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The New Costa Rica Immigration Law
August 13th, 2009
It is hard to not say I told you so… I cannot. Sorry!
On January 11, 2009, in response to a large number of emails and phone calls, I blogged about the proposed immigration law. One online newspaper told concerned expats, future residents and readers that the new law would be passed immediately… before the Christmas (2008) break! They said it would be retroactive and even those folks already here legally would be affected and have to comply. Everyone panicked.
I tried to explain that nothing happens that fast in this country and that panic sells newspapers and increases readership and thus sells advertising. I also explained that it is against Costa Rica law to have a new law be retroactive. I suggested a wait and be patient approach.
Well that was January and this is August and yes, finally, the Asamblea Legislativa (the congress) has passed the new Ley de Migración (immigration law) which should for years influence the rights and responsibilities of foreigners coming to live in Costa Rica. Note I use the word foreigner and not the words American, Gringo, US Citizen or other such word as despite our often enormous sense of self importance, this law is designed to affect anyone from any nation who seeks to reside in Costa Rica on a legal and permanent basis. It covers a lot more as well. I held off a few days trying to get a more complete picture of this new law, but sadly, reliable details are not forthcoming so for those of you who are interested in this topic, read on!
First, I must say that everything I have read about the new law is just plain fair and is, in the years that I have lived here, this is about the only law that got it almost 100% right. It falls a little bit short of fully protecting Costa Rica, but I’ll discuss that later.
OK so what is in this law? Here are the salient points!
- Costa Rica is getting tough on the trafficking of persons. This is now a criminal offense with much stronger penalties. Trafficking can be for purposes of slavery, prostitution, or simply smuggling people from, to or through Costa Rica to other countries.
- Pensionados, those who receive a guaranteed income from US Social Security, a State pension fund or other “guaranteed” source, will be now required to show proof of $1,000 per month (US) income. There will be no deposit required. This is spot on as it is just no longer possible to live here for $600.00 per month, the old requirement. All but a few recipients of social security should qualify easily. The spouse is included in the $1,000 figure.
- Rentistas, those who wish to live here legally but are too young or otherwise do not qualify for a pension like social security, will now deposit $2,500.00 per month ( a one time deposit of $150,000.00 to cover five years). I am presuming it will work the old way. (Not 100% sure yet). However the $2,500 per month is correct. Besides being 2.5 times the old $1,000 per month, this figure includes immediate family members and that may actually save money for a family with kids. However, it would seem to penalize single persons wishing to move here and thus is one of my few concerns regarding this law.
- Marriages between Costa Rica citizens and foreigners can be brought under far closer scrutiny. This has been a serious issue for years, with numerous marriages of convenience allowing low-lifes (and maybe some not-so-low-lifes) to purchase a Costa Rica spouse they perhaps have never met and immediately be eligible for Permanent Residency. Now a couple under investigation may have to prove to immigration (migracion) that they are a couple, have been through a courtship- both persons living in this country. In other words.. it’s love and not a scam!
- A new immigration police force will be formed, composed of specially trained officers from the Fuerza Pública plus existing members. With this is the stronger enforcement which should allow Costa Rica to deal far more efficiently with the many illegals (often referred to as perpetual tourists) living here. This new law will finally allow for active tracking of these scofflaws as opposed to the random raids now so popular. Costa Rica has a significant problem with illegals from Nicaragua, the USA and Canada and with luck, there should be enough enforcement power to handle this problem.
- Owners and operators of hotels will now be required to maintain registers of all guests with residency documentation and backup, presumably similar to those in Europe. Will they be required to hold the guest’s passport? Unclear… and we will not know until we all see the actual law. There was talk also of heavy penalties to employers of illegals and I have thus found nothing addressing that.
- It also appears that a new court will be formed to deal solely with issues and appeals of immigration.
- Foreigners will now have to join the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social or the CAJA as it is known. This is the socialized medical plan of Costa Rica also covering pensions. CAJA provides medical care for all members without regard to pre-existing conditions and this is the other area where I believe the diputados made an error. While it is one thing to control the pre-existing rules within one country (like the USA for example) and between insurance carriers in that country, it is quite another to open the CAJA system to the world and allow anyone with a very costly illness to “buy” unlimited medical care for as little at $600.00 per month. I fear this may come back and bite those legislators on their collective butts.
- Show me the $$$. Where is the money coming from? That is always a fun and interesting question in Costa Rica. Sadly, the answer often is… there is none. There does, however, appear to be a provision affecting all immigration transactions (tramite) that may now carry a charge, in one report, $25.00 per tramite. This is not a verified fact.
- Amnesty? One source indicates the the president of Costa Rica will now have the right to grant residency. This was interpreted to mean that the president could grant a massive amnesty to illegals now here in the country. I am not sure I agree with that leap of logic though it may be correct. After having asked around, I cannot very anything, but there is precedent for amnesty as it was twice given in the 90’s, in essence granting legal residency to all those who could prove they had lived here illegally for a specified period of time. Could this happen again? Quien sabe? It would certainly make the job of the new immigration police force a lot easier as they could start with a clean slate.
So what is next? When is this law? So why is this all not just clear? For that, you must understand how things work here.
The next step as that the law must be signed by the president of Costa Rica, Don Oscar Arias. Once that has been done, the law will be published in La Gaceta. The law goes into effect six months after being published there. So that’s when we will know everything right? Nope, and this is a point that is often simply impossible to teach those from other countries, especially those from the USA where the law is the law.
Law is NOT law here. Yes, there is a law, but that law is then interpreted by the agency involved, in this case immigration. They will then interpret and enforce this law as they see fit and enforce it as they see fit. If someone does not like it, they will take it to the Supreme Court and THEY will interpret it. Sound easy? Nope… because in the past, various government agencies have paid not the least attention to the supreme court decisions and have just continued to operate as they had before. This has happened several times with immigration since I have lived here. This time though, they have a pretty good law and the director of immigration seems to be an intelligent man… so we shall see! In any case, the supreme court eventually gets torqued and starts handing out threats of jail, monetary penalties, etc. at which point the government agency involved does pay attention.. This issue just seems to make Gringos go crazy as it is anathema to the structured and well defined laws in the USA. Hint… If you are going to live here, you must understand that you are not in Kansas anymore and that what me be clear to you, is not clear at all.
Comments welcome!
Filed under Cost of Living, Costa Rica, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Law, Moving to Costa Rica, Politics, Proposed Immigration law, Residency | Comments (66)66 Responses to “The New Costa Rica Immigration Law”
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Great synopsis. Do you know of any provision written into the new law that specifically targets PTs (Permanent Tourists). I have heard, but was not abke to verify, that people entering CR will not be allowed to come and go every 90 days They will be limited to only two two entrances.
This sounds like an unenforceable provision (if it is true). What do you know?
Thanks for putting this into perspective. A lot of confusion out there, and it’s nice to have a source that pragmatically sums up what’s going on.
Keep up the good work!
Will:
How you did this is beyond belief! Coherent interpretation of anything in CR is virtually impossible and appears you did it.
Thank you for the kind words!
Ummmm… Hope you mean ME
My name is Tim!
Andy… I covered that in the article. I expect if there is no amnesty, a lot of folks will be scurrying
did I read correctly? Did you say $600/month to be in the CAJA or $60.00? $600.00 would be pretty stiff for a $1000/month pensioner.
Thanks for your immigration article.
Living in Costa Rica is becoming much more difficult and expensive. This is true be it expat perpetual tourist, resident or long time vacationer. Pocket books and expat attitudes are feeling the financial attrition and many are hopping mad about it. Enough is enough already! For instance: April, 2009, my wife and I experienced a doubling of the price of electricity (same number of outages). Now our electricity costs the same as in the US. Also, local grocery prices have increased 30-40 percent during the past year (‘08-’09). For expats, the DOUBLING-PLUS of prices CONTINUES with great abandon. This is true from many venues like rental housing, farmacias, even heladerias, automobile service, and other necessary businesses. Land prices are another subject. I have a friend who, in the midst of disgust and disappointment, recently (May ‘09) made a land purchase. Previously, on the same piece of land, he made two offers to buy. Costa Rican land owners doubled his price. His third attempt was a charm. He finally got a fair deal (so he thinks) and that was two lawyers later who charged monster fees. Lawyers, still another subject, seem to continue to practice “whatever the traffic will stand”. All of this and more causes plenty of expat angst and conflicted feelings. There seems to be no end to Costa Rica’s ratcheting-up of extracting more money from expats! As usual, “The New Costa Rica” has told the truth about immigration and done an excellent job. For those who want to live in Costa Rica, immigration reform notwithstanding, life is becoming much more difficult. Costa Rica is a good place for a fun and beautiful vacation, but living here is questionable. Pura Vida!
Cy Bolinger
Bill. Please re-read the post? I mentioned nothing about the cost of CAJA. It is unclear if it will be a flat rate or based on age.
What I DID say is that a person with extensive health issues could come to Costa Rica with say $10,000 in medications ( monthly) and receive those drugs FREE by paying for their RESIDENCY at (currently) $600.00 per month and $1,000 per month next year. In fact I already know at least 5 people who are doing this. THAT will bankrupt CAJA if not brought under control.
Even a rentista paying $2.500 per month could benefit if taking costly medications.
What I did not write,m and should have, is that after three years, one can apply for Permanent Residency and then not pay a DIME except for CAJA as Permanent Residents do not pay any deposit nor are they subject to any monthly income restraints.
I’ve been living here 4 years now and you hit it right on the head.
The people in ” government” here are complete idiots.
I gotta go find a car seat for my 12 year old grandkid that is 5 foot 8, 145 lbs.Can’t break the new “law”.
I also need to stop and see a friend in the hospital so I need to buy some long pants. Can’t break that new ” law” either.
Correct. No men in shorts at the hospitals. Fat Ticas with tank tops are OK.
I’ve had enough. Looking for property in Venezuela now.
i received my rentista with a 2 yr time limit- and now i need to re-apply for the next 2 yrs? Anyway I have an appointment with immigration coming up soon. my lawyer wants to charge me $500 for re-upping and tell me that i might be ableto get 3 yrs instead of 2- which ould make me eligible for cr citizenship- anyway here are my questions- can i simply go to BCR for my re- up rentista residency at my appointment?- also i want to bring a girl from another country to CR- I looked it up on the consulate website and it says a 30 day tourist stay is possible with a round trip or pass- thru ticket– but this lawyer wants $1500 and says i will need to put $10,000 in her(my girlfriends) bank in her country and bring her in as a domestic–I am thinking my(costa Rican) lawyer is the bigest cheat n the planet . So – pls tell me- can I re-up my rentista residency at BCR? Is it really that simple? AND- it loks like I can ring my girlfriend( from another country than usa) into cr for 30 days- can anyone tell me how i can change my girlfriends status once she is inCR so that she can stay here in CR with me- Thank you so very muh for this blog and our clear, concise explanations of he system. with people like u helping us ex-pats– the cheating lawyers will be put out of business in CR- and i might add that all the lawyers certainly aren’t cheats- my land purchase lawyer is absolutely the most honest and best there is- PLEASE RESPOND
Sadly, it appears the dream of living in Costa Rica has just been squashed for me. It sounds like CR is following in the foodsteps of its northern evil big brother, America I mean. Why is it always, ALWAYS about money? And for what? So a handfull of people can get fatter and richer, while the rest suffer. I appreciate this blog and all the info the author has provided plus all the comments, because otherwise, who would know that what once seemed on the surface to be a wonderful place to live is sounding more and more like a mini-U.S… Thanks, but I guess the hunt for a country where I can live and be truly free continues..
OMG, the more I read here, the more I am sooooooooo avoiding even visiting CR now. What a total and absolute shame. “Stop the world, I want to get off.”
Tim-
Under the new residency rules for rentista do you still have to show the $2500/mth income for the previous 5 years or just be able to make the deposits to keep your residency status active?
Hi, Tim. Is there a such thing as getting a Costa Rican to “sponsor” you so that you don’t have to leave every 90 days? Also, how hard is it to get a work visa for C.R.? And will that visa allow you to stay longer?
Tim:
I’m a permanent resident now. I have heard that the new Immigration Law will require me to NOT be out of Costa Rica more than 6 months at a time.
Have you any news on this? If true, will this apply to existing permanent residents, or just new ones?
Second, regarding obligatory membership in the CAJA, will this apply to existing permanent residents, or just new ones?
And how will Costa Rica monitor this? Make me show proof of payments to the CAJA when I renew my residency?
This might be a problem for those who pay by Internet (via BNCR for example) since I have heard that the CAJA does not accept these BNCR “receipts” (becuse they are really just an email confirming that they have deducted a CAJA payment from my account).
So, does that mean we must go personally to a local CAJA ofice and pay, and get an official receipt?
Who art thou o wise one? Keep writing we will keep reading.excellent stuff!
Two things, Tim:
First, how long does it normally take you to moderate a message? I sent one on the 22nd that is still under scrutiny. There is nothing urgent about it, but perhaps you have forgotten about it?
Second, have you or anyone seen the law (not grandma’s conjecture about what might make sense) requiring an incoming tourist to have a pre-paid plane ticket exiting COsta Rica? There are those who swear this is so, but don’t quote the Law. They quote instead an article by the Tico Times or A.M. COsta RIca.
The reason I doubt that a plane ticket is mandatory, that a bus ticket out of CR won’t do, is that some tourists enter by bus!
So, what’s the real story?
Tim,
Can you clarify? Is the $1000/$2500 being paid to the govt or is that the amount neeeded to be verified as monthly income while in CR?
If not, do you have any idea of the cost of CAJA/month?
I don’t live there but am considering it. Thanks for your help.
Tim, I just read your article. So two questions, has the President signed it into law, and if so, what is the date it really becomes effective?
You see, we are planning in coming down and starting our residency paperwork as pensionado in January of ‘10, the soonest that we can. If we make it before the February deadline you mentioned, will we still be able to apply at the $600 per month pensionado, or will we have to meet the new $1000/month limit?
Thanks, Dana & Ann.
Do you know if one who meets the pensioners requirements, ie. income and age are restricted from applying for residency under this progrsm if there is a dependent under 18?
Informative blog. I am doing a brief review of it on my blog and adding it to my blog’s resources list. I mostly do general articles about retiring abroad and try to point my readers to blogs written by actual expats or locals living in a particular county. If I hadn’t decided on the Philippines for my retirement, Costa Rica would have been one of the runner-up countries not too far behind. Keep up the nice articles … Costa Rica will remain one of the hot retirement destinations for many Americans.
1. There is NO age restriction on pensionados and 2 you can bring as many kids under 18 as you wish.
He has signed it and the law becomes effective March 1, 2010
If you apply before March 1, you will need proof of $600… after it will be $1,000
It is paid to a Costa Rica Bank. Ni income is needed as you pay that in cash. You might also buy an annuity, but one way or the other, it is a cash outlay unless you already have it in an account.
Normally, it takes only a few days and then only for your first comment. No delays after that.
With FEW exceptions, you will not be permitted to fly one way unless you can prove citizenship or legal residency in CR. Yes, I have heard of exceptions… but very few. As R/T tickets are about the same price… why chance it?
Geez…. Just me
I’m a permanent resident now. I have heard that the new Immigration Law will require me to NOT be out of Costa Rica more than 6 months at a time.
Nope… must be in the country I think 24 hours during the year.
Second, regarding obligatory membership in the CAJA, will this apply to existing permanent residents, or just new ones?
As grandfathering is not permitted, it will probably not apply to you.
And how will Costa Rica monitor this? Make me show proof of payments to the CAJA when I renew my residency?
That would be my guess… unclear as the law will nto go into effect until 2101 and the rules have yet to be written
This might be a problem for those who pay by Internet (via BNCR for example) since I have heard that the CAJA does not accept these BNCR “receipts” (becuse they are really just an email confirming that they have deducted a CAJA payment from my account).
You will show your CAJA card though as I mention, I doubt this will affect you.
No to the first question
Impossible to the second
and no to the third.
You should read:
http://www.therealcostarica.com/residency_costa_rica/working_costa_rica.html
Your question is not clear… but I will guess…
After 3 years, you convert to permanent residency which requires no deposit. If you do not, then you pony up another 5 years worth of cash!
Here would be my suggestions!
China
Cuba
Russia
or just about any other communist country as I think that would fulfill your needs
Get rid of that lawyer today
I cannot assist with the girl friend as you did not state her country of origin. A deposit is NEVER needed
Tim:
In you blog on the new CR Immigration Law you wrote: “Rentistas, those who wish to live here legally but are too young or otherwise do not qualify for a pension like social security, will now deposit $2,500.00 per month”
As I am new I would appreciate your clarification. Is this a minimum monthly deposit into a CR banking account for your use or is it a payment to the CR government?
It is a (Bulk) payment to a Costa Rica bank or in some cases, can be made to a bank in your country. See http://www.arcr.net or the forums at http://forums.arcr.net
Tim,
Does the new law affect work permits? I want to “move” to CR next year to be an ESL/TEFL teacher and wanted to use a work permit to stay there. As far as I know, they’re good for 6 months at a time, and you must have an employer sponsor you.
also, do you know how long it typically takes to obtain a work permit after finding a company to sponsor you?
This is a SCAM. There are no such things as work permits for ESL/TEFL and there have not been for years. Work permits are given ONLY for people who can do a job that no Costa Rican can do. As ESL/TEFL is certainly something numerous Costa Ricans can do, do not expect any such permit. Some companies promise to “sponsor” you or tell you that such permits exist and you can get one. Do not believe it. The ONLY exception, and this is NOT for ESL/TEFL are some private schools for regular teaching jobs which are VERY hard to get, last TWO years, and require a Masters degree and teaching certificate plus years of experience.
Thanks for the quick, although frustrating response. I know that US citizens get certified and go teach ESL/TEFL in countries all over the world. I don’t personally know someone who has done it in Costa Rica, but I can’t imagine that they don’t have any native English ESL teachers there outside of the private school jobs that are hard to get.
So, is my only option to get permanent residency? Well, it’s not even an option since I don’t have that kind of income or savings.
Very informative report – thank you!
I have a question on the ¨perpetual tourist¨ paragraph. There are rumors going around, that you have to leave the country for only 3 hours, and not the usual 72 – any truth to that? thanks!!!
I have just started checking out Costa Rica as a retirement “getaway”. My SS starts on Jan 13th and I will get $1166 plus I should have a decent pile from the sale (I hope)of my house. I am coming down there alone and am wondering if that monthly income will be sufficient. I definitely live low end and would like to get by with a bicycle but I don’t want to have to struggle…I’ve had enough
Actually… perpetual tourism is risky and not legal. More an more are being refused re-entry… but to answer your question, you need only leave for 1 minute then return to receive a new visa. There is no time limit nor has there ever been one. The 72 hour thing is based (in fact) on receiving $500.00 import exemption.
I am retired, been here two months have not
decided on residence yet. what are the chances if I LEAVE I will not get back in. Iam staying with a family and will leave some of my baggage Cant afford to loose it.
About 100% unless you have done something very bad to get yourself excluded
Sure. My sister does it with just a few bucks more is SS and no cash from home sale.
Hey there…got a question that ive been asking migration in CR for weeks and getting a different answer every time.
Ive got a job in CR. Im a technical specialist (a tico cannot do my job) with a US based company that has an office in San Jose. I did everything the embassy of CR in Washington DC required(http://www.migracion.go.cr) which advised I needed my birth certificate, police record, passport noterized, authenticated by the secretary of state of my my home state. I was then required to send these documents to the consulate at the Embassy of CR in Washington DC for authorization from them.
I got my papers back and went to Costa Rica to get all of the info found at http://www.costarica-embassy.org/consular/living/temporary_working_visa.htm AND http://www.migracion.go.cr/permanencia_legal/resid_temp/Residencia%20Temporal%20para%20Cientificos.pdf which includes fingerprints, work contract…ect
I spoke to the CR consulate in DC directly and was advised that all I needed to do was show up to migration in La Urica, with my documents, and advise them I needed to change my status from Tourist to Temporary Resident and apply for a temporary work pass.
I showed the receptionist my papers and she rudely threw them back at me and said that ALL of my docuemnts needed to be authenticated and I would have to go, IN PERSON, to the Consulate of CR in Washington DC in order to do this. I found out this was not true by later calling DC directly. They adivsed that they offer no such service, and that the service they provided me, was the only service they provide in the US. Then my company hired a lawyer to assist and he advised the same thing as Migration.
Someone has no clue what they are doing, and it sounds like Migration in CR. Ive invested much too much time and money into this process and am desperatly trying to get this process rollinng before my tourist status expires in a month. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your reply!
I am interviewing for management positions at resorts there next month and plan on moving in January with my fiance who is a chef and son (5yrs old). If we are working for a resort, what are the requirements for residency? Is is different if we buy a home versus renting? Can my son go to school there? Lastly, I’m still confused about the monthly “payments”, are you saying that you pay $2500/month -money that you don’t get to use? Or do you just need to make atleast this much income?
Please help! If I apply as rentista for a lump deposit of 60,000 as per the old law before the new law comes into affect in MAR 2010, can I still qualify as rentista? $1000to$2500/mo is such a big jump!
Yup! Do it before March 1, 2010
Where you work is not relevant.
You may NOT work here in ANY capacity until you receive your PERMANENT residency.
See: http://www.therealcostarica.com/residency_costa_rica/working_costa_rica.html
Please read the sections on residency. They are quite clear. Web site and blog.
Hire a residency attorney. This is NOT a do-it-yourself thing. http://www.arcr.net can assist.
This is all very interesting information. I currently live in Florida now and considering to moving to CR, what information about pets do you have? I have 2 dogs I want to take with me because they are all I have. Also, as a single person, what other challenges can you tell, that I may face?
You are the best info I have seen yet! Thank you! I bought a condo @Rio Perles in Paraiso. Should I put it in a corp? I also put $ in BAC-enought for res.status. My wife and I want to spend alot of time in CR,but not live full time. Should I apply for res.status?, (as I think we qualify financially). I would like to put the bank funds into a CD:Colonies or dollars+ And what duration do you recommend? KEEP UP THE GOOD INFO,Please!
Great post, thanks!
I am scared that Iam not understanding correctly…IF My husband & I apply for rentista option, how long do we have to provide the $2500 per month? Is it only for the 3 yrs until we are able to apply for Permanant residency-and is 3 yrs the correct length of time? Also is the $2500 that is deposited every month able to be used for the currancy conversion requirement or does it just stay in an account that we cannot touch and if so do we lose that money? Feeling like a complete idiot by asking these questions but we are in our 40’s and cannot afford to make any mistakes!
Thank you for being patient with me!
Did you read the web site?
As you do not state how many kids you have, if any, I cannot give you numbers, but you will deposit SIXTY (60) times your monthly amount ($2,500.00 if after March 1, 2010) UP FRONT and in cash.
So if you apply after March 1, 2010 that would be $2,500 X 60 = $150,000.00 that must be paid when applying for residency. That is the money that you are expected to live on, and you must withdraw $2,500 per month and convert it to colones.
After year three, you can APPLY for permanent residency which takes maybe a year, but that does NOT mean you do not have to pay the $150k up front. Obviously they have no idea if you plan to change residency. You can get back any funds in your deposit account after you receive permanent residency.
Tim, does the entire process of application for residency need to be completed by March 1, or would we be able to achieve residency under the current rules if we have applied and begun the process before the change takes effect? Have a tiny place we call home in CR, planned to move this year, but life in the US has distracted us and we did not see this change coming in time. I am kicking myself! We CAN fulfill the current rentista requirements (a few years short of social security and pension income yet), but the new ones would be insurmountable for us. We have many Tico friends and living full time there has been lifelong dream for us.
Tim, your blog is very informative. Thank you for the information.
A few questions:
1. In regards to the new law, has it been published online anywhere in English? The actual text of the law, I mean?
2. How is “perpetual tourism” not legal? Where does it say it’s not legal? It seems to me that if they issue you a new visa, it’s a new visa and legal for another 90 days.
3. Also in regards to the new law—I’ve heard that it sets a limit (2 times only) to the number of times you can reenter the country/renew a 90-day tourist visa. Is this true or just more rumour?
I am assuming that if you marry a citzen and the gov can verify that it is true, you can be exempt from the income requirements??
Sorry. There are no residency plans that require income. One requires a source of funds (not income) and another requires a deposit. Permaenet residency requires neither but is NOT automatic by marrying a Costa Rican citizen.
1. Laws are never published in English. Spanish is the language of Costa Rica
2. I have covered this in detail many times in many locations. I amnot going to do it again here. Believe as you wish.
3. Nothing has been defined as of yet. Wait and see.
Hello Tim,
I am the head of a small family(Wife and Son) in Austin, Texas. I have read through the blog and to be honest I am somewhat confused. My family and I have a few thousand dollars saved up and were looking to make the move to CR soon. I would still need to bring in some source of income while down there to make student loan payments etc. here in the United States. My wife and I really don’t have a designated time we would like to stay, but with the economy being as it is and me unable to make the right moves towards my career we would like to do something like this now while we are young and don’t have too many obligations.
I speak Spanish and have experience in the service industry as well as a college degree, but it almost seems impossible to be able to establish a life down there for my family and I. Although it seems like a lot of things fall through the cracks with the Govt. down there I want to do it the right way, especially for the sake of my son who is 1 and a half. I have looked into being certified to teach English in Costa Rica and noticed it would cost about $2,000 U.S., but it only pays out about $400-$800 monthly and from what I understand….. I need to make $2,500 monthly or is that just the amount I need to deposit when I get there? Do you have any advice on what my “Best Bet” would be if I wanted to move my family down there for more than a couple months?
Thank you,
Travis
Please rad this carefully.
http://www.therealcostarica.com/residency_costa_rica/working_costa_rica.html
I believe I to qualify for a pensionado but in addition to my spouse I support a dependant with disabilities who is over 18 years of age. Would I be able to bring her with me to CR as pensionado?
You should contact a residency attorney here for this information.
I have been in a common law relationship for the past 10 years. Does Costa Rica recognize common law relationship as “married” for the purpose of pensionado residency? If so, what kind of document do they require since I don’t have a marriage certificate?
Thank you
Francine
No a ‘common law relationship’ is not recognized here for residency purposes. You will be required to apply independently of each other so both of you will need at least the $1000 per month pension.