 |
|
|
| Share with your Friends: |
|
|
|  |
|
If you are ready to make the move and live in the paradise of Costa Rica, you’re sure to appreciate every day you spend in paradise. Of course, moving and living in Costa Rica if you’re from another country requires the knowledge of some basic facts, as people cannot simply fly to Costa Rica and take up residence without handling some basic business with the Costa Rican government, much like moving to any other country.
The first issue you need to understand is that of the different immigration statuses, as you do have some choices to make, especially if you own or are purchasing property in Costa Rica. Below is a brief outline of these immigration categories:
• Pensioner: The term loosely translates to ‘pensioner,’ and most who retire opt to apply for this status with the government.
• Rentier: This does not mean ‘renter’ and can be met by proving income of at least $1,000 per month.
• Investor: This term loosely translates to ‘large investor,’ and basically, you’ll be approved for this status if you make investments in government entities deemed to be a priority.
• Perpetual Tourist: This is the least advisable status. Basically, when you enter Costa Rica, your passport will be stamped for 90 days. Upon the expiration of those 90 days, you can leave the country for three days and return for another stamp.
Of course, there are other statuses that can be attained, and there is also the question of whether you want to change your country of citizenship. All of these questions should be answered by an attorney, as he or she will be able to help apply the law to the facts that surround your situation.
Other issues people want to clarify before making the final move include general cost of living questions and health care provisions in Costa Rica. In terms of cost of living, while it is far from an exact science, people generally can expect to spend less on basics every month than they would in most places in the United States. Obviously, that all depends on what you think are ‘essential’ components of your lifestyle, but those who want to live simply can do so without incurring much in the way of bills and expenses. The best way to figure this out is to envision where you’ll be living and what you’ll be doing.
Health care is one of Costa Rica’s true achievements. A study in recent years showed that 98% of Costa Rican residents have access to health care, which is well above and beyond the rate even in the United States. Costa Rica offers a ‘public’ health care system, where even visitors can register with the system for less than $100 per month generally and have access to what they need. For a bit more money each month, one can enroll in the state-provided health insurance and be able to choose their own doctors and facilities. In short, health care should not be a reason not to live in Costa Rica for most people.
As you see, a lot of the specifics of moving and living in Costa Rica are up to you, but you have almost limitless options and can live the way you want to live, generally for less than what it would cost to live in the United States. | |
|
Top Destinations
|
|
| Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Blog | Plan a post-retirement trip to Costa Rica
In The People - Friday, May 17, 2013 | My visit to the Arenal Volcano Inn
In La Fortuna - Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | Enjoy the natural and man-made sounds of Costa Rica
In The People - Monday, May 13, 2013 | My thrilling adventure white water rafting in La Fortuna
In La Fortuna - Thursday, May 02, 2013 | One Day In... Jaco
In One Day In... - Monday, April 29, 2013 |
| | See all Javi the Frog's Blog posts |
|
|
Top Hotel Picks in Costa Rica
|
|
| |
| |
