Realistic moving plans?

[ShannonC]

My boyfriend and I have been talking for the last little while about maybe moving to Costa Rica in about 3-4 years (he’s currently finishing up university).

I’m not entirely sure if the information he found is accurate though with regards to getting a visa to stay there.

Our plan basically is to save up for the next three years so we have a good amount going in (around 300,000 – I am working and already have a lot saved). I am able to work anywhere in the world with my job (I work entirely online for myself) and he plans to get a job that will require him to work one month out, one month in. So he figured he would work one month wherever the job sent him (likely in the Middle East somewhere he thinks) and then come back to Costa Rica to stay with me for his month in.

Would this even be possible? From what he told me he had read on one site, we could get a temporary visa and stay for up to 90 days but then would have to leave for 3 days somewhere else, but then could re-enter for 90 more days. We’d continue doing this for so many years and then could apply for a permanent visa.

…just kinda wondering if this is off base or what the best procedure for us would be.

Any advice or links to read would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[sumaSal]

Try to get professional legal advice, more information few lines lower:
https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&ThreadID=2813
Maybe start with contacting the lawyer mentioned in this message.

[Andrew]

As long as you’re not seen doing work that could be done locally, you can stay here for your 90 days and drive to Nicaragua or Panama to renew your visitor’s visa or take a short flight to a dozen other places for a quick vacation.

Please note that Costa Rica is in the process of changing their residency requirements but I have not seen mention of changes to the ‘tourist’ requirements so it would be useful to get expert legal advice before you make any serious life changing decisions.

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[costaricafinca]

You must first apply in another residency category for at least 3 years prior to applying for permanent residency unless you have a child here with your boyfriend/husband , then all three of you can obtain permanent residency after which you can both work here, which could take a few months or a year or more…

[Imxploring]

Oh Boy…. I feel another Anchor Baby thread in the works! LOL

[Pauldthomas]

Oh, Boy—- I feel the Anchor Baby saying is getting real–real — OLD!
Children are a blessing NOT an ANCHOR!
Thank you,
Denise

[Imxploring]

Perhaps a blessing to those of us that have them to start a family…. others seem to think they’re a short-cut to living in paradise!

[guru]

Many people who live in Costa Rica are permanent tourists using the 90 days, then out, then 90 days. Your boyfriend wouldn’t need to leave since his work will have him out of the country more often than necessary. Travel to neighboring countries is easy. Its only a couple hours drive or bus ride. You can also travel home for a few days to visit family. Note that there are significant U.S. tax benefits if you live outside the U.S. full time (check with the IRS).

IF you are from the US or many other countries no visa is required. You simply enter on your passport and stay for a long vacation. You can buy property, enter contracts and other things as a foreigner. For some things you may want to setup a corporation to hold property.

Like most countries you cannot legally work in Costa Rica unless the job cannot be filled by a local citizen. The wages are also very low and you would probably not want to work in the local economy.

There are several ways to become permanent residents. These include retirement with sufficient funds OR with a sufficient deposit in a local bank OR investment in a local business. Its easy if you have lots of money and work with attention to details if you do not.

So, pack your bag and come on down!

[ShannonC]

Thanks for all of the responses on this and sorry for my delayed response. It definitely sounds like things would work well for the staying there aspect of things, which is great to hear.

One other thing I was wondering about, I was reading a bit about the Internet and by the sounds of it can be chancy at times? I pretty much spend 6-8 hours a day online doing various things for work so that’s a huge thing for me. Do you know if they’re looking into bringing better service there? (we likely wouldn’t be moving for a few years still).

Thanks again for your help!

Edited on May 20, 2009 00:26

Edited on May 20, 2009 00:27

[elindermuller]

If you are not living “out of nowhere” internet is pretty o.k.
I am online 10 – 14 hours a day on 1 to 2 mbps which is not too bad.
Getting dumped once in a while – well – that´s Costa Rica

[ShannonC]

Hmm…that seems really slow. I connect right now at home (Canada) at 54 mbps. Is 1-2 the best you can get anywhere there?

[elindermuller]

this is what ICE offers at the moment:

http://www.grupoice.com/esp/serv/tele_comp/adsl/tarifas.htm

and this is what AMNET offers:

http://www.amnet.co.cr/tarifasinternet.aspx

In both cases: not in the whole country available.

[Minuit]

Shanon, With the TLC just passed, in a 2 or 3 years perspective chances are internet will be much better with the existing company, or they will have serious competition !!!
I don’t see any ethic problem for you living on a tourist visa and work on internet during your stay. That would mean taxes are paid in the country where you earn the money. I’ve had internet contracts during long stays in Costa Rica, and the only difference that I can see compare to working from home, is the sun, palm trees, sound of the ocean… since one has to work, why not have fun while working !!!

Before making a definite move, I would suggest for you to rent for a few months, and see how you feel and like different places….you will find what’s good for you

I think your project is great, good Luck
Jo

[sumaSal]

Cabletica offers this, but not available everywhere:
http://www.cabletica.com/cable_modem/tarifas.htm

[Author]

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