Foreign nationals in Costa Rica continue to face significant delays in the issuance of Resident Identity Cards, commonly known as DIMEX cards. What began as processing slowdowns in late 2025 has extended into 2026, with authorities acknowledging that disruptions are likely to persist.
The delays affect both first-time applicants and those renewing their residence cards. Backlogs and high demand appear to be the main causes, and processing times have steadily increased over the past several months.
As of early 2026, Temporary Residence holders are experiencing waiting periods of approximately four months from the date of their DIMEX appointment. This marks a notable increase compared to late 2025, when processing times ranged from two months for Short-Term Visa and Temporary Residence holders to three months for Permanent Residence and Special Category Visa holders.
Under normal circumstances, DIMEX cards are typically issued within 30 days after the appointment with Costa Rica’s General Immigration Directorate. The current delays represent a substantial departure from standard timelines.
It remains unclear when processing times will return to normal.
In response to the ongoing disruptions, immigration authorities have introduced temporary and limited concessions aimed at easing the burden on affected foreign nationals.
Authorities will temporarily accept expired passports, expired DIMEX cards or other residence documents, and valid Costa Rican driver’s licenses for certain DIMEX-related procedures that would normally require a valid passport. These documents will be accepted provided that the biographical information matches the details in the individual’s immigration file and the document remains in good condition.
These measures are intended to reduce immediate administrative obstacles while the backlog continues.
Although the government allows foreign nationals to maintain legal status if they have scheduled or attended their DIMEX appointment, not having a valid physical card can create practical challenges.
Individuals without a current DIMEX card may encounter restrictions when traveling internationally. They may also face difficulties accessing certain public services, such as applying for a driver’s license, or completing financial transactions, including opening a bank account.
For those facing urgent circumstances, expedited issuance requests may be possible. However, such exceptions are typically granted only in limited cases, such as medical emergencies or essential business travel.
With authorities signaling that processing disruptions may continue, foreign nationals and employers should prepare for extended timelines. Advance planning, careful tracking of appointment dates, and early renewal applications may help reduce complications.
Until processing capacity improves, the temporary document flexibility measures offer some relief, but they do not fully resolve the operational challenges caused by delayed card issuance.
Pros
Cons
The delays affect both first-time applicants and those renewing their residence cards. Backlogs and high demand appear to be the main causes, and processing times have steadily increased over the past several months.
Processing Times Continue to Worsen
As of early 2026, Temporary Residence holders are experiencing waiting periods of approximately four months from the date of their DIMEX appointment. This marks a notable increase compared to late 2025, when processing times ranged from two months for Short-Term Visa and Temporary Residence holders to three months for Permanent Residence and Special Category Visa holders.
Under normal circumstances, DIMEX cards are typically issued within 30 days after the appointment with Costa Rica’s General Immigration Directorate. The current delays represent a substantial departure from standard timelines.
It remains unclear when processing times will return to normal.
Temporary Concessions Introduced
In response to the ongoing disruptions, immigration authorities have introduced temporary and limited concessions aimed at easing the burden on affected foreign nationals.
Authorities will temporarily accept expired passports, expired DIMEX cards or other residence documents, and valid Costa Rican driver’s licenses for certain DIMEX-related procedures that would normally require a valid passport. These documents will be accepted provided that the biographical information matches the details in the individual’s immigration file and the document remains in good condition.
These measures are intended to reduce immediate administrative obstacles while the backlog continues.
Practical Impact on Foreign Nationals
Although the government allows foreign nationals to maintain legal status if they have scheduled or attended their DIMEX appointment, not having a valid physical card can create practical challenges.
Individuals without a current DIMEX card may encounter restrictions when traveling internationally. They may also face difficulties accessing certain public services, such as applying for a driver’s license, or completing financial transactions, including opening a bank account.
For those facing urgent circumstances, expedited issuance requests may be possible. However, such exceptions are typically granted only in limited cases, such as medical emergencies or essential business travel.
Outlook
With authorities signaling that processing disruptions may continue, foreign nationals and employers should prepare for extended timelines. Advance planning, careful tracking of appointment dates, and early renewal applications may help reduce complications.
Until processing capacity improves, the temporary document flexibility measures offer some relief, but they do not fully resolve the operational challenges caused by delayed card issuance.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Temporary acceptance of expired documents provides short-term flexibility
- Legal status is preserved for those who have attended or scheduled appointments
- Possibility of expedited processing in urgent cases
Cons
- Processing times have expanded significantly beyond standard timelines
- Travel, banking and government services may be restricted without a valid card
- No clear timeline for resolution of the backlog