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I’ve been traveling back and forth to C.R. since 1998. Loved the country from the very first time. I’ve always traveled as a tourist-local (I have a friend that lives there).
I’m in real estate and everyone knows, is not looking good for ’08. It’s the end of the year and feel I have to do something with my situation.
Every time I travel to C.R. on my way back on the plane I try to figure out what I could do for income while living in C.R. I’m only 46yrs. old and can’t retire. I have saved some money and own some real estate.
I would like to get some suggestions from everyone that has moved to C.R. and I’v had similar dilema. My resume is (as far as real estate is extensive),and I’m bilingual.
any suggestions, stories or experiences would be greatly appreciated to me. As I carefully will start making this decision. Sorry for the lenghty explanation. Thank you to everyone here!!!!!!!Edited on Dec 20, 2007 12:52
uptik,
I moved my family here last Thursday (wife, and children ages 2.5,2.5, and 5). I have limited time to reply at the moment but will summarize the decision process for us. Always remember that it is not a terminal decision. You can always move back and your life will be immesurably enhanced by the time you spent here in Costa Rica. And, while you are here there are income tax exclusion benefits that may pay for your trip. As far as reasons to move, you need to assess your life experience and remember that this is your physical life. It is not a rehearsal. Why not move?! Be the person that took the road less traveled. Costa Rica is ripe for entrepreneurship so look at your skill set and see if you are the type of person that can create and/or act on business opportunities. You already have some money saved and you own some real estate so you have a cushion to give yourself a great start in a new and exciting adventure. If you are “on the fence” Take a couple of weeks, or better yet, a month or two, and come down here and live with the idea of not only enjoying the people and natural resources but at the same time, identify opportunities. The upside is infinite and the downside is you spent a few grand on a great trip. Additionally, and most importantly, considering all of the above, pray about it, or meditate about it, whatever floats your boat but go above the noise that the mind creates. I wish you the best of luck in your decision and in your life.
Sincerely,
JerryI would think your real estate skills could transfer nicely here. You don’t need a license to be an agent here. If you affiliated yourself with an organization that will teach you how Costa Rican real estate is sold, handled, and closed, with integrity, you could certainly make a living. Like in the states, it may take a while to build up clientele. So, I guess your choice is to stay in the states and make little money in a bad market, or try something new and see how it goes. As stated, you can always go back!
So any foreign national can come to Costa Rica and earn an income form working? Aren’t there restrictions?
Yes, sprite, there are lots of restrictions. Basically, a foreigner (whether a legal resident of Costa Rica or not) cannot work at any job which could be done by a Costa Rican. If a foreigner has skills not available in the local labor market, then s/he can get a work permit, but the process is very bureaucratic and time consuming, and the outcome is not assured.
Certainly there are expats working in Costa Rica illegally and getting away with it, but the government’s priorities on enforcement could change at any time with ugly consequences for the perp.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts abd opinions. Funny, I just spent Christmas eve with friends and all I could think of was the possibility of moving to C.R. I find it hard to share my thoughts with friends and family. I know they can’t understand the idea of someone just pick-up and move outside of the U.S.
Thanks again and please continue to send your thoughts, opinions and stories my way. It will reinforce my decision making proccess.Happy New year!!!!!
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