Finally, the Department of Migracion in Costa Rica has started issuing a license-style permanent residency card instead of the old passport-style card. They’ve been issuing this new card for a couple of months now making it easier for them to increase national security. The bad news is that they are so completely disorganized and under-staffed that it takes several visits to the department to obtain this new card.

Those seeking residency (or a renewal or replacement card) must wait in line (usually for many, many hours) just to schedule an appointment for often months later. Right now they are running about four months behind. Supposedly they have computerized the appointment system, but it’s not helping anyone. Appointments are needed to submit documents, check on files, to submit changes and to pick up your card. Get ready to stand in line!

The best advice I can give you is to start the process a few months in advance before you need a renewal — or your initial card. And hire a lawyer. I only had to go once. All the other waiting time was done by my lawyer. Well worth the small amount of money I was charged!

I guess I won’t get my new card until it’s time to renew, but that’s okay. I’d rather hold onto this passport-looking, bulky thing than to have to go through that process again!