Costa Rica Immigration Law – Residency Update – November 2005

For many years now, a bill has been discussed – back and forth – in the Costa Rican Asamblea Legislativa (The Congress, stressing that we do not have a Senate).

Finally, on October 27th, 2005, the bill was approved by the Congress, by the vote in favor of 38 of the 57 representatives. It will be enforceable in eight months, after the by-laws are drafted and approved by the Executive.

The major concern for US citizens, arising from this bill was the possibility of drastic changes to the ‘pensionado’ and ‘rentista’ system of residency.

Good news, alas, because as it was approved, the bill does not change the pensionado system, it remains in the $600 per month income requirement.

And for the rentista system, apparently it will only be raised from $1,000 to $2,000 per month.

And please note I say “apparently”, because the actual draft of the bill that was sent to the Supreme Court, and the original that is held in good keep, at the Congress has a mistake. In section 77, it mentions pensionado requisites, but after a period, it also rules rentistas, saying the requisite is $1,000.

Nonetheless, in section 79, deals again with rentistas, with the exact same wording, but changing the $1,000 for $2,000 requirement.

Regarding those who already are enjoying the status of either rentista or pensionado, final provisions of this – eventual – new law states they will continue with the old law requirements, until its time to re apply when their status is due. Then, new application shall be done following new law requirements.

Lic. José Rafael Fernández is an Attorney at Law. He is a ‘Tico’, born in Costa Rica, from Tico parents, grandparents and great grand parents. José has been in private practice as an International Law counselor in Costa Rica since 1985. He works mainly with foreign clients from Europe, Canada and the USA who are living in or doing business in Costa Rica.

A note from Scott Oliver – Founder of WeLoveCostaRica.com – José Rafael Fernández has been known to me for nearly seven years. He is a close personal friend and he has done a tremendous job for the clients that I have recommended to him…

The following unsolicited testimonial was received on March 1st 2004:

“I wanted to write to you to thank you, and let you know that attorney José Fernandez whom you recommended was just awesome!” Kim Moore, Oregon. USA.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew 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.