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I keep seeing posts informing people that “pensionados can’t work in Costa Rica” as well as other tidbits of misinformation here in the forum. I’m no immigration expert but I can and have read innumerable articles on these subjects that can be found in milliseconds using google. The Costa Rican consulate and ARCR are probably the two most informative that I have found.
May I suggest that if you are not current and up-to-date on the information provided by these sites, that you not contribute to the conversation? People come to expect current, accurate information on sites like these, run by experienced people who are living the life and should know the straight answers.
Making sure you are putting out accurate information to those seeking a new life in CR will ensure that people are properly prepared to live there, or make the decision not to live there, as well as preserving the integrety of Scotts invaluable resource. I love this site and peruse the posts regularly but I’m finding more and more supposition and guesswork by well meaning advisors. Tighten it up people, put out a good product… Costa Rica deserves the effort.
David
Olympia, WAI cut and pasted this right from the ARCR website. Seems pretty clear to me.
Pensionado
*Requires proof of US$600 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
*Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
*Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
*Cannot work as an employee.
*Can own a company and receive income.Is there still a question?
Imx, it seems pretty clear to me, too.
David from Olympus, it’s clear that you are no immigration expert. You don’t have to belabor the obvious.
The folks who participate in this forum do so in good faith. When they can, they contribute the best information and the best opinion they have to offer. And sometimes two answers or opinions can be equally valid.
What’s more, there is always the dilemma of not knowing what one does not know. Any one of us (maybe even yourself) may be confident that we are correct about something and still be wrong. Once or twice in the course of your life, even you may have stated as fact something that wasn’t.
That said, you have been reliably and accurately advised here by both well informed laypersons and at least one attorney practicing in Costa Rica that pensionado residents are not allowed to work. Every indication is that that is the truth. They are right and you are wrong.
If you are not satisfied with the answers you have received here, perhaps you should invest the time and money to consult a knowledgeable attorney or two in whom you have confidence and get the same information directly from them. They might also apprise you of other facts that are available here, too (all at cost, of course).
And all that said, you are encouraged to turn off the attitude. You’re not in the Marines any longer. If our best effort (which, taken collectively, is pretty good, and which is offered in good faith) isn’t good enough for you, find another source.
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 05:14
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 05:18
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 05:22
David from Olympus…. I’m not sure what it is you’re looking for my friend. I know you had the issue of residency status on a pension and the wife/not a wife thingy… I think we cleared that up after some time. You now know she would NOT be covered under your pension status unless you are married to each other.
Now it seems there is still an issue of working (for someone) in CR. I’m not sure what sources you’re looking at that tell you that you can other than under very limited exceptions that I don’t think you fall into. You mentioned ARCR, a great resource, and I located the information in seconds and posted it here. It seems pretty clear to me as it would to most folks. Is there something I’m missing here? Is it still your contention that you can work as an employee for someone? And I’d have to ask… why would you? If you go to the CR government site (http://www.ministrabajo.go.cr/Macros/Salario/Salarios%20Minimos.htm) and see what the set minimum wages are for different work classes you’ll see they are quite low by the standards Americans have. I would NOT plan on finding work, you’ll do better making it. And there’s no rules saying you can’t. My advice is to start a small business, something you and your lady enjoy. I think you mentioned she quite artistic? Perhaps small gift shop/gallery. How about a gringo hotdog stand on the side of the road with free coffee and travel advice? Great way to meet people and make the days go by! Not to make your millions… but enough to pay yourselves a little income and keeps you happy. Live the dream and enjoy every moment.
Sometimes in life we get answers to questions that we don’t want to hear. I’ve dealt with that problem for 23 years as a police officer. People come to me seeking advice or an answer to a question, when the answer isn’t the one they want they continue to look for the “right” answer… the one they want that fits their goal! I call it “Shop a Cop”…. I’ve seen it over and over. They’d rather take the “advice” of a someone that gives them the answer they want than believe the real one. But the very fact that they continue to seek an answer tells me that they know the right answer but don’t want to be guided by it. They seek “validation” from some authority… not for parking (lol)… but for the answer they want to use to the question they have. I’ve gotten to the point now that when I get “shopped” I say “If you already have the answer why do you continue to look for it?” If they continue to debate the answer/advice I have given them I politely tell them ” I have answered your question. I’d be more than happy to continue, but you apparently have your intentions in mind and it’s not my job to change that. Do as you want, don’t follow my advice… I’d me more than happy to repeat it for the jury at your trial and see what they think… I can use the overtime!”
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 07:20
RE: I keep seeing posts informing people that “pensionados can’t work in Costa Rica” as well as other tidbits of misinformation here in the forum.
David, this is interesting. What are you referring to as the “other titbits of misinformation” — it would be great to clear up any other questions. People on this board are genuine and provide great feedback to questions about Costa Rica. Keep asking.
>>Oh well, must not have been any other tidbits…
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 18:20
Imexploring got it just right in my opinion. The marriage issue is moot, she said yes and the rest is a formality. I made no reference to working FOR someone, that’s rather limited in a lot of countries. When you tell someone that a pensionado “can’t work” that’s a fairly broad and innaccurate statement… a pensionado can work for themselves in anyone of a number of ways. Working for yourself, owning a company are “work” if you define work as self-generated income as I do. I’ve started businesses in three countries other than the U.S., granted they were Dive shops and pottery studios that required next to nothing in investment but they were businesses none the less. They generated income, appropriate taxes got paid etc. so I define that as having “worked” in countries with similar laws to CR in that sense.
Imexplorings advice to start and run as small business as opposed to finding work (salaried/wage work for another) is the correct advice to give when asked about jobs in CR. Why is that so bitter a pill to swallow for Mr McMurray? David, I can do without your attitude as well. I posted my thoughts in good faith in an open forum in an effort to clarify a point that I thought was misrepresented. I understand Scott doesn’t want backbiting etc on his forum and I’m going to respect that and cease posting here unless I have a question. You’re better connected there, you’re Scotts friend and associate and I know a losing battle when I see one.
I’ll close with thanks to all who’ve helped answer previous questions, David included, and my apologies if anyone else was offended by my post.
Enjoy!Hey David! Seems I hit the nail on the head… so what are you and your bride to be planning for as a business? My advice…. Make is something simple, something you enjoy, something different, and something that doesn’t seem like work! If you manage that you’ll be WAY ahead of the game! Let us know your plans, I’m sure there are folks here that can offer advice and help in making your dream a reality! I hope I’m one of the folks invited to the wedding! Pura Vida!
Edited on Mar 28, 2008 09:42
Actually David, you did mention working FOR someone. Here is the sentence from your first post: “If that income is not sufficient, is it reasonable to expect that Alicia could find some kind of employment doing almost anything (hotel maid, art teacher, waitress, admin assistant… anything) that would augment my income to a survivable level? “
I have half a book shelf loaded with books and maps of Costa Rica. I also have probably about 100 bookmarks for websites about Costa Rica. However, my best source of information is this website. Give it a chance. If you approach it with an open mind, you can learn a lot about Pura Vida. Patience is one lesson that comes to mind.
editer
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