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Interesting information. I’d like to see more details. But there’s a few things that concern me.
The first being that this option might having folks valuing their property higher then is needed to take advantage of this program and thus being impacted by the new luxury home tax. Funny how the new home tax hits at around $180,000 and you need to show an investment of $200,000 to jump on this residency option.
Second, if one is able to take advantage of joining CAJA under this program is their worldwide income now taxed as others have suggested at a 13% rate? More income coming the way of the folks in CR. And let’s face it, if you’ve spent $200,000 on a home in CR chances are you have health insurance anyway… so there really isn’t an advantage for you there.
And lastly, giving any information to the government places you on the radar for further taxing… make no mistake about it… if the folks in CR are offering this and it’s retroactive to folks that have already invested in real estate (and thus not attracting new money coming in) what advantage is the government or the economy getting other than a lot of useful information that will be used at some point in the future to further tax you?
Nothing is free in life… and this “offer” seems to have a smell to it that I’d rather avoid. I hate to sound paranoid… but governments are looking to any revenue stream they can these days… joining a program like this seems to give them too much information that will no doubt have ramifications down the road!
This may be of interest….
Please see Own A Home Of $200K+ And Get ‘Inversionista’ Residency In Costa Rica? We think it’s unlikely.
At [ https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/2165.cfm ]
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comI’d have to agree with you there Scott! “Giving” residency to folks that have already made an investment in CR in the form of a home purchase really does nothing for the economy… a home, for the most part, does not generate jobs or income for Ticos. While some might argue (rightfully so) that paying a gardener, caretaker, or maid is creating jobs and incomes for local folks I don’t think that’s what the government has in mind.
I don’t think that’s the intent or purpose to that provision. More likely it’s the same INVESTMENT scheme that’s been around for a long time. Real investment in a business that generates jobs and more importantly… TAXES! And as I said, I’d be hard pressed to place myself on the radar by “declaring” my $200,000+ home to the government to get temp residency… seems between the new RE taxes and the 13% CAJA tax it’s just another step towards opening yourself up to getting noticed and milked by the boys in San Jose.
As I’ve said… governments are looking for ANY revenue stream they can these days…. and taxing “rich” gringos in expensive houses seems like a nice way to add some income without upsetting the locals that vote! Don’t fool yourself for a moment thinking that the new RE tax on “luxury” homes will be the last attempt to tax you. Folks in the concession areas are already seeing what government is capable of with the new taxes there. And since you don’t “own” the property you’ve built your beachfront castle on… it’s not that difficult to take it away! Be warned. Security through obscurity.
Edited on Oct 06, 2009 00:11
Maybe your daughter could teach English to earn some spending money here in Costa Rica and save the $30K. It would give her time to settle in and learn the differences in culture.
When I read or hear the someone is going/hoping to teach English, it really sounds simple. But it isn’t! Unless you have studied and know how the proper way to do this, it is HARD! At least to do it correctly.
I was speaking with an teacher from the USA the other day, who previously taught Kinder, Gr 1 & 2 for 20 years, and she explained that she never realized how complex the English language is.
And we all know, there are special people who can teach well.A friend and I took over an English class in our neighborhood. Another friend, a teacher of English as a Second Language in the U.S., gave us a fistful of instructional materials and still it was a nearly impossible task. costaricafinca is exactly right. It’s a daunting task and just because you can speak English doesn’t mean you can teach it. We finally gave up in frustration.
And then there is the matter of working illegally (without a work permit) or waiting a year or more to get that work permit (you hope).
Yes, I agree that teaching English on your own without any training is very difficult. However there are many schools around San Jose that need teachers and will train you and have materials. After working for these companies awhile, you gain the confidence to teach private lessons on your own. By the way David, I would love to have the materials you talked about if you don’t need them anymore.
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