Living in Costa Rica With The French Connection…
Since an early age, I have been a self-proclaimed Francophile. I have always had an affinity to and love for everything French. In high school, when everyone was choosing Spanish as their second language, I chose French.
As the years passed, my love of travel developed and by the time I was 18, I made my first pilgrimage to the mecca of everything French…Paris. Needless to say, it was everything I imagined it would be and more.
Over the years, I have been to France many times and still have a true love for its beautiful language, rich culture, gastronomic delights, and diverse people. In all honesty, I thought one day I would find myself living in the South of France, but destiny brought me to my beautiful home in Costa Rica.
Over the past few years the world has changed and, in some cases, changed dramatically due to the economic shifts that many countries have experienced. This is especially true in many French speaking countries like France and Belgium.
The governments in these countries, as well in others, have tightened their belts. Tax codes have changed, increasing taxes across the board which has not necessarily been to the benefit of the tax paying citizens. Several big name football (soccer) players and celebrities have left France and become citizens of other countries to avoid the absurd tax reforms that have hit their country.
Gerard Depardieu made headlines when he denounced his French citizenship and became a citizen of Russia. As of December 29, 2013, the French high court has approved a 75% tax on the highest earners in the country (1 million Euros and above) that will be levied for the 2013 and 2014 tax years.
Belgium also has steep income tax rates. Belgium has the highest income tax rates in Europe at 57.3% for a single earner (2013). Additionally, Belgians pay regional taxes that range from 0-8.5%.
Given these staggering numbers, depressed economic climates and long, cold winters, is it any wonder that the citizens of these countries are fleeing to find a safe haven in paradise?
It is easy to understand why our business has seen a dramatic increase in the number of French speaking clients that are making their way to our doors. We are currently working with clients from France, Corsica, Belgium, and Canada.
About two and a half years ago, Didier Vergez, his lovely wife Myriam, and their beautiful daughter Maëlys walked into our office confused and frustrated. After having looked at real estate with several Realtors in our area,
Didier explained that it seemed no one had listened to what they were looking for and that they had not seen one single property that would meet their needs. After a few minutes conversation with Didier and Myriam, I felt that what they were looking for could not be found in their price range.
Gerardo and I explained to them that if they could keep an open mind and would listen to our ideas and suggestions, we had a few properties that we felt would be perfect for their project of creating a bed and breakfast.
After spending one morning looking at only four properties, the Vergez family found a property that would work perfectly for their family and business venture. Ironically, when they saw the property it was exactly what they were looking for, but it did not meet all the criteria that they had put on their checklist.
However, with an open mind and a few simple modifications, it could become all they were looking for and more! Fast forward 2.5 years and Didier and Myriam have turned their little piece of paradise into Tiriguro Lodge, a thriving bed and breakfast that they have geared toward French speaking people from around the world (that said, of course EVERYONE is welcome!).
Didier and Myriam were very happy with the service and assistance that we provided, helping them to realize their dream of moving to Costa Rica. Didier and Myriam have supported our business, telling everyone they come into contact with about us.
They have also been a big source of where we get our French speaking clients. In addition, they are always on hand if we need anything translated or need assistance in communicating with our clients.
My French is quite rusty now, however slowly but surely it is coming back and soon I will be taking a refresher course to brush up on my speaking skills!
Due to the recent changes in our clientele, I was curious about the reasons behind Didier and Myriam moving their family to Costa Rica. I ask them to give me two or three factors in their decision to leave France and move to Costa Rica. Didier responded by saying, “The weather of course.
You can live year around in a t-shirt and shorts. It’s very nice not to have to deal with cold weather. Also, taxes. In Costa Rica it is possible to quickly and relatively easily create a business.
You can work without being stifled by excessive charges and taxes. Freedom is another reason we came to Costa Rica. You can really choose what type of insurance you want or if you want to pay one. It’s not mandatory.”
- Why did you choose Costa Rica?
Didier says, “Number one, security. Costa Rica is really safe and the people are non aggressive unlike in France. Costa Rica is the oldest democratic country in Latin America. Secondly, nature. The incredible beauty and variety of nature and spectacular wildlife that exist are amazing.
Third, green energy. No more nuclear power with its disastrous effects leaving big risks for the next generation. Fourth, no army. The state promotes education and health. It does not seek to conquer other countries, but rather it seeks to promote foreign trade. “
- Tell me about your project here in San Mateo.
Didier continues, “We decided to create a little bed and breakfast in the countryside of Costa Rica where you don’t find mass tourism. People can appreciate real Costa Rican life, enjoy the surroundings and also enjoy having a lot of activities nearby (paragliding, horseback riding, beaches, coffee plantation, parks, etc…).
The climate here is also really great and appreciated by our guests; not too cold like in the mountains, not too hot like at the coast.”
- Has living in Costa Rica been a big adjustment for you and your family?
“It was quite easy for us to get used to our new life, even for our daughter who was five when we arrived. The experience is very rich on a human level. You must learn to live as an immigrant, to respect your host country. You discover another culture, where people are much more open than we are used to in France. You learn to change some habits in your everyday life.”
- Why do you think so many French people are moving to Costa Rica?
“I think the situation in France today is really difficult. A lot of people are out of work, and the people who have the chance to have a job are paying too much in taxes. Also there’s a real feeling of insecurity. I think that French people are choosing Costa Rica because of its climate, nature, and political stability.”
- What would you say to anyone who is thinking about moving from Europe to Costa Rica?
“You must take time to analyze if you’re able to change your life. You have to come and visit the country several times before you decide to move. You have to prepare your project. What are you going to do? What kind of status (immigration) can you obtain regarding to your particular situation? Then, it’s important to find an honest real estate agent and a good lawyer.”
So, whether you are coming from France, Belgium, or any other country of the world, Costa Rica could be the paradise you are looking for. Without question, Costa Rica is a dynamic country with friendly locals and beautiful surroundings. No matter where you are from, Costa Rica will welcome you with open arms.
Pura Vida !!!
Living in Costa Rica With The French Connection…
Article/Property ID Number 4621
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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