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i posted this in travel but i think it belongs here.
Can anyone tell me what the living conditions, housing, employment, crime, cost of living are like in Costa Rica. What steps do you need to take in order to become a citizen (how long does it take, what's the process, etc.) or is this not necessary to legally get a job? I read somewhere it takes a long time to become a citizen unless you're wealthy or starting your own business (neither of these describes us). Also is the real estate market set up similar to the states or is it more like you're on your own, good luck?
I've never been there but my not so DH up and suggested we move from Massachusetts to Costa Rica. BTW, neither of us speaks spanish.
I'm not sure you will find a Costa Rica expert on this forum. Try a Google search for an English-speaking ex-pat community in Costa Rica, maybe you'll find a specialist forum.
Generally speaking, there is no need to apply for citizenship to live in a foreign country, but rather permanent residence. This gives you all the same rights and responsibilities as citizens except the right to vote, hold public office and similar.
In many cases, to achieve permanent residence you must demonstrate a certain level of assets invested in the country (business, real estate, securities, bank deposit), and/or an independent source of income (say investment income or social security/pension income from your home country), and/or income from employment or a profession in the country. Once you've gathered all the required documents, the process for issuing a residence visa could be a matter of weeks.
Again, for specifics on Costa Rica, try to contact an English-speaking ex-pat community based in the country. The requirements may be relatively low from the average US or UK perspective, for example.
i posted this in travel but i think it belongs here.
Can anyone tell me what the living conditions, housing, employment, crime, cost of living are like in Costa Rica. What steps do you need to take in order to become a citizen (how long does it take, what's the process, etc.) or is this not necessary to legally get a job? I read somewhere it takes a long time to become a citizen unless you're wealthy or starting your own business (neither of these describes us). Also is the real estate market set up similar to the states or is it more like you're on your own, good luck?
I've never been there but my not so DH up and suggested we move from Massachusetts to Costa Rica. BTW, neither of us speaks spanish.
I lived in CR for six years. The living conditions are goof with all services, stores, health care etc. The "Ticos" are some of the most friendly in the world. Housing is very expensive, even more expensive than Oregon or Arizona which I am familiar with. Employment is almost impossible if you are not costarican unless you have your own business and wages are very low, some of my friends make $550 a month in CR. Forget trying to get citizenship, not doable and no advantage. You can enter the country and legally stay for 6months then you are supposed to leave for three days before you can return. Lots of foreigners take a 3 day trip to Panama then return. Not really a big deal, if you over stay your 6 months you are fined when you go to the airport or you can pay a travel agent when you book a ticket to leave and it is $4 per month fee for the over stay.Real estate works the same there as here, agents etc, google search century 21 and remax costa rica and you will find both. Prices will amaze you.
Lots of people speak english, but spanish is definately a plus. I left for two reasons, first real estate and rent was more than where I moved from, Arizona, and second, crime is pretty bad. They have no military but 70,000 police. All banks, Burger Kings, McDonalds have armed security with handguns or shotguns which says alot.
Wow. I was surprised...and disheartened...to read your post.
I didn't know it was so expensive to live in Costa Rica, and I certainly did not know about the high crime rate. I guess I'll have to look more seriously at South America. Do you know anything about living conditions there?
I didn't know it was so expensive to live in Costa Rica, and I certainly did not know about the high crime rate. I guess I'll have to look more seriously at South America. Do you know anything about living conditions there?
I have lived in Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico and Panama also.
I would have to choose Panama overall. It is less expensive that most the rest, better infrastructure and everything is in US dollars. However RE is still not what you might call cheap. But Mexico is a close second. Almost no crime in smaller towns. Stay away from border towns, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, also not cheap anymore.
Just beware of RE scams.
I know it gets expensive to travel, but do some homework online, narrow it down to two or three and get on a plane. Thats the best, because what is good for one is not necessarily good for another.
Surfing, I have a couple of contacts in Jako, Costa Rica. I just e-mailed them to see if they could fill you in on your questions. I'll let you know what they have to say.
Yes, it has changed a lot over the past several years. On my first trip there, I recall seeing land in Guanacaste of $25k/acre for beachfront property (i.e., land just set back 70 ft from the beach) and $10k/acre for land much farther inland. Each time, I went back, the prices were skyrocketing however, and on my most recent visit about 2 years ago, the prices looked like those in the U.S. (at least, along the Pacific coast).
Also, when I went there initiallly, people were buidling small B&Bs and houses within the natural surroundings of the property. On my last trip however, I saw large tracts of land being bulldozed to put in roads and large hotels. I'd hate to see a country with so much natural beauty become covered with large ugly hotel chains and housing developments.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregandvicky
I lived in CR for six years. The living conditions are goof with all services, stores, health care etc. The "Ticos" are some of the most friendly in the world. Housing is very expensive, even more expensive than Oregon or Arizona which I am familiar with. Employment is almost impossible if you are not costarican unless you have your own business and wages are very low, some of my friends make $550 a month in CR. Forget trying to get citizenship, not doable and no advantage. You can enter the country and legally stay for 6months then you are supposed to leave for three days before you can return. Lots of foreigners take a 3 day trip to Panama then return. Not really a big deal, if you over stay your 6 months you are fined when you go to the airport or you can pay a travel agent when you book a ticket to leave and it is $4 per month fee for the over stay.Real estate works the same there as here, agents etc, google search century 21 and remax costa rica and you will find both. Prices will amaze you.
Lots of people speak english, but spanish is definately a plus. I left for two reasons, first real estate and rent was more than where I moved from, Arizona, and second, crime is pretty bad. They have no military but 70,000 police. All banks, Burger Kings, McDonalds have armed security with handguns or shotguns which says alot.
Surfing, here's the response from Costa Rica. They are developers in Jako so I removed all the names to meet the City-Data requirements. They have relocated from the US to Costa Rica. If you would like to contact them via e-mail I can provide you with their e-mail by contacting me.
Hope this helps some what.
Surfing I was unable to paste, if you contact me via e-mail I will forward you the e-mail I received.
Duane
Last edited by Zmehappy; 08-31-2007 at 11:32 AM..
Reason: Couldn't paste e-mail
just a tad comment about Panama. Lived there for 3 years until feb. There is NO infrastructure. It is falling apart with all the speculating going on the the cheaply built apartments - no water reserves, street access, don't buy above the 15th floor since the fireman can't make there (if they come), etc. Many friends came there from Costa Rica - lots of breakins, more hasstles in the street and they have changed some of the laws regarding "retiring" or "relocating" to Costa Rica. Do your research it may be your cup of tea...but come with money, don't expect to get it there.
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Wow. I was surprised...and disheartened...to read your post.
