'Move to Costa Rica' Business

Mike Scott (12.74.248.7) -

Need information about move to Costa Rica for permanent Residency. Need application and other required paperwork.

Thank You,

Mike Scott

3906 Dixie Drive

Garland, Texas 75041-4908

Comment #1 D. Diaz (67.8.131.125) -

I am interested in how things work in Costa Rica. My husband and I are looking into moving there sometime in the next year. I am an elementary school teacher. Can you tell me where I would go about getting a job in education and maybe how much an educator recieves in Costa Rica? I also would like to know about the medical care system. Is there certain areas that are safer for Americans than others. Thank you for your input.

Comment #2 David (12.215.169.45) -

I am looking for a one stop answer resource for relocating to Costa Rica and eventually obtaining dual citizenship. Need information on import taxes duties, etc., for household goods. We have 2 small children and need to know about public health requirements, immunizations, etc. Thank you.

Comment #3 MARY (65.221.223.37) -

I AM INTERESTED IN RELOCATING TO COSTA RICA. I WOULD LIKE TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT MOVING THERE HOW TO ECT..PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH THIS INFOMATION. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GET REAL ESTATE DETAILS AND SMALL BUSSINESS INFORMATION. THANK YOU MARY

Comment #4 roxana (71.196.118.28) -

i would like more information in obtaining residency in Costa Rica. I also need information on how to start a resturant, the requirements and costs involved. Thank you!

Comment #5 Jennifer (216.203.251.33) -

My family and I have moved back from CR to the USA after a horrible life there for 9 months!! Although the good healthcare and ease of getting medications is a plus. The incredibly terrible education for children (I am talking about the supposed private education that is American based curriculum-- the Costa Rican curriculum is a joke-- if you graduate from high school one would be lucky to have maybe a 7th grade education!) We experienced theft on such a wide scale down there that everyone just accepts it and does nothing about it!! You even bribe police officers if you get pulled over. In regards to citizenship- it is VERY expensive- it is 60,000 US dollars per adult and 30,000 US dollars per dependent plus you have to pay an attorney. The real estate there is a joke! THe homes are crappy--and we lived in an "American" neighborhood outside of San Jose. If you buy a house be prepared that you will own that house forever because you won't be able to resell it! As Americans we take for granted being able to go to Home Depot, Office Max, Walmart etc for the things we need and that they are right around the corner. There things are VERY expensive because of the import taxes-- shipping your belongings from home is upwards of 15K plus what you will pay customs- no one tells you that! To buy a car there, you have to go to an attorney and form a corporation so that you can own a car! The roads there are terrible. The potholes are CRATERS! I am not saying that the people are not nice and try to be helpful but if you do not speak Spanish do NOT move there! Also, the Costa Rican children get away with murder in the schools whereas your child if he/she doesn't speak Spanish will be picked on and will still receive a substandard education. If you still don't believe me, do NOT sell your home etc. yet.. go down there and stay in an aparthotel (which is part apartment part hotel) and look into the country for a good 3 months and then see that it isn't what everyone is saying. A good aparthotel to stay is the Obelisco in San Antonio de Belen which is outside of San Jose. You get a 2 bedroom apartment with maid service, laundry service and breakfast for 1000-1500 dollars a month (that is considered cheap there by the way) depending on how many people are staying in the room.

When we came back to the USA I was so relieved for things like clean water, accessible shopping, ENGLISH, etc. Granted the health care and the medications were cheaper there but not living behind bars and barbed wire and armed guards was great--remember I said that theft was horrible there- I meant it! And if you don't pay the guards in the front of where you live, then the guards will arrange for their friends to break into your house and steal from you-- I am not being dishonest- this is an accepted practice there. Most of the Americans and non-Costa Ricans who live there try to make jokes about it in order to cope but it is serious. Feel free to email me for specific questions. areukidding1993@yahoo.com--Jennifer

Comment #6 Jim Bob (152.163.36.164) -

Now Jennifer has some good points, however I would like to take issue with a few of her ideas.

First the official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. I believe everyone visiting and certainly anyone considering living there knows this. We should never expect that society to communciate effectively with us in English.

There are advantages and disadvantages in living in a culture where we are not fluent in the language. In Costa Rica there is a large contigent of Americans and Canadians so socialization in English should not be a problem (ie: you should not be lonely for reasons of language). Even with limited Spanish language skilled, many Costa Ricans are delighted to be helpful and you should have no problem with your daily activities (especially if you examine it from a prespective of language vs communication). For major situations (buying a house, car, etc) you really should deal with a translator or someone that is truely fluent in English.

"As Americans we take for granted being able to go to Home Depot, Office Max, Walmart etc for the things we need and that they are right around the corner."

From one prespective this is aboely true. From another, I believe that our "addiction" to say, Walmart is learned. Do we really "need" all these "things"? Do we need to go shopping everyday and bring home all this stuff?

Yes, you will find shopping difficult in Costa Rica if you are a Walmart addict. You will also find that once you get over that addiction it is like a breath of fresh air. You don't really "need" all that stuff. It may be a challenge at times, but you can find everything you "need" in Costa Rica.

You might even end up enjoying your shopping experiences at small family owned establishments.

The same goes for spending $15K for a container (and the import taxes)... do we really need to haul a container of junk around with us?

Why are we addicting to collecting all this junk and hanging on to it? (Yes, I realize many will be angry by my calling their container of household and personal belongings "junk"... yet, how much of that is truely important?)

Now, about crime, housing, kids, education, infrastructure, etc. Remember, Costa Rica *IS* a third world country (no matter what anyone says). When their culture develops methods of dealing with these areas they will be able to rise above.

The catch-22 is that they stuck in a system that feeds itself.

Comment #7 Johnny from the river banks of the Mississippi (Contact Member) -

Jennifer, I enoyed reading what you had to say. You totally put it in perspective from an American's point of view. I told someone on another topic, to just visit and not live there. Everything you have mentioned backs up my notion. I am so sorry to hear about your experience, but at least your family is back and happy now. That is my advice as well, move there for a very short period of time before thinking you want to retire there. You will be glad you did.

Comment #8 seth from Texas (Contact Member) -

Agreed, it is a bit foolish to move to a completely new country and expect it to be a lot like your homeland. Also even more foolish to move somewhere that you have no experience or knowledge about. Definitely go stay there for several months, however long the legal maxium time of stay is allowed and then rethink things through when you return to your homeland and then proceed if you still have the desire.

I would think if you google, you will be able to find plently immigration information for Costa Rica. Good luck.

Comment #9 Cynthia from The Moon (Contact Member) -

We are very lucky in the United States to have the amenities that we do and the freedom. We make decent money, have good homes, and great opportunities that other countries don't get. Personally, I will never move outside of the U.S. I do enjoy visiting other countries, but I am always glad to get home.

Comment #10 Old Grump from San Jose (Contact Member) -

I have been "traveling" for over 5 years with only a couple weeks of that travel back in the United States.

The Americans that haven't traveled and haven't spend extensive time in different countries haven't a clue about the world.

Comment #11 toucan1 from USA (Contact Member) -

When you decide to move to any other country, you must expect to live with their customs, language, etc. I am surprised that anyone would expect different. Isn't that why you want to move elsewhere?

As far as the language is concerned. I think people moving to USA should learn to speak English. So why would you think you should learn to speak spanish if you move to a spanish speaking country.

Crime is everywhere. You always have to be careful, even in the USA. You need to educate yourself about any country you travel to.

Comment #12 Bruce from Costa Rica (Contact Member) -

Jennifer I am sorry you had such a bad experience but I must correct a number of things you discussed in your post.

On average a person can ship a 40 foot container full of household goods and belongings for $8, 000 to $12, 000 including customs taxes. I can refer you to a reliable company.

Some homes are crappy anywhere(but more here); buyers need to really understand the market, the quality of construction and the location when they buy. A good realtor should help. A crappy home in a bad location takes a long time to sell particularly if it is overprice which is often the case when someone buys a crappy home. As to theft it exists and when buying a home that should be kept in mind. It is true that it will take longer on average to sell a home in Costa Rica. (I will identfy myself as a Real Estate Broker here.)

Citizenship does not cost $60, 000. Legal Residency requires a deposit of $60, 000 paid out to the depositor over five years or simply proof of receipt of $1000 a month in pension or social security payments. The attorney fee to set up residency should cost no more than $1000-$1700.

A corporation is not required to own a car, but it does give added protection against liabilities and it should cost no more than $300-$450 for a attorney to create a corporation (what did you pay?) As to the roads...can't argue with you there.

As to Private schools (the good ones anyway) their annual lists of graduates(which many publish in the English language papers) and the good mostly US colleges they have been accepted to as well as the fact that over 90% seem to go to college to would lead me believe they can’t be all that bad

Whoever advised you and referred you to Shipping Companies, Attorneys and Realtors was probably getting kickbacks on those referrals, a not uncommon practice here.

I am truly sorry you had such a bad experience but as romantic as the idea of packing up and moving to Costa Rica sounds it is not for everyone. You must remember it is not the United States. Bruce Wood bcwups@gmail.com

Comment #13 COIN-OPERATED-BOY from Philippines (Contact Member) -

I suggest that you go to the nearest consulate and embassies there in your vicinity to know more about the legalities of moving to Costa Rica.

You can be sure that those informations are correct. Or simply you can just visit their government websites. Hope that helps.

Comment #14 Irene from USA, Costa Rica (Contact Member) -

If you are interested in buying/investing property in Costa Rica there's a real estate website called "Pure Costa Rica". Checkout there website at www.purecr.com

Hope that helps!

Comment #15 Ben from The Sun (63.176.159.110) -

Sorry Miss Cynthia from the Moon, but why do you think expats and immigrants moved to other parts of the globe? Because they are sick and tired of the 4 season climate US has to offer. They are tired of devastating earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires and major floods. To me United states is just a place to work and a money making opportunity but not a country worth staying. I recommend counties like Japan, Vietnam, India, or Philippines as better alternatives.

Comment #16 Jack (63.176.159.156) -

It also gives them the opportunity to clean out all that crap they've bought and pack ratted away over the years... go with a couple suitcases and you'll feel so refreshed.

Send the rest of your stuff to an auction house! Take the $10, 000 in your pocket not for paying for a containing to drag your old life along with you.

Comment #17 Seth (63.176.159.63) -

I agree. If I was moving away like that I would like to start over. Not completely, but a little.

Comment #18 Vauda (63.176.159.71) -

wow I would take Jennifer advice, I do not think she would make those things up, it sounds like she really had a difficult time, there my question is, is your family and you rich? I would not even be able to afford to ship my stuff down there for 10, 000 let alone buy a house, car and pay guards off to keep my house from being robbed. I guess we Americans take life for granit so badly here, I am sooo thankful for the life I have and also for the things I have.

Comment #19 Tifanny (63.176.159.117) -

Here are information I gathered upon browsing the net:

ll residency applications are governed by the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria) which in turn is overseen by the Ministry of Public Security and Police (Ministerio de Gobernacion, Policia y Seguridad Publica). Generally all applications for residency must be filed in your country of origin through the Costa Rican Consular Office in your area. The only current exceptions are Immediate Relative Residency Petitions. For list of Consular Offices in your area see the list on the Ministry of Foreign Relations site: Consular List.

Be advised that the residency procedures change from time to time. In recent years Costa Rica has become an attractive destination for many and local officials have not been prepared to handle the influx. As such, due to internal changes in the Department of Immigration and severe under staffing there are considerable delays in processing new applications. Also, the approval of residency is a discretionary matter of the Department of Immigration. The Department of Immigration favors applicants that can demonstrate that they will provide a financial benefit and contribute to create employment for Costa Rica citizens either in the form of direct investment (investors, enterpreneurs) or indirect investment (Rentista and Pensionados) .

• www.costaricalaw.com/legalnet/residency.html

Comment #20 Almond (63.176.159.133) -

When you have all required documents issued in your home country ready, submit your application at the Immigration Department of Costa Rica or at the Consulate of Costa Rica nearest you. Use our Commercial Directory to search for the nearest Costa Rican Consulate to your residence. (Click "search" in our Commercial Directory and type in the keyword "consulate" to view a list of Costa Rican Consulates worldwide).

Required Documents:

Here are the required documents that you and your dependants* must enclose with your permanent residence application. Some documents must be issued in your home country and others in Costa Rica.

*

Documents Issued in your Home Country

*

Police Record Documents

*

Income Source Certification

* Dependants include: your spouse, children up to 18 years old, and son(s) and/or daughter(s) attending a college or univeristy up to 25 years old.

• www.costarica.com/retirement/relocation-info/permanent-resid...

Comment #21 Natascha (63.176.159.216) -

The thing is this: the so-called first world countries (like USA) just have better infrastructure and higher safety that the so-called 3rd world countries (like Costa Rica).

That means a very convenient, orderly, consumer-orientated lifestyle that you can't expect in a place like Costa Rica. I think it's very difficult for the average first-world person to live in a place like that and adapt. (I'm talking from experience), no matter how open and flexible you are.

Try it out first, and never burn your bridges!

Comment #22 cwemoy (63.176.159.252) -

I agree with Jennifer's and the preceding posts as well. There is never a smooth sailing especially when relocating to a different country especially when the living conditions are nowhere near any similarity.

However, Jim has a really strong point. The lifestyle back home has become an addiction to most to the extent that adjusting becomes so much of a major issue.

It is true that they might have deplorable conditions but see, they have gotten used to that. Only them can change that.

Comment #23 Henry (63.176.159.96) -

I think they are Vauda, considering a retirement in a foreign country would be costly and to start up a business in there is another big story.

There certainly are lots of things to consider not to mention the money involved. But if i were to move to another place, i would certainly make my self oriented with the place's whats, hows, etc etc...

And ofcourse, be aware of the law.

Comment #24 Scott (68.37.154.225) -

Hi Jennifer,

Frankly, I would be disappointed if there was a Wal-Mart and Home Depot on every corner. A good part of my reason for looking to move there is to avoid such an abundance of commercialism. I haven't been to CR yet, but I've traveled a fair bit through Latin America and have been saddened by the "Americanization" I've seen there lately.

Appreciate the heads up regarding theft, kickbacks and, bribery. Fortunately I've got some contacts there (both natives and ex-pats), hopefully they'll help me navigate those waters.

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