Costa Rica’s immigration authority and its state bank have signed a new five-year agreement to streamline services for foreign residents. The General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME) and the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) announced the expanded partnership on Monday, March 9. This deal significantly broadens the bank’s role in issuing crucial identification documents.
Starting this month, foreign nationals can obtain their printed residency cards at designated bank locations. The agreement specifically covers the printing and delivery of the Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros (DIMEX) for approved applicants. This includes both renewal cases and first-time recipients who have already completed their photo session at an authorized agency.
Enhanced Security and National Reach
The Banco de Costa Rica will now handle final biometric validation using data supplied directly by immigration officials. Bank staff will verify applicant identities against the official biometric information. A key provision of the agreement strictly limits the bank’s data access to validation purposes only. The BCR will not store, custody, or safeguard any personal biometric data, adhering to national data protection laws.
This expansion builds upon a long-standing collaboration between the two public institutions. The updated contract also includes an addendum to continue the bank’s existing service of processing adult and minor passports along with exit permits. Utilizing the bank’s extensive “Puntos País” service point network brings these immigration services closer to communities across the nation.
“Extending these migration services through this agreement allows the DGME to continue innovating its service delivery. It benefits both nationals and foreigners in a more secure manner,” said Omer Badilla, Deputy Minister of Governance and Director General of Migration and Immigration. [Translated from Spanish]
Officials expect the partnership to reduce wait times and improve accessibility for the foreign resident population in costa rica. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize and digitize government services. By leveraging the bank’s nationwide infrastructure, the immigration authority aims to clear application backlogs more efficiently.
Strategic State Partnership
Bank leadership framed the agreement as part of its public service mandate. They highlighted the technical expertise gained from years of managing similar document processes.
“For the BCR, the signing of this agreement is of special importance. It will undoubtedly bring multiple benefits to our users. This alliance with the DGME reinforces the bank’s conviction to continue promoting Costa Rica’s development,” explained Julio César Trejos Delgado, General Manager of the Banco de Costa Rica. [Translated from Spanish]
Trejos Delgado pointed to the bank’s national coverage and proven results as key reasons for continuing the strategic partnership. The arrangement is designed to optimize public resources while bringing services closer to citizens. Foreign residents requiring a DIMEX card can now visit participating BCR locations for the final step.
The updated protocol for the Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros (DIMEX) is now active. Applicants must still receive initial approval and provide biometrics through the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME). The bank’s role is the secure final issuance. This division of labor aims to create a more efficient and fraud-resistant system for managing the identidad migratorio para foreign residents.