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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!
Filed under Cost of Living, Costa Rica, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Law, Moving to Costa Rica, Politics, Proposed Immigration law, Residency | Comments (48)This is Really Irritating!
February 23rd, 2009
I get a lot of email as you might imagine. The vast majority (well over 99%) of the comments are positive and pleasant.
On occasion though, I get a comment that really frosts my Twinkie. This happened last night and I responded… but then I stewed about it all night! The comment and my reply appear below. I guess what really bothers me is that I spent a huge amount of time writing The REAL Costa Rica and then more time keeping things current both there and here on this Blog. I then get an email from someone who implies that I whitewash Costa Rica. I know, of course that there are people who do not agree either with my opinion or my rather blunt style of writing. Others love it as they really want to KNOW about this country, and they are concerned (rightfully) that they are not getting the facts from other sites that really do nothing but promote Costa Rica. I love living here but as I have written about 20 zillon times, this country is not for everyone. It is right for ME, but only you can decide if it is right for YOU. Anyway, if you wanna listen to me rant a bit, read on. Her quote is exact. No corrections or changes.
Filed under Costa Rica, Crime in Costa Rica, Culture Shock, Life in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Real Estate | Comments (47)A Nasty Little Parasite – Parents Take Care!
February 1st, 2009
I did a fair amount of work a couple of years ago when researching the various illnesses and health issues common to Costa Rica. I thought I had a pretty good handle on it… then some nice lady sent me an email about Chagas Disease… so I checked that out and added it. Well I guess Chagas was not the end because today, I will introduce you to Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nasty little parasite that has made sick and sadly killed some very young children. Of the 42 cases treated since 2003, 16 were girls and 26 were boys under the age of 14 years. At serious risk are the youngest… under nine years old.
Renewing My Costa Rica Residency
January 26th, 2009
Oh the pain. Caught again! Obviously a regular reader… and one with a good memory… Miguel is one of my Blog watchers. This is good really as I get busy and fail to followup on things when months pass between the writing and the actual activity. The pain is for making me remember what I sort of wanted to forget!
In this case, Miguel (who I suspect is really a Michael as he writes from the USA), reminded me that I had never followed up on my post from last July 4 regarding my residency renewal. I really meant to do this, but as I did not go until September… OK October… I lost track. So for anyone interested in what happened… read on!
Filed under Costa Rica, Costa Rica Residency, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Law, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Residency | Comments (4)The Power of the Earthquake
January 14th, 2009
Just how powerful is a 6.2 earthquake?
An interesting comparison was made in today’s Diario Extra, one of Costa Rica’s Spanish language newspapers. It is the equivalent (in released power) of seventeen atomic bombs of the type dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. That sort of puts it into perspective huh?
If the quake had not occurred so deep in the earth, there probably would not even be much of a Costa Rica.
Rescue workers are still on the scenes searching for more bodies beneath the millions of tons of earth. At this point, six days after the event, it will be astonishing if any more bodies are found and a miracle if any are alive.
The death toll stands at about 21. I say “about” as different sources report different figures.
Filed under Costa Rica, Earthquakes, Expatriate Life, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Volcanos | Comment (0)Residency Possible via Common Law Relationship
January 14th, 2009
Costa Rica has had a problem for some time with foreigners coming to Costa Rica, marrying a Costa Rica citizen, and promptly applying for Permanent Residency.
This is a very desirable status as Permanent Residency grants the person all rights and privileges of a citizen save the right to vote. The biggie is the right to work here legally!
Of course many people come here legitimately, meet the love of their life, and marry them! Others, however, arrange marriages through lawyers and often have never even met the person they marry. Marriages could be performed by power of attorney. This causes (rightfully) some consternation at Migración (immigration)! Disallowed from applying for Permanent Residency were those living in a common law relationship (Unión de hecho).
Filed under Costa Rica, Expatriate Life, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Law, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica | Comments (6)A Public Response to a Not-Published Comment
January 12th, 2009
Yesterday, I Blogged about the proposed changes to the immigration law.
Today, I received a comment from one of the companies here in Costa Rica that assists people in establishing legal residency. The first half of his email pretty much tells stuff about him and a bit about his company. Pretty much like SPAMing through commenting. Almost the entire second half is built around this comment:
Filed under Costa Rica, Expatriate Life, Immigration & Residency, Immigration Law, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Proposed Immigration law | Comments (6)
The Bug Man Cometh
July 7th, 2008
Ahhh Bugs! Bichos! Things with many legs! If you live here in the tropics, they are as much a part of your life as the sun, the beach, the mountains, and the bad roads! Certainly one of the most visited web pages in The REAL Costa Rica is about the creepie crawlies that are everywhere in Costa Rica. Not surprising I guess… hell, there was even a snake in the Garden of Eden right?
Those of you who follow my writings probably already know about Rolando, the Flying Cucaracha Affair, and the occasion tarantulas that come avisitin’ at Casa Ticogrande. However, for sheer annoyance, nothing can top the ants (hormigas). that look at this house as a giant smörgåsbord.
Filed under Bugs and Critters, Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Tourism, Travel to Costa Rica | Comments (10)Learning Spanish
July 1st, 2008
Planning to move to Costa Rica to live, retire or work? Regardless of how well traveled you are, culture shock almost assuredly will be a big factor in how much you and your family will enjoy living in a foreign country and whether you will be able to adjust and enjoy the experience.
I was speaking to the owner of one of the larger moving companies some while back, and he told me that he is now moving back “home” more than 50% of the customers he moved here originally. That is a helluva statistic, and he should know. I tend to believe this as I get more and more email from people who have made the decision to move here after spending little and sometimes no time in this country. Sadly, some have no option as they are just now realizing that they simply cannot afford to retire and live in their home country. This is true especially of many folks from the USA.
Filed under Costa Rica, Culture Shock, Learning Spanish, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, Retire in Costa Rica, Travel to Costa Rica | Comments (3)A Reader’s Opinion of Costa Rica – Change and Perspective
June 11th, 2008
As you might imagine, I get a pretty fair amount of email. I try to reply, but I am often a few weeks backlogged as the stuff is arriving at the rate of maybe 200 emails per week. When I get a “good one”, I like to share it with other readers, and Neal from Canada has granted me permission to print his email.
I first came to Costa Rica maybe 15 years ago. It has changed significantly. My 15 years pales, however, next to Neal’s long term perspective of 46 years. I hope you enjoy it. Click continue to read it.
Filed under Costa Rica, Culture, Culture Shock, Expatriate Life, Humor, Life in Costa Rica, Living in Costa Rica, Moving to Costa Rica, My Readers Write, Susan Lutz (Carmichael) | Comment (1)