Paperwork Requirements for Applying for Pensionado

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  • #194154
    Marcia
    Member

    I plan to move to CR in the next six months. I understand I must start the process of applying for Pensionado Residency here in the US. What do I need and where do I start? I have a certified birth certificate issued 3/2007 and my passport issued 1/2007. That’s all. Any advice or insight will be most appreciated. I understand that all required certification must be validated by the US Embassy here. Can this be done by mail? I’m a senior citizen with a Social Security pension and will be living with my son and his family. My son has been in CR for five years. He tells me the laws have changed so he’s not sure what I need or if my SS income of $1,400 per month is sufficient to qualify.
    Thank you,
    Marcia Twiford

    Edited on Dec 26, 2008 18:42

    #194155
    Andrew
    Keymaster

    Please contact a qualified and experienced residency expert or attorney for this information where the requirements change on a regular basis.

    A Discussion Forum is NOT the place to get this kind of help.

    Scott Oliver – Founder
    WeLoveCostaRica.com

    #194156
    Marcia
    Member

    Sorry Scott and thank you.

    #194157
    Andrew
    Keymaster

    Nothing to apologize for Marcia, I only want you to get the best, most up to date information from a qualified expert rather than feedback from someone calling him/herself frtb8736dog who got his/her residency three years ago when the requirements were different…

    Scott Oliver – Founder
    WeLoveCostaRica.com

    #194158
    Marcia
    Member

    I appreciate your guidance Scott. My son just got his permanent residency and had someone help him. He had to do it from CR and wants to save me that hassel.
    Be Well,
    Marcia

    #194159
    Imxploring
    Participant

    Marcia… I’m sure there are a number of folks here that will be more than happy to give you a good referral. With all the proposed changes it’s best to have a qualified attorney take care of your application.

    #194160
    Andrew
    Keymaster

    Please feel free to recommend qualified, experienced residency experts to Marcia

    Scott Oliver – Founder
    WeLoveCostaRica.com

    #194161
    Marcia
    Member

    I have a qualified professional in CR who will do the Pensionado process for me. What I need to know (because he’s away for two months) is what paperwork I need and can it be certified once I’m in CR? Or does it have to be certified/authenicated from here in the US? I ask this because I’m disabeled and traveling in and out of the country would be difficult for me. I live in No. California and the nearest Consulant is in Los Angeles which is impossible for me to get to.
    Thank you for your kindness,
    Marcia

    #194162
    costaricafinca
    Participant

    Presently, all paperwork, ie, copy of birth certificate, police report, must be less than 6 months old. It must be certified before being presented in person to an official, during an appointment at a consulate office.
    You will need to make an advance appointment at your local SSA office, in the US to go in to pick up a copy or copies of your SS statement of income and they usually provide it to you at no charge. A friend asked for three and they were issued in Spanish, in about 6 minutes.

    #194163
    DavidCMurray
    Participant

    Your birth certificate and your police background check, both of which are issued by state governments in the U.S., must also be authenticated by the Office of the Great Seal **in the state in which they were issued**. That is, if you now live in California, you must obtain a police record check in California AND have it authenticated by the Office of the Great Seal in Sacramento. The Office of the Great Seal is usually a part of each state’s Department of State in state government (NOT the U.S. State Department).

    If you were born in another state, then your birth certificate must be authenticated by THAT state’s Office of the Great Seal, even though you now live in California.

    #194164
    costaricafinca
    Participant

    Thanks, davidcmurray, for adding what I left out!

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