After three years have passed since the recognition of their refugee, asiled, or stateless status,  an application for a change of migratory category can be made to the General Directorate. 

The request for a change in migratory category must be addressed to the General Directorate. It will be received by the Refugee Subprocess for the verification of requirements.

The change from refugee status to permanent residency status will not imply the renunciation of the refugee status of the interested person unless they expressly state so.

Requirements for Permanent Residency (article 78 of the Ley General de Migración y Extranjería) :

1. Foreigners, their spouse, and their first-degree blood relatives who have held temporary residence for three consecutive years may opt for permanent residency.
2. Foreigners who are first-degree blood relatives of Costa Rican citizens, including parents, minor or disabled children, and minor or disabled siblings, can also apply for permanent residency.
3. Permanent residency may also be granted by the Commission for Restricted Visas and Refugee Matters.

For the renewal of their migratory status, permanent residents must provide evidence of their enrollment in the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) health insurance, starting from the moment they were granted permanent residency and continuously until the time of renewing their ID card. Exceptions to this requirement may be established through regulations.

Article 90 of the Refugees Regulation acknowledge the refugee's right to refrain from seeking assistance from their home country's government in obtaining official documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records, and academic records, especially when their home country does not have agreements in place with Costa Rica.