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| Life Change |
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Usually, turning your life around by considering a move to a new country isn’t the first idea that comes to mind. In today’s cyber-shrunken global village, the reality of adding a new country to your life is far less challenging than most people would believe. It simply requires preparation, research, and the desire to go. |
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Costa Rica , particularly on the northern Pacific coast, is one of the few countries in the world where North Americans have moved in significant numbers, established new lives, and contributed to the evolution of their new home. According to the US State Department in 2005, more than 50,000 Americans own real estate and live in Costa Rica – the most of any foreign country. (A number that has surely increased since) Most visited first on vacation and something drew them back. It is easy to understand with the natural beauty, weather, friendly people, economic opportunities, retirement advantages, health care services, and generally welcoming immigration policies. |
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Intel |
IBM |
Hyatt |
Microsoft |
Goodrich |
Texaco |
Costa Rica ’s economy is growing on a base of tourism, agriculture, microchips, electronics, medical equipment exports, and most recently - net foreign investment in real estate. It is also trying to become a call-center country, because of its favorable time zone location relative to North America and the emphasis placed on learning English in schools. The new government of President Arias has expanded incentives for investors and manufacturers, while tackling the infrastructure inadequacies that were allowed to accumulate under prior administrations. Roads are being repaired, high-speed internet services are widely available, and the country ratified CAFTA, the free trade agreement between the US, Central American and Caribbean nations. The net result is a new environment of opportunity for citizens of Costa Rica and foreigners who may be considering bringing their career skills with them. |
Citigroup |
Marriott |
Acer |
Motorola |
Baxter Healthcare |
Wal-Mart |
Costa Rica also enjoys a very high literacy of over 96%. The country provides free and compulsory education; and now requires graduating high school students to successfully complete an English proficiency exam. With some of the best universities in all of Latin America, Costa Rica has a highly educated work force. |
Procter & Gamble |
Seimens |
Abbott Labs |
Hilton |
St Regis Hotels |
Four Seasons |
The recent arrival of tens of thousands of new residents, retirees, transferred employees, and tourists has exposed the needs for almost any service that could be demanded by these populations. There are numerous opportunities for new, small business ventures for foreigners and citizens alike. |
Dole |
Ritz-Carlton |
Hewlett- Packard |
Rosewood |
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Despite having one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, purchasing power is greater in Costa Rica than in the US or Canada. You can live comfortably for $1000-$1500 per month, excluding housing and depending on your lifestyle. Home operating costs are less than those in the US, including hired assistance with cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, or home health care. It is an all-electric country, but Costa Rica’s rich water resources produce significant hydroelectric power so prices are very reasonable.
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Imported manufactured goods are more expensive that most other countries, because of the duties levied by the government. This is particularly true with automobiles, appliances, and home electronics. The difficulty in bringing these items through Customs in Costa Rica yourself negates the cost savings in trying. |
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We have devoted a separate page of this site to Retirement. |
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Hospitals, clinics, and complete medical services are available in all major cities and many small towns. Over 90% of the population is covered by the Costa Rica Social Security system. There is a modest monthly fee for joining the healthcare system, most of which is paid by employers, as a normal part of a total compensation package. Most foreigners and retirees opt for the medical insurance offered by the government’s insurance company – National Insurance Institute. Everyone is eligible to apply, including permanent residents, retirees, and even tourists. |
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This “cradle-to-grave” healthcare system reaches virtually all levels of society with a relatively high-quality of care. Life expectancy for seniors is extraordinary, ranking at or near the top of countries worldwide. Hospitals have modern technology and equipment, and most treatments such as surgery cost only a fraction of what they would in the US. |
Private specialty care is available, but concentrated in the capital, San Jose. One of the most respected is the CIMA hospital in Escazu, a suburb. Because of the influx of foreigners living on the northern Pacific coast, it is expected that CIMA, or possibly a major US hospital like Baylor University Medical Center will establish a satellite facility in the region. |
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There are a growing number of Emergency service locations with ambulances in all regions. The physicians in these facilities handle urgent and emergency care, and stabilize more serious patients for transfer to regional hospitals. Some are starting to add laboratory services and will likely evolve into primary care centers. |
There is a national “911” network with English-speaking operators. Most pharmaceuticals and many products that would require a prescription in North America are available over-the-counter in Costa Rica. The only exclusions are drugs that are considered narcotics and certain sleep medications. Individuals with chronic conditions are urged to investigate their medication availability and needs before visiting or deciding to stay on a long-term basis. |
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Elective dental and cosmetic surgical procedures are performed at costs that can be as little 20-25% of the same service in the United States. Many tourists and other visitors include dental crowns, teeth whitening, and surgical “lifts” in their travel plans. |
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Tourist Status:
It is possible to stay in Costa Rica for 90 calendar days after entering as a tourist. There is no visa requirement for Americans or Canadians – simply present your passport upon entry. (Citizens of other nations should check with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate nearest to them while planning your trip.) The only condition is that you have at least 6 months remaining, from the day of arrival, before your passport expires. |
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Most airlines check your passport before departing from your home country to avoid having to fly you back on the return flight. |
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Before your 91 st consecutive day in Costa Rica, you must leave for at least 3 calendar days before entering again for 90 more. Many people, visiting Costa Rica for an extended period while considering a move, take long weekends in Granada, Nicaragua, or Panama City, Panama, to fulfill their exit requirement with the least effort. |
You are not allowed to legally work in Costa Rica, while you are a tourist. The requirement to leave every 90 days is intended to force students, transients, and others, who might be tempted to stay and take service jobs which could be filled by Costa Ricans, to leave the country. Anyone who is found to have exceeded their 90-day stay, particularly if caught working, is immediately deported and prevented from re-entering for up to 10 years. |
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As tourists, you are allowed to purchase property, open bank accounts, own cellphones, cars, and anything else you would be able to buy in your home country. This is most often done within a corporation’s legal structure. This is explained in more detail on the “Invest” page of this site. |
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Please note: Any plans to remain in Costa Rica on a long-term basis should be made with the advice of a reputable local attorney. All long-term applications have filing fees and information requirements that will require return travel to your home country. This process can be explained in detail now, but should be verified at the time you begin.
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You may wish to visit the website of the Association of Residents of Costa Rica for more detailed information and news on immigration topics. |
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Rentista (Renter) Status: |
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You must stay in Costa Rica at least 122 days per year. You may own a business and receive income from it, but you may not work as an employee for someone else. If you have dependents, the provable income requirement increases by $1000 (USD) per month for a spouse (not relevant for gay partners who must apply separately as Rentistas) and $500 (USD) per month for each child. You must also exchange $12,000 (USD) in a Costa Rican bank each year. |
Pensionado (Pensioner) Status: |
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Inversionista (Investor) Status: You are allowed to remain in Costa Rica as an “Inversionista” if you make an investment of 1) $50,000 (USD) in approved business sectors like tourism or exports, 2) $100,000 (USD) in reforestation, or 3) $200,000 (USD) in any other business. |
You must stay in Costa Rica 182 days per year. You may receive income from your business investments, or other companies you may own. You may not include dependents under your status as an Inversionista. There is no requirement to exchange currency each year. |
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Allen and David will be glad to explain their Costa Rica experience with tourist status, applying for long-term residency as Inversionistas, and their basic decision to leave the United States for their new home. |
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Contact Us in Costa Rica: |
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Tamarindo - Sunrise Commercial Center #6 |
Brasilito - Hitching Post #1 Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Costa Rica Phone: 011-506-654-5460 Costa Rica Fax: 011-506-654-5467 |
Visit Our Companies in Costa Rica: |
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© 2006 The Next Gay Costa Rica |