuing, renewing, and replacing foreign residency cards. The new policy took effect on February 18, 2026, and will remain in place for one year. Officials say the move aims to clear a backlog of approximately 20,000 pending applications for the Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros (DIMEX).
The streamlined process is formalized under resolution DJUR-0045-02-2026. It mandates that immigration officers request only a short list of essential documents from applicants. This temporary measure directly addresses operational overload within the agency’s documentation department, which has struggled with a high volume of requests.
“The DGME will request only indispensable requirements to expedite the delivery of more than 20 thousand overdue documents,” the agency stated in its official announcement. [Translated from Spanish]
Applicants with ongoing procedures have been instructed to ignore previous requests for supplemental paperwork. If a requested document is not on the new short list, people should not submit it, schedule appointments for it, or send emails about it.
Mandatory Requirements Under the Simplified Rules
Three specific items remain mandatory for all immigration categories during this temporary period. No exceptions will be granted. First, applicants must provide proof of current health insurance enrollment with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. Second, they must show proof of payment for all corresponding fees, which could include a guarantee deposit, a renewal fee, or a duplicate card fee. The third non-negotiable item is a signed informed consent form.
Any requirement not explicitly listed in the new resolution is considered suspended. The DGME emphasized this point to prevent confusion and prevent applicants from gathering unnecessary paperwork. The agency hopes this clarity will speed up processing times immediately.
Addressing a Systemic Backlog
The decision stems from a significant and growing delay in DIMEX issuance. This document serves as the primary residence permit and identification card for foreigners living in Costa Rica. Delays in receiving it can complicate many daily activities, including opening bank accounts and signing formal contracts.
By stripping the process down to its legal essentials, the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (Costa Rica) intends to cut through procedural red tape. The goal is a more efficient workflow that allows officers to process applications faster. Officials acknowledge the backlog created difficulties for the immigrant community and strained the agency’s resources.
“The simplification seeks to streamline procedures, reduce the delay, and facilitate service for foreign persons awaiting their migration document,” the DGME explained. [Translated from Spanish]
Foreign residents with pending applications should monitor official DGME communication channels for updates. The agency warns that submitting unsolicited documents could inadvertently slow down an individual’s file. This policy shift may also affect related procedures, such as the migratorio para extranjeros processes tied to specific investment categories.
The one-year timeframe gives the department a clear window to eliminate the current pile of pending cases. Success could lead to a permanent reevaluation of application requirements. For now, the focus remains on delivering thousands of overdue cards to their rightful holders.