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So Ya
Wanna Move!
Welcome to the world's first and totally unique
online Guidebook series!
Eventually, we will have guidebooks for most of the world, but
right now, we are starting with Costa Rica.
By clicking the links to your left, you can access the chapters
and sections of this book. This book is ALWAYS under
construction! That's what's great about being an online
guidebook -- the information is updated constantly, so it is always
fresh, always up to date, and always FREE for you to read! So, check
back often for updates, especially to our blog, which is updated
several times per week.
Security a
Big Issue Now
When I
first came to Costa Rica, now 15 years ago tomorrow as I write these
lines, security wasn't really an issue at all. Sure, there was petty
theft, but home invasions were unheard of, and gratuitous violence
was nowhere in site. This was a lovely, peaceful country full of
friendly, helpful, people.
A lot has
changed since then, and now, security IS an issue. Fortunately, a
very trustworthy Tico man we know has a great business selling state
of the art security systems. He
has all the latest gadgets, including stealth cameras you can use to
curb employee theft, domes, regular camera systems, etc., all at some
of the best prices in the country.
And,
best yet, some of the systems can allow you to monitor your office or
store from your computer at home – or wherever you happen to be!
Or, conversely, you can watch your home over the internet from your
office!
If
you are interested in this, just fill out a Helpdesk ticket using the
link in the left hand column.
Changes
in Immigration Law
Finally,
after 4 years, almost, of struggle, the legislature has finally
passed the new Arias immigration bill. We are told that many
sections are a vast improvement over the old law, and I would tend to
agree. But, we won't know for certain until the pundits dig into it
and tear it apart, which can't occur until it is officially
published, so we have to wait a couple weeks at least before the
analysis can begin.
One
thing we do know, though, is that the minimums for Pensionado and
Rentista status have jumped. The new figures appear to be $1,000.00/
month for Pensionado, and $2500.00 for Rentista, although,
supposedly, this new higher amount includes the whole family this
time, so it may not be as big of a jump as it might appear.
However,
if you have to put a CD in the bank to meet this requirement, you
will probably need to tie up over $300,000.00+ for 5 years to meet
this requirement, and then you still have to put up with the time in
country and other requirements that are still attached to this form
of residency.
However,
we would like to highlight the little used Investor
Status (Inversionista) form
of residency, which is offered by a long time firm here that
specializes in this special form of residency. In fact, they're the
only game in town for this classification, as far as we know.
Unfortunately,
it appears that the price tag on this form of residency has risen to
$200,000.00 (there is debate on this issue, due to a conflict between
two laws, but for now, that is the amount while this works it's way
through court). This is still a far better deal than the Rentista
category, because the Inversionista residency is a PERMANENT
residency rather than a temporary residency and comes with more
rights than the Rentista does, at much less money than you would have
to tie up in the bank.
To
make this an even better deal, you will own your parcel of land in
the forest, and will be able to make very good profits when the
lumber is harvested in about 10 years, should you choose to
participate.
For
a more full discussion on residency issues, please click on the
appropriate chapter to the left. We will update that page when the
details of the new law become clear. If you want to get started on
your journey to residnecy in any form, please fill out a Helpdesk
ticket at the link on the left.
Use our HelpDesk to contact us at the link in the left hand
column. Note your ticket number for future reference, and if you
haven't received an email from us in 2 business days, log back into
your ticket to see our answer because email is getting less reliable
all the time.
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