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Apr 04
0

Navigating Residency in Costa Rica – A Guide for Canadian Citizens

By | Residency In Costa Rica For Canadians | No Comments

For many Canadians, the idea of retiring or relocating abroad holds an undeniable appeal. And when it comes to seeking a new home in a warm and welcoming destination, Costa Rica often tops the list. With its stunning natural beauty, stable democracy, and friendly locals, Costa Rica offers Canadian expatriates an exciting opportunity to experience the pura vida lifestyle firsthand. However, before making the leap to this tropical paradise, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of obtaining residency in Costa Rica as a Canadian citizen.

Residency Options

Costa Rica offers several residency options for foreign nationals, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. For Canadian citizens looking to establish permanent residency in Costa Rica, the most common pathways include:

  1. Rentista Visa: The Rentista visa is available to individuals who can show a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 USD from foreign sources, such as investments, rental properties, or annuities. Like the Pensionado visa, the Rentista visa grants holders temporary residency status in Costa Rica.
  • Inversionista Visa: For Canadian citizens with significant financial resources, the Inversionista visa offers a pathway to residency through investment. To qualify, applicants must invest a minimum of $200,000 USD in a Costa Rican business or real estate. This visa grants holders temporary residency status and may eventually lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Application Process

The process of obtaining residency in Costa Rica can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and attention to detail. Canadian citizens seeking residency in Costa Rica must submit a comprehensive application package to the Department of Immigration, along with supporting documentation, such as proof of income and criminal background checks.

Once the application is submitted, applicants can expect to wait several months for approval, during which time they may be required to complete additional steps, such as interviews or supplementary documentation requests. Upon approval, successful applicants will receive a temporary residency card, which must be renewed eery two years the first few years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Benefits of Residency

Obtaining residency in Costa Rica offers Canadian citizens a range of benefits, including:

  1. Legal Status: Residency provides Canadians with legal permission to live and study in Costa Rica indefinitely, without the need for a tourist visa.
  • Access to Healthcare: Residents of Costa Rica are required to enroll in the country’s public healthcare system, which provides affordable medical care to all residents, regardless of nationality.
  • Property Ownership: Residency status allows Canadians to purchase property in Costa Rica with fewer restrictions and benefits from favorable property tax rates.
  • Financial Services: Residents of Costa Rica have access to local banking services, including the ability to open a bank account and apply for credit cards or loans.
  • Education: Residency enables Canadians to enroll their children in Costa Rican schools and universities, often at significantly lower tuition rates than international schools.

Challenges and Considerations

While residency in Costa Rica offers many benefits, it’s essential for Canadian expatriates to be aware of the potential challenges and considerations involved:

  1. Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, proficiency in Spanish is essential for navigating daily life and accessing services outside of expatriate communities.
  2. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to life in Costa Rica may require Canadians to adjust to a different pace of life, cultural norms, and bureaucratic processes.
  3. Healthcare Quality: While Costa Rica’s healthcare system is generally of high quality, access to specialized medical care may be limited in rural areas, and wait times for non-emergency procedures can be lengthy.
  4. Financial Planning: Canadians should carefully consider the financial implications of relocating to Costa Rica, including currency exchange rates, tax obligations, and healthcare costs.

In conclusion, obtaining residency in Costa Rica offers Canadian citizens the opportunity to experience all that this tropical paradise has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its warm and welcoming culture. By understanding the residency options available and carefully navigating the application process, Canadians can make their dream of living in Costa Rica a reality, embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle and creating a new home in one of the world’s most beloved expatriate destinations.

Apr 04
0

Retiring in Costa Rica – A Paradise for American Citizens

By | Retirement In Costa Rica | No Comments

Retirement is a significant milestone in person’s life, marking the transition from a career-focused existence to a period of leisure and relaxation. For many Americans, the dream of retiring abroad holds a particular allure, offering the promise of new adventures, a lower cost of living, and a higher quality of life. Among the myriad destinations that cater to retirees, Costa Rica stands out as a tropical paradise that has captured the hearts of expatriates from around the world, including a sizable community of American retirees.

Why Costa Rica?

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and warm, welcoming culture. From lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife to pristine beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, the country boasts a wealth of attractions that appeal to retirees seeking adventure, relaxation, and a healthier lifestyle.

One of the most compelling reasons for Americans to retire in Costa Rica is the country’s affordable cost of living. While prices vary depending on location and lifestyle choices, retirees can generally enjoy a comfortable standard of living at a fraction of the cost they would incur in the United States. From housing and healthcare to groceries and entertainment, everyday expenses are significantly lower in Costa Rica, allowing retirees to stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Moreover, Costa Rica’s well-developed healthcare system is another major draw for retirees. The country boasts a robust network of public and private healthcare facilities that provide high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost in the United States. From routine check-ups and dental care to specialized treatments and surgeries, retirees can access a wide range of healthcare services without breaking the bank. Additionally, many doctors and healthcare professionals in Costa Rica are trained in the United States and speak English fluently, making it easier for American expatriates to navigate the healthcare system.

Retirement Visas and Residency

For American retirees looking to make Costa Rica their permanent home, the country offers several visa options designed to facilitate residency for foreign nationals. The most popular option for retirees is the Pensionado visa, which is available to individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,000 from a pension or retirement fund. This visa grants holders temporary residency status, allowing them to live in Costa Rica indefinitely and enjoy the benefits of residency, such as access to healthcare and the ability to open a bank account.

In addition to the Pensionado visa, Costa Rica offers several other residency options, including the Rentista visa for individuals with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $2,500 from foreign sources and the Inversionista visa for individuals who invest a minimum of $150,000 in a Costa Rican business or real estate. Each visa category has its own requirements and benefits, so retirees should carefully research their options and consult with our consultant at Residency In Costa Rica to determine the best course of action.

Retirement Communities and Lifestyle

Costa Rica boasts a vibrant expatriate community, with a notable presence of American retirees in key expat hubs like the Central Valley, the Pacific coast, and the Lake Arenal region. Additionally, some expatriates opt to reside in the Blue Zone of Nicoya. These areas offer a wide range of housing options, from luxury condominiums and gated communities to rustic beachfront cottages and mountain retreats, ensuring that retirees can find the perfect place to call home.

In addition to its natural beauty and affordable cost of living, Costa Rica offers retirees a vibrant and active lifestyle. From outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and birdwatching to cultural pursuits such as art galleries, music festivals, and culinary events, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Costa Rica. Moreover, the country’s warm climate and laid-back attitude make it easy for retirees to relax and enjoy their golden years in paradise.

Reinterment in Costa Rica for US citizens – Challenges and Considerations

While retiring in Costa Rica offers many benefits, it’s not without its challenges and considerations. One of the most significant challenges for American expatriates is adjusting to life in a foreign country, including learning a new language, navigating cultural differences, and adapting to a different pace of life. Retirees should be prepared to embrace change and approach their new life in Costa Rica with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.

Additionally, while Costa Rica’s healthcare system is generally of high quality and affordable, access to specialized medical care may be limited in some rural areas. Retirees with pre-existing health conditions or specific medical needs should carefully consider their healthcare options and ensure that they have access to the necessary treatments and medications.

Furthermore, while the cost of living in Costa Rica is lower than in the United States, retirees should budget carefully and plan for unexpected expenses, such as property maintenance, travel, and emergencies. It’s also important to consider the potential impact of currency fluctuations and economic instability on retirement savings and income streams.

In conclusion, retiring in Costa Rica offers American expatriates the opportunity to live out their golden years in a tropical paradise, surrounded by natural beauty, warm weather, and a welcoming community. With its affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and vibrant lifestyle, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for retirees seeking adventure, relaxation, and a higher quality of life. While there are challenges and considerations to navigate, the rewards of retiring in Costa Rica are plentiful, making it an attractive option for American retirees looking to start a new chapter in their lives.

Jun 27
0

Immigration CD-19 Update

By | Costa Rican Laws, Costa Rican Lifestyle, Costa Rican Residency, Immigration, Move to Costa Rica, Travel | No Comments

 

June 27, 2020 —  Update

NOTE:  CURRENT AS OF 06/26/2020.  INFORMATION SUBECT TO CHANGE ON SHORT NOTICE.

We write to provide an update on the effects Corona Virus (CV-19) is having in the application for residency process.  The information provided is based on (a) 06.26.2020 Health Dept. news press release, and (b)  the latest Migracion bulletin, published in La Gaceta, the official newspaper of the government of Costa Rica, on May 31, 2020, and as listed in Migracion’s webpage ( http://migracion.go.cr ) and Facebook page.

CURRENT STATUS: 

 Migracion offices Closed:  Migracion continues closed to the public (since March 17, 2020). Reopens to the public July 20, 2020

The closure applies to all Migracion offices, including headquarters in La Uruca and regional offices (Migracion’s Facebook page, 05/14/2020).

Expected date of Migracion reopening for residency application business:  Monday, July 20, 2020.

Borders – Reopening date for tourists:   July 31, 2020 at 23:59 hours – airports open ONLY to  specific countries, based upon how successful the country is in controlling CV19.  Assume the US is not going to be in the first opening date.

https://www.facebook.com/migracioncostarica/

See also US Embassy website’s facts, at the end of this message.

In-bound commercial flights

According to the Costa Rican Consulate in Los Angeles, there is currently one in-bound flight from United Airlines, from Houston to San Jose, once-a-week.  Other clients report available flights from other airlines, but I cannot confirm that information.

Pending Applications – delay in processing: We expect at least a 45-60-day delay in the processing of applications already filed.  We have not received any new communications from Migracion via e-mail regarding status of applications since about April 14th.

Most frequently asked questions:

  • MOST ASKED QUESTION: If I have my application for residency in process, BUT I have not yet been approved, can I enter CR now, prior to the borders being opened?
  • Answer:  Most likely NOT. In the original announcement of the closing of the borders back in March, the ability to enter CR by a person whose application is pending was not addressed.
  • But, on Migracion’s website there is a paragraph (even now, also in the US embassy website) that says that someone with a filed application and who has the application number can enter Costa Rica prior to the opening of the borders. https://migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Cierre-de-Fronteras.aspx Item No. 2; https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
  • However, this issue has NOT been mentioned in the last three most recent announcements—see below. Thus, we are not 100% certain of the answer but if I were to guess I would say there is at least a 98% probability that you will NOT be allowed in without being a legal resident. We sent emails to Migracion asking clarification to this question. Its answer, on 06/01/2020 was the highlighted info below, from the 05.31.2020 announcement.

05.31.2020 Announcement: Individuals with pending applications are NOT included in the very specific list of individuals who are able to enter Costa Rica prior to the reopening of the borders on July 1st:

 

“ARTICLE 5.- The restriction measures established in article 2 of this Executive Decree, as well as the sanitary actions that the Ministry of Health will carry out.

In this sense, they will be applied to foreign persons who have an

authorized legal stay under the immigration categories of Residence

Permanent, Temporary Residence, Special Categories or Non-Residents under the “Estancia” subcategory, that leave the country between 23:59 hours on March 25 and 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2020, both dates inclusive…” (Google translation)

TIME LINE, AS OF 06.26.2020 – Subject to changes on short notice

Event Old Date NEW DATE
Migracion reopens for specific emergencies only: issue passports to Costa Ricans, permit for a minor to exit CR, etc.

 

 04/18/2020 May 18, 2020
Appointments to obtain residency card –DIMEX—for the first time are made ONLY thru Correos Nacionales or Banco de costa Rica.   ONLY Pensionado to get first DIMEX card, and renewals:  Appointments at BCR or Correos Nacionales can be made now.

 

 
Airports schedule to re-open, allowing travelers from countries who are controlling the number of CV cases.

 

 06/15/2020 August 1, 2020 at 00:01 hrs.

 
Migracion reopens to the general public, starts to accept new residency applications, get copies of files, etc.

 

 04/18/2020 July 20, 2020
All scheduled appointments at Migracion are postponed to a date after:

 

   July 18, 2020
Tourist visas extended.  The tourist visa of a tourist who entered Costa Rica after 17 December 2019 is extended until:

 

 Varies August 18, 2020

 
Driving with a non-Costa Rican driver’s license extended for the same amount of time of the tourist visa extension:

 

 Expires when the tourist visa expires August 18, 2020

 

 
Expiration date of any document (birth certificates, FBI reports, income letters, etc.) is extended to. 6 months after issue September 18, 2020

For example, the document was issued October 1, 2019, but could not be filed prior to its expiration date of April 1, 2020 because Migracion was closed, will now be valid and accepted until September 18, 2020.

 
Time to respond to a “prevencion” – a request from Migracion to the applicant to present additional information or documentation, most commonly an FBI report – is extended.

 

 Varies September 18, 2020

 
Attorney appointments at Migracion are re-scheduled for dates after:

 

 Varies September 18, 2020

 
Validity of Permanent Resident  DIMEX cards that expired after December 18, 2019 is automatically extended until

 

 Varies September 30, 2020

 
Validity of Pensionado, Rentista, Inversionista and all special category DIMEX cards that expired after December 18, 2019 is automatically extended until

 

 Varies September 30, 2020

 
The time to renew all expired DIMEX card is extended without penalty for:

 

 Varies Up to 90 days after September 30, 2020

 

NOTE: “estancia” DIMEX cards have different rules/deadlines

 
     

 

 

 

Mar 14
0

$1700 Birth Certificate

By | Costa Rican Laws, Costa Rican Residency, Immigration, Move to Costa Rica | No Comments

$1700 Birth CertificateThe client, born during the tumultuous period of time when Indonesia gained its
independence from the Netherlands, needed to get a certified copy of her birth
certificate to apply for residency. A simple request to the Netherlands should have
solved the problem, right?

Wrong. The Netherlands denied the request because the client had become an American
citizen. Essentially, our client was told to go get it from Indonesia.

Because she had no family or friends in Indonesia, we hired an Indonesian private
investigation firm. The investigators had to go in person to three locations and
manually search for the right volume where the six-decade-old birth registration could
be found. It took two months to find it. All we had left was to get, it and it was
free!

Wrong again. Indonesia does not issue apostilles. It uses the old and tedious
authentication method called legalization. Our Canadian clients are painfully aware of
this process, as Canada still uses it. Worse yet, at that time Costa Rica did not have
a consular office in Jakarta as it does now, so we would have to do Third Country
Legalization.

Once the Indonesian government authenticated the birth certificate, the investigator
took it to, you guessed it, the Canadian consulate in Jakarta. Then it was FedEx’d to
our document processing agent in Ottawa, Canada. Once in Ottawa, the document went to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Costa Rican Consulate. Our agent next FedEx’d
the document to our office in San Jose to get its final signature at Casa Amarilla.
Now fully legalized, we filed it with Migration.

The moral of the story is to be patient and creative in finding a solution to the
problem. It took us close to five months, 53 emails, and almost $1,700 paid by our
client to get this one document. Fortunately, this was a very unusual case. Getting a
copy of a birth certificate usually costs about $10.

I am happy to report the client is not only a resident but she is now a permanent
resident!

written by Javier Zavaleta of Residency in Costa Rica

article first appeared in AM Costa Rica 3/14/18

Oct 02
1

U.S. income tax avoidance drawing some to Costa Rica

By | Costa Rican Laws, Costa Rican Lifestyle, Financial, Move to Costa Rica | No Comments

Another reason to live in Costa Rica? This article appeared in www.amcostarica.com last week. It points that some American citizens are moving to Costa Rica and once there they continue to work by “telecommuting.”  In many cases, telecommuting allows that individual to take advantage of IRS tax rules and they do not pay taxes on foreign earned income of up to $101,000.  Tax savings could be substantial. We strongly recommend you consult with a tax professional familiar with the Foreign Earned Income rules, and how those rules apply to your own circumstances.

Sep 09
1

New Costa Rican Bank Account Options for Foreigners

By | Financial | No Comments

The Costa Rica Star just published this story about three new types of accounts being offered with $1,000, $2,000 and $10,000 USD deposit limits. This is good news for expats and those considering applying for residency in Costa Rica!

“This week, the state-owned Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) announced a new series of bank accounts that require fewer requisites to open.

The three different types of accounts make banking in Costa Rica accessible for the first time to foreigners, youth, elderly, and others who may previously have found it difficult or impossible to supply the paperwork required to open an account.”

Read the whole story by Wendy Anders.

Aug 24
0

Celebrating Costa Rica’s National Parks

By | Costa Rican Parks | No Comments
Guanacaste National Park , Costa Rica

Guanacaste National Park – photo by cyph3r

Erin Skoczylas recently posted in the Tico Times:

“Each year on August 24, Costa Rica celebrates its national parks, one of the country’s most impressive legacies. More than one-quarter of this small country’s land is protected.

The national park system was created in 1984. The country’s national parks, wildlife refuges and other protected areas make up the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), a branch of the Environment Ministry.”

Read the full article and check out all the great photos of Mata Redonda Wildlife Refuge, and Barra Honda, Palo Verde and Tenorio Volcano National Parks.

Aug 23
0

Costa Rica Celebrates 113 Days of 100-percent Renewable Energy (and Counting)

By | Renewable Energy | No Comments
Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Cat DiStasio posted a great story in the Inhabitat design blog about Costa Rica’s impressive goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral country by 2021.

“Costa Rica is much more than a lush, green tourist paradise; it’s also a green energy pioneer. The small Central American nation has generated 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources for the past 113 days, and the run isn’t over yet. The country, which draws clean energy from a variety of renewable sources, still has its sights on a full year without fossil fuels.

With a 113-day stretch of 100-percent renewable energy under its belt and several months left in the year, Costa Rica is edging closer to its target. Costa Rica could be on track to match the record set with its renewable energy production last year, which accounted for 99 percent of the country’s electricity. That included 285 days powered completely by renewable sources, according to the Costa Rican Electricity Institute.”

Read the whole story.

Jul 28
0

Costa Rica in Top 50 Places to Travel in 2016

By | Biodiversity, Travel | No Comments

Interesting article by Lindsay Orlander, published on the Travel and Leisure website:

“The top 50 places to travel in 2016—how many will you check off the list?

  1. Costa Rica

Few places have the biological diversity of Costa Rica, with its cloud forests, wetlands, and tens of thousands of unique species of flora and fauna. Since the 2012 opening of the new terminal at Liberia’s International Airport, many low-key properties have opened, but it’s only more recently that the new wave of luxury development has come to fruition.

Guanacaste’s beach community of Las Catalinas has opened their Beach Club, a gathering place for residents, villa renters, and visitors alike. It has two pools, a restaurant, a gym, and a beachfront terrace. A 20-room boutique hotel in also the works for later this year.

In Papagayo Bay, the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Papagayo has joined the Four Seasons and Andaz. Next up: a Mandarin Oriental, a Paradisus, and a Wyndham. Farther south, the Pacífico Sur region is having a moment too. Auberge Resorts recently unveiled its takeover of Hacienda AltaGracia, in the remote Pérez Zeledón mountains. The brand’s first Central America property, which grants new access to a relatively unknown region of Costa Rica, has horse stables and ultralight planes for exploring the terrain.

Best of all, a new airline, VivaCam, is planning low-cost flights from San José to the rest of Central America.”

See the whole article on Travel and Leisure.