here it is in english.
Alien Residence Status
Permanent Resident status
Resident status with a Costa Rican link
Required Documentation
Translations Documentation
FAQ
Responses and Additional Information
Costa Rica Costa Rica residency residency residency Costa Rica Costa Rica Costa Rica residency residency
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Alien Residence Status
If you are considering applying for residency in Costa Rica, please note that there are options. If you do not qualify for any of the following options, consult ARCR your specific case. The Pensioners and rentiers can claim as his own spouse and dependent children under 18. A teenager between 18 and 25 years should be considered a dependent are enrolled at a university.
Source of Income Resident Pensioner - Minimum income of $ 600 per month (or equivalent) from a qualified retirement plan or pension source of government. REQUIRED income must be only the applicant.
Source of Income Resident Annuitant - Investment in certificates of deposit or annuity that will provide an income of at least U.S. $ 1.000 per month (U.S. $ 12.000 per year). A letter from a bank (in a foreign country or in Costa Rica) to ensure that:
1. Have sufficient funds in a stable and permanent account will provide an income of $ US1, 000 per month for the next five years.
2. If the financial conditions specified above change, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute will be notified.
3. The monthly income will be sent to the resident annuitant in Costa Rica.
4. The matching funds must be in the name of the applicant.
Examples of cards detailed above are available to members at the office of ARCR. Costa Rica banks provide this letter with all the requirements requested by the government if they make a deposit of $ US60, 000. The deposits in state banks in Costa Rica are guaranteed and the interests of the banks are tax free.
The Resident Annuitant must renew its letter of income every five years.
Residency Status Investor
1. Invest at least U.S. $ 50.000 in tourism or export businesses, U.S. $ 100.000 refoerestación a draft, or U.S. $ 200.000 in other business. ARCR Ask for details.
2. To six months a year in Costa Rica.
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Permanent Resident status
1. After two years with the status pensioner, annuitant, or investorYou can apply for permanent residency in Costa Rica. It usually has no restrictions, and allowed to work.
2. Citizens of Spain can apply for permanent residency immediately.
3. Permanent residents must visit Costa Rica at least once every year.
4. It should be a security deposit of $ US300 for the government of Costa Rica.
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Resident status with a Costa Rican link
Costa Ricans have family members (parents, siblings, children) can immediately apply for permanent residency. Similarly if married to a Costa Rican citizen.
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Documents required
The first three documents are required for all types of residences in Costa Rica.
1. Police Certificate. Certificate of good conduct from last place of residency. Valid only for 6 months. Required for applicant, spouse, and any children aged 18 to 25 years of age.
2. Birth Certificate. APPLICANT requirement for the owner, the spouse and any dependent children (up to 18 to 25 years of age if a university student, requires proof of enrollment from the institution where he studied).
3. Marriage Certificate (Required if spouse wishes to apply). Proof of divorce is not needed.
4. Income Certificate for Pensioners as Annuitant (Required only for the applicant).
Pensioners -Proof that receives a pension of at least $ 600 a month, indicating that it is for life, and that will be sent to Costa Rica.
The certificates of Social Security pensions U.S. pension or Canada, are more readily available either at the U.S. Embassy or the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica. (You must provide them with proof of your pension.)
Pensions from other countries must indicate on the document receives a government pension.
Pensions from other institutions must have a statement verifying the type of institution where you received.
Annuitant - Contact ARCR for details of documents.
Those internal documents mentioned above (with the exception of those obtained in Costa Rica) MUST BE:
a) Notarized by a local notary public if they do not have official government seal. If in doubt or not to certify the document, consult with the local consulate of Costa Rica.
b) Authenticated by Costa Rica Consul in the country where the document was issued.
Certification: Your signature should not appear in the certification of the document.
Authentication: The Consul of Costa Rica charged $ 40 for authentication of each document. They should affix stamps glasses. If you do not have the stamps, ARCR can buy them in Costa Rica for you.
Other requirements
Retirement homes and Rentier
1) The Income must be changed into colones at a bank in the banking system in Costa Rica
pensioner
rentier
U.S. $ 7.200 per year
U.S. $ 12.000 per year
2) Stay in Costa Rica for a minimum of 4 months per year.
3) To renew the license every two years residence. Make a deposit for the government of Costa Rica for $ 100 for each renewal.
4) You or your dependents may be paid a salary or supplant a Costa Rican workers. However, you can have your own business and pay yourself, the same way or make investments.
All residents pensioners and rentiers must comply with the foregoing. ARCR advises members on how to perform the above procedures.
Private Investor
1). Invest at least U.S. $ 50.000 in businesses related to tourism or export, U.S. $ 100,000 in a reforestation project, or $ 200,000 in other business.
2). Stay in Costa Rica at least six months a year.
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Translations of documents for residency
Language translations of Spanish must be made by the consulate of Costa Rica in the country where the document was issued or here in Costa Rica by an official translator into Spanish language specific. We can get the translations for you as a member of the association. Original language translations into English are not valid for the government of Costa Rica.
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FAQ
What are the requirements to obtain legal residency? I can meet these requirements? What is the cost? How often to renew the residence? What should be done for the renovation and how much does it cost?
"If you are not a resident, how can you stay in the country legally? (Visas, extension of visas, permits, visa restrictions for residents living in the categories of tourist or temporary)
How is the political situation? (Dictatorship, democracy, monarchy, etc.).
How stable is the country? (History, future problems)
Weather (Do you like 4 seasons? Hot weather? Temperate all year? Snow?)
Taxes on income (you taxed on income brought into the country? Is allowed to earn income in the country? If yes, how is it taxed?)
Other taxes (sales taxes, fees, departure tax, vehicle taxes, property taxes, etc.).
How much will be spent on fees, duties and taxes to bring personal property into the country? (Cars, boats, electronic equipment, personal items, artwork, etc.).
Rental properties - rental rates, laws that protect tenants, the rent laws, rental taxes.
Purchase of property - Property value, taxes, restrictions for foreign owners, purchase taxes, legal fees and registration laws for foreign ownership, the history of government respect for these laws, laws of expropriation, squatters rights. If you are going to build, building regulations, how are the local construction companies, is there any guarantee on the construction once finished, what are the costs of construction?
Communications - Are telephone and fax lines reliable? Cell phones, connections to Internet services and other communication services via computer, local newspapers, radio, television in the language you speak? Disponilidad of cable TV or satellite?
Transportation - roads? There are flights available to places where you want to go? How is the shuttle bus, train, ferry? How expensive is to travel the country or to different destinations within the country? (For walking, visiting family, business, etc.)
What distance in time and space there is between where you reside in other areas you want to go, either to visit family or business interests?
Shopping - Are there different options and places to compare prices? If an appliance breaks down, parts are repaired, the service available locally? (Electronics, photographic equipment, computers, vehicles, furniture, etc.) There are support services for software support and repair?
Can you get the type of food you're used to consume, both in restaurants and in stores?
If you have hobbies, clubs or places where there is assistance available?
What cultural activities are available? (Art, music, theater, etc.).
What kind of entertainment is available? (Sports, cinemas, night clubs, dancing, parties, etc.).
What recreational facilities are available? (Golf courses, tennis, health clubs, recreation centers, sports)
Can I connect instument, electrical appliances without any problem with the amount of electricity that is received?
Are there good beaches? What is the temperature of the water?
What is the situation with the reproduction of insects, snakes, dangerous animals?
What are the statistics of violence and crime? (Burglary, car and house)
What is the treatment of foreigners by residents?
What are the investment opportunities in the country? There is a law of protection for consumers or investors? What results can you expect on investments?
Is it safe and reliable banking system? You can make money transfers and cash checks from abroad? You can open checking and savings accounts for foreigners? Banking confidentiality? Control for money? You can back out of the country the money which had previously brought?
Are there good lawyers, accountants, investment advisors and other professionals available?
How is the health care system? There are dangerous conditions for foreigners, and if so has the medical capacity to solve the problem? How is the quality of hospitals, doctors, dentists? What is the availability of specialist? How is the ambulance service?
Regarding health-Can you drink the water? The restaurants have good sanitation standards? Availability of pasteurized milk and milk products? Have sanitary standards in the handling of fish, meat and vegetables?
How is the education system? If you have children, are good private schools, and there are schools that teach in the language you want them to learn? How many years of study?
If you are interested in having domestic staff, what is the cost of cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, etc..?
What laws exist to protect foreign residents? What are the rights of foreigners in comparison to citizens? What is the government's record regarding the rights of foreigners?
What natural hazards are there? (Hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanoes, earthquakes, droughts, floods)
How is the country's environment? What are the environmental issues? What is the history in dealing with environmental concerns?
Is there controlled growth and good management in development?
Can you bring pets into the country?
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Responses and Additional Information
1. Reqisitos for residency
$ 600 per month pension from an approved source - or
an investment income of $ 1.000 per month from an approved source - or
can invest between $ 50.000 and $ 200.000 in an industry approved by the economy.
Permanent residence generally has no restrictions, you can apply after two years of having had any of the homes listed.
Processo The cost of residence is about $ 870 for the head plus $ 425 per spouse and $ 195 per child.
Residency renewals are usually every two years. General conditions for renewal are at least 4 months residence in Costa Rica, showing the foreign exchange colones, the amount required both for pensioners and annuitants, or meet the residency requirements of the investor. The cost of renewal is $ 150 - $ 200.
2) Americans can legally stay in Costa Rica for 3 months. They must then leave the country for a period of 72 hours, then they can return home for another three months. If you stay longer than three months they require, a travel agency or ARCR can cancel the fine and prepare the documents required to leave the country within 72 hours glasses. Tourists can own vehicles, property and income of their own businesses.
3) Costa Rica is a very democratic republic, headed by a president who is in power for a term of 4 years. He can not be reelected for a second time. Ministers are appointed and there is an elected Congress. There is no army since 1948 when it was abolished by the constitution.
4) Costa Rica has a history of stable government, and this goes back since it was founded. He had a brief civil war in 1948, when the president wanted to be reelected for a second time. At this time, she had a new constitution to ensure that this situation will not happen again.
5) The weather in Costa Rica is varied and something for everyone, unless someone is looking for snow, as it is not anywhere, not even in the mountains of 13,000 feet tall. It varies from hot coastal lowlands, where rainfall varies according to location and season, a very cool mountainous regions. There are seasons where no rain in some areas, and areas where it rains daily. The average temperature in the central valley is ideal, with evenings of 17 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit and days averaging 25 to 28 degrees Celsius per year. The dry season is usually from late November till after the Easter. The amount of rainfall in rainy season depends on weather in the region, with heaviest rains usually in October. In case of rain, it usually occurs in the afternoon.
6) Do not pay any income tax on money earned outside of Costa Rica for residents. The personal income taxes are low compared with North America, with many personal expenses deductible from that income. The taxation of companies is equally low.
7) Other taxes:
13% Sales Tax
Tariffs have been declining in Costa Rica into compliance with GATT agreements. However, taxes on vehicles are high, being 50% to 90% of the value of the car. (Used as a reference the Blue Book which manages the government)
Tourists pay a departure tax of approximately $ 17, while residents pay more.
The cost for movement of vehicles is paid annually and depends on the value.
The land or property taxes are low compared with North America.
8) The new residents should pay the same amount of tax paid by a resident bring cars and boats. Personal items and artwork are not taxed. Equipment and appliances will be valued and a duty charged.
9) The amount of rent depends on the area. It is assumed that any rental agreement is three years, during which the landlord can not raise the rent (in $). Rental contracts are backed by the court and is drawn according to the law of rent. Landlords may not evict tenants of the house unless it is for non-payment or illegal activities.
10) The property prices vary from area to area. There is a computerized central registry system similar to North America, where lawyers and others, such as ARCR who subscribe to the service can access and search property titles from his office computer. Both residents and non-resident aliens have the same property rights as citizens, except you can not rent land or property of the municipality or buy land near the border. The registration tax and legal fees are approximately 5.5% of the declared value of the property purchase. The government has an excellent history of respecting foreign ownership of land. The construction cost is much lower than in America. A luxurious finish will cost $ 350-400 per square meter ($ 35-40 per square foot) (this in 1997). The manufacturer is responsible for the work over the next 5 years.
11) Costa Rica has its own hydro / telephone company. The procedure for installing telephone lines is very slow, but once installed they work very well. Access is available for international calls and sending faxes and a very good development of cell lines. Prices are competitive. The Internet was introduced in Costa Rica in 1995 and its use has become indispensable. There are several Spanish language newspapers and one English daily published, some in English and German that are published weekly. Foreign newspapers are also available. There are several Spanish language television channels and several cable television companies with programs in English and other languages. There are also DirecTV or via satellite.
12) The roads in Costa Rica are generally in poor condition. Air service from Costa Rica has developed very well, with daily direct flights to Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, and also direct flights to Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Holland), Canada Cuba. The average cost of airfare to a U.S. destination is $ 550. The bus service is excellent, frequent and cheap. Deluxe buses are operated on many runs with air conditioning and movies. No passenger train service except excursions.
13) Costa Rica is only 2 hours apart from most American cities. There is no time change for the use of sunlight.
14) Most items are sold or around San José, and slightly less in the rest of the country. In the Central Valley you can find different shopping malls. There are certain goods that are not readily available because there is no competition in prices the same. There is a wide range of companies warranty, service and repair. The software sales and service are very common, as well as spare parts for repair. There is a tax-free zone where you can buy, is the country's southwest Golfito, then you are allowed to purchase up to $ 600 in goods from over 80 stores at low prices.
15) There are thousands of restaurants in the central valley offering cuisine from around the world. Giant supermarkets offer different items for family needs. The Items imported from North America are generally more expensive, however many name brands are manufactured in Central America and the prices are reasonable. Also, many items with different brands that you know you can get, with the same quality at a most affordable price.
16) There are clubs for almost any hobby, also places where you can get the items necessary for their implementation.
17) There is an excellent symphony orchestra, several theaters and many dance halls with live bands, dance groups and other entertainment. There is an active art community and several galleries.
18) Soccer is the most popular sport. Every region, no matter how small, has a soccer field. There are dozens of movies, most films shown in them are in English with Spanish subtitles. San Jose never sleeps, with a lot of nightclubs, discos, bars, casinos and dance halls. The festivals are common throughout Costa Rica.
19) There are many recreation centers and health, both private and public golf courses with 18 and 9 holes. Many golf courses are being built at this time. Tennis and basketball are popular. Water Whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, water sports, hiking, bicycling and many other sports are popular and well provided for.
20) Costa Rica has 110 to 115 volts of electricity and NSTA television system as in North America.
21) There are hundreds of beaches with sand different types and colors. The warm ocean temperature is over 80 F per year. Surfing is very popular.
22) There are very few dangerous animals. There are several venomous snakes, but is not usually seen. In the Central Valley there are few insects, most are on the coasts and in the rainforest.
23) Violent crime is low. In San José the thefts to vehicles, buildings and empty houses are common, so their care is very necessary. The police do not differ in the treatment of foreign citizens. Usually the police do not arrive on the scene of theft unless you've gone to their office and make an accusation.
24) Costa Rica is recognized for providing a warm welcome to foreigners, because its people are very nice and friendly.
25) There are two stock exchanges in Costa Rica, and all banks issue Certificates of Investment (like many private banks and finance companies licensed). OPAB's are available (similar to money market funds) with a 5% per annum. Both the public and the private banks have opened savings accounts with interest rates 2 to 4%. Mortgages, investments in private companies and investments in the stock, bond and commodity markets outside of Costa Rica are easily arranged through local stockbrokers. There is no law of investor protection.
26) There are 4 national (government owned) and about 23 private banks operating in Costa Rica, including Citibank from the United States and the Bank of Nova Scotia from Canada. The money in national banks are guaranteed without limit by the government of Costa Rica. Banking transactions are safe and reliable, although the banks can be bureaucratic. The opening of current accounts, savings and investment services are available in all banks. It is possible to use the accounts from the United States or elsewhere through Costa Rica. Banking in Costa Rica are protected by law. Foreigners may have bank accounts. There are no exchange controls or restrictions of money or raise funds in the country.
27) There are many professionals in all fields. Attorney-client relations are protected by law. Many major international firms have offices in Costa Rica.
28) The medical system is excellent. There is a plan for citizens and residents who have permits that provides medical care and hospital medicine. Are also covered for dental care. This is funded by employers contributing 22% of wages paid, and the employee contributing 9%. There are also private medical insurance is inexpensive and covers up to 80% of medical costs. For those who want medical services and hospitals are also available for those who do not have insurance but can afford the time to use them. The costs of medical services are very low compared to North America. Hospitals perform operations with great frequency high-risk heart transplants and other organs. There are many specialists in Costa Rica and you can get their phone numbers in the yellow pages (telephone directory) in case of emergency. There ambulance service in almost all regions of the country, operated by the Red Cross. Also a wide choice in dental care. To come to Costa Rica no specific vaccination requirement.
29) The water is drinkable. Sanitary standards are very high for this a third world country. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are very easily.
30) There is a free educational system for everyone. The official literacy rate is 93%. Several universities and technical schools. Many college students pay in several installments. English is taught in schools, but the Spanish language is the official language. There are excellent bilingual and trilingual schools available, where they speak English as their first language, French or German. Some schools are on time and North American school year.
31) The current cost for domestic staff is $ 1.00 per hour. This will vary if you require a second language and specific conditions.
32) Foreigners are protected by the Constitution and have almost the same rights as citizens. The government has historically been excellent in honoring these rights. Foreigners are not entitled to:
Vote or to participate in political activities
be employed without special permission
owning property near the borders
33) Costa Rica is located in a seismic zone. Although there are many recorded earthquakes per year, only a few of them can be felt. No hurricanes, but heavy rains may cause flooding. There are several active volcanoes, the most active is Arenal, it erupts almost continuously, without causing damage. However, in the past were no deaths and damage caused by volcanic eruptions.
34) Costa Rica, compared with other third world countries are concerned about their environment. 27% of the area of the country is protected in national parks or reserves. The 50 meters after the high tide is public and can not be owned by anyone and the next 150 meters are owned by the municipality up to 85% can not be sold. This land can be leased only for projects approved by the municipality. There are strict for all projects and activities carried out in the environment. Most international representatives of environmental groups are in Costa Rica, and that is why even the government can not control the whole environment of Costa Rica, there are several associations and institutions with the right to ensure these areas. Coastal construction is limited to low rise buildings. Is currently under the control of pollution in rivers and streams, and the technical check of vehicles to control the degree of contamination. There are many resources for research funded by private entities, it is a country with more species of birds and insects throughout North America, more than 200 types of hardwood trees and more than 1,500 varieties of orchids.
35) The development is planned to some extent, although many of the private lands are used as the owner wishes. Subdivisions must meet government-imposed standards, including paved roads, electricity, water and parks and should be the ones that give the proper maintenance for several years even until after it was sold. Export processing zones and industrial areas are well defined, the government has encouraged factories are located in those areas to provide work for those living in its environs, for this the government has made it faster and easier road access to these areas. All construction must meet strict earthquake standards. Most industries in Costa Rica are in constant progress, examples include pharmaceuticals, electrical and clothing manufacturing. The agriculture sector remains the largest export in the traditional banana and coffee, as with flowers and tropical plants. There are great facilities to encourage the export of new items.
36) Pets may be brought to Costa Rica. A veterinary certificate is required. Request more information ARCR office for more details and how we can assist you wanting some.
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