- This topic has 1 reply, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 6 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
[quote=”Kwhite1″][quote=”davidd”][quote=”jreeves”]I forgot to add…
The new CAJA amount for rentista residency is $442 a month if under age 55 and $252 a month if over age 55.
Jessica[/quote]
wow!!! :shock::shock::shock: I am glad I got in when I did as I pay $40 bucks a month for my family
[/quote]
Wow….$442 a month! I guess thats where Barry O got he idea![/quote]
They have to fix CAJA somehow…. why not start by milking rich Gringos that can be held hostage for fear of losing their residency status…. after all they all have money trees in full bloom somewhere!
The next step will be folks giving up their residency status, unable or unwilling to be extorted for these new fees….and going the PT route to stay in CR… I know a few that fall into both categories. But I have a sneaky suspicion that those that do give up or let their status lapse will wind up on an immigration watch list and will be in for some unpleasant surprises when doing the PT shuffle.
If a legal resident wants to drop CAJA without repercussions, you have to formally renounce your residency status by filing with Migracion, then wait for it to be approved (similar process to applying for residency). Once you have the resolution where your residency is cancelled, you can legally unsubscribe from CAJA. Until then, you are liable for whatever CAJA payment accumulates monthly & penalties if you are behind on payments. Once you have the resolution that confirms your residency status is cancelled, you can apply to have a refund of the money you had to deposit that would buy your ticket back home if you were ever expelled from the country. If you are not up to date on your CAJA premiums, my understanding is that you can be denied re-entry to Costa Rica until the premiums are paid in full.
I have a friend going through the process right now. I don’t think it is a quick process.
The CAJA amounts I posted are for new enrollees at this point. We joined CAJA on our own, not through a group plan, & are permanent residents. Our monthly payment is just a little under what the “new” amounts are for permanent residents. However, we’ve seen some pretty hefty increases the last 2 years that occurred in January so I’m expecting another increase in January 2015 that might bring us in line with the “new” premiums.
Jessica
[quote=”jreeves”]If a legal resident wants to drop CAJA without repercussions, you have to formally renounce your residency status by filing with Migracion, then wait for it to be approved (similar process to applying for residency). Once you have the resolution where your residency is cancelled, you can legally unsubscribe from CAJA. Until then, you are liable for whatever CAJA payment accumulates monthly & penalties if you are behind on payments. Once you have the resolution that confirms your residency status is cancelled, you can apply to have a refund of the money you had to deposit that would buy your ticket back home if you were ever expelled from the country. If you are not up to date on your CAJA premiums, my understanding is that you can be denied re-entry to Costa Rica until the premiums are paid in full.
I have a friend going through the process right now. I don’t think it is a quick process.
The CAJA amounts I posted are for new enrollees at this point. We joined CAJA on our own, not through a group plan, & are permanent residents. Our monthly payment is just a little under what the “new” amounts are for permanent residents. However, we’ve seen some pretty hefty increases the last 2 years that occurred in January so I’m expecting another increase in January 2015 that might bring us in line with the “new” premiums.
Jessica[/quote]
Great info! But much like the new tax on corporations there will be many folks that don’t go about resolving or dissolving their affiliation with CAJA the correct way due to cost, ignorance, or the effort involved. For those people the bill will continue to run up leaving them with a debt that CR will seek to collect somehow. So I’m sure they will be put on a watch list at immigration should they go the PT route. It’s also a good bet even those formerly enrolled in CAJA that do separate properly and attempt the PT route will be subject to some type of action.
I’m sure the process of exiting CAJA will take quite a while…. why not… the meter is running and you’re still being forced to pay for a service you no longer want. And even if you stop paying… they don’t care… it’s just a debt they will use as the reason to squeeze you should you exit the country and attempt to return. I’m not sure if I’d describe it as being held hostage or being extorted… neither strikes me as enjoyable or the conduct a progressive government should be engaged in.
A recent experience at immigration tells me they’re looking. Traveling to CR several times a year for the last 9 years has left my passport quite colorful with entry stamps… even thou I have never stayed anywhere near the 90 days I’m permitted. But on quick inspection it looks like I’m a PT…. so it didn’t come as a surprise when the official at the desk asked how long I was staying and only gave me 15 days rather than the normal 90.
CAJA will become a big issue for expats… and the ability to screw with you at immigration will become the hammer to take your money. Besides the recent and future increases this is something anyone considering applying for residency should keep in mind. Once on the radar and paying into CAJA the folks in CR are going to be quite resistant to letting you opt out without there being other ramifications.
Two or three hundred a month for CAJA still beats the hell out of what the costs are in the States. It doesn’t look like a deal breaker if it stays like this.
Regarding Guanacaste heat; NO WAY! I note that residents there say that they have learned to tolerate the heat without air conditioning. I have to wonder why anyone would resign oneself to “tolerate” such heat without air conditioning. What is given in return for such a sacrifice?
If it is nearness to the beaches, that can be achieved with a short drive from the Central Valley where the temperatures can be enjoyed, not merely tolerated. Life is too short to be living under tolerated conditions. After over 32 years of living in air conditioned Miami, I no not ever want to experience heat over 90 degrees, with or without a breeze. And I suspect those that do on a regular basis must put a hell of a spin on things in order to accept the unacceptable, uncomfortable heat.
Imxploring
your right about caja and its idiosyncrasy’s.. I respect the law because it makes sense and is fair.. the problem is like anywhere you have laws
are the inconsistent applications of laws.. here and everywhere else.
I have observed in my 52 years of living that many times following the letter of the law actually hurts you..
I can cite so many instances but it would take too much space.
and another trusim.. is this.. once you pay.. getting money back from any costa rican government entity.. especially here..:shock::shock::shock: is like getting 4 molars extracted at the same time 😀
I would love to hear an example of someone actually getting back monies owed to them in Costa Rica.
[quote=”Imxploring”][quote=”jreeves”]If a legal resident wants to drop CAJA without repercussions, you have to formally renounce your residency status by filing with Migracion, then wait for it to be approved (similar process to applying for residency). Once you have the resolution where your residency is cancelled, you can legally unsubscribe from CAJA. Until then, you are liable for whatever CAJA payment accumulates monthly & penalties if you are behind on payments. Once you have the resolution that confirms your residency status is cancelled, you can apply to have a refund of the money you had to deposit that would buy your ticket back home if you were ever expelled from the country. If you are not up to date on your CAJA premiums, my understanding is that you can be denied re-entry to Costa Rica until the premiums are paid in full.
I have a friend going through the process right now. I don’t think it is a quick process.
The CAJA amounts I posted are for new enrollees at this point. We joined CAJA on our own, not through a group plan, & are permanent residents. Our monthly payment is just a little under what the “new” amounts are for permanent residents. However, we’ve seen some pretty hefty increases the last 2 years that occurred in January so I’m expecting another increase in January 2015 that might bring us in line with the “new” premiums.
Jessica[/quote]
Great info! But much like the new tax on corporations there will be many folks that don’t go about resolving or dissolving their affiliation with CAJA the correct way due to cost, ignorance, or the effort involved. For those people the bill will continue to run up leaving them with a debt that CR will seek to collect somehow. So I’m sure they will be put on a watch list at immigration should they go the PT route. It’s also a good bet even those formerly enrolled in CAJA that do separate properly and attempt the PT route will be subject to some type of action.
I’m sure the process of exiting CAJA will take quite a while…. why not… the meter is running and you’re still being forced to pay for a service you no longer want. And even if you stop paying… they don’t care… it’s just a debt they will use as the reason to squeeze you should you exit the country and attempt to return. I’m not sure if I’d describe it as being held hostage or being extorted… neither strikes me as enjoyable or the conduct a progressive government should be engaged in.
A recent experience at immigration tells me they’re looking. Traveling to CR several times a year for the last 9 years has left my passport quite colorful with entry stamps… even thou I have never stayed anywhere near the 90 days I’m permitted. But on quick inspection it looks like I’m a PT…. so it didn’t come as a surprise when the official at the desk asked how long I was staying and only gave me 15 days rather than the normal 90.
CAJA will become a big issue for expats… and the ability to screw with you at immigration will become the hammer to take your money. Besides the recent and future increases this is something anyone considering applying for residency should keep in mind. Once on the radar and paying into CAJA the folks in CR are going to be quite resistant to letting you opt out without there being other ramifications.[/quote]
[quote=”sprite”]Two or three hundred a month for CAJA still beats the hell out of what the costs are in the States. It doesn’t look like a deal breaker if it stays like this.
Regarding Guanacaste heat; NO WAY! I note that residents there say that they have learned to tolerate the heat without air conditioning. I have to wonder why anyone would resign oneself to “tolerate” such heat without air conditioning. What is given in return for such a sacrifice?
If it is nearness to the beaches, that can be achieved with a short drive from the Central Valley where the temperatures can be enjoyed, not merely tolerated. Life is too short to be living under tolerated conditions. After over 32 years of living in air conditioned Miami, I no not ever want to experience heat over 90 degrees, with or without a breeze. And I suspect those that do on a regular basis must put a hell of a spin on things in order to accept the unacceptable, uncomfortable heat.[/quote]
Sprite –
WHEN and IF you do ever move to CR then it is your choice to live where ever YOU decide to, just like it was my decision to be near a beach. I never said that I “tolerated” the heat or that I was “uncomfortable” or the the weather or heat was “unacceptable”. Those are labels that you choose to use, and you are free to do so for YOUR particular likes or dislikes, but it is unjust to apply them to others.For so many of us that have made the same decision as I have, perhaps you should accept the fact that we are not putting a “spin” on our decision, it is the lifestyle we choose and enjoy. I can’t recall criticizing anyone for choosing to live in the mountains or Central Valley. It just seems to me that those that live there have no comprehension of why we that chose to live near a beach made that decision.
The old saw “to each his own” comes to mind. I enjoy visiting the CR mountains, and I enjoy visiting the Central Valley – well, parts of it, anyway. I don’t like the basin of the Central Valley because like other large cities built in a basin, the pollution and petrochemical fumes burn my eyes and throat, and I find that “unacceptable” and “uncomfortable” and I can’t “tolerate” that for long. Perhaps those that live there get used to it, much like those of us that live at the beach get used to the heat and humidity.
I do find the areas of Atenas and Grecia to be very nice, but I enjoy living near the ocean. I guess after living in humidity my whole life I have become much like a mushroom – I need it and I enjoy being in it.
For me, I’ll take an afternoon of sitting under the trees at a local beach bar watching the kids play on the beach and the surfers and boogey boarders enjoy the waves while I enjoy a cool breeze and a cool one with or without friends anytime.
I like looking at the mountains as well, but unlike others, I guess I don’t see as much in a mountain view as I do in a beach view.
costaricabill
VERY WELL said!! to each his own is very true..
I don’t know why all of a sudden this song came to my mind.. as it looks like it has nothing to do with this post lol
what sense can you make of it 🙂
[quote=”Imxploring”][quote=”Kwhite1″][quote=”davidd”][quote=”jreeves”]I forgot to add…
The new CAJA amount for rentista residency is $442 a month if under age 55 and $252 a month if over age 55.
Jessica[/quote]
wow!!! :shock::shock::shock: I am glad I got in when I did as I pay $40 bucks a month for my family
[/quote]
Wow….$442 a month! I guess thats where Barry O got he idea![/quote]
They have to fix CAJA somehow…. why not start by milking rich Gringos that can be held hostage for fear of losing their residency status…. after all they all have money trees in full bloom somewhere!
The next step will be folks giving up their residency status, unable or unwilling to be extorted for these new fees….and going the PT route to stay in CR… I know a few that fall into both categories. But I have a sneaky suspicion that those that do give up or let their status lapse will wind up on an immigration watch list and will be in for some unpleasant surprises when doing the PT shuffle.[/quote]
It’s not just Gringos…. We have wealthy Venezuelan clients (thank God for the Venezolanos) who are paying the same amount to the CAJA and more …
[quote=”Scott”]It’s not just Gringos…. We have wealthy Venezuelan clients (thank God for the Venezolanos) who are paying the same amount to the CAJA and more …
[/quote]That’s good for you, but I am confident that when the idea of new taxes comes up in the halls of government, more thoughts go toward getting the money Gringos than Venezolanos, or Columbianos, or Mexicanos, or ……….
[quote=”costaricabill”][quote=”Scott”]It’s not just Gringos…. We have wealthy Venezuelan clients (thank God for the Venezolanos) who are paying the same amount to the CAJA and more …
[/quote]That’s good for you, but I am confident that when the idea of new taxes comes up in the halls of government, more thoughts go toward getting the money Gringos than Venezolanos, or Columbianos, or Mexicanos, or ……….[/quote]
Sadly I don’t think the Costa Rican government is the only ones trying to figure out how to painfully extract as much money out of EVERYONE as possible. I have seen it in just about every country I have been to.
Here is a challenge, name a country (Besides places like Somalia and the like) that do not have the same goal of taking all of your money$$$$$$$$$.
[quote=”Kwhite1″][quote=”costaricabill”][quote=”Scott”]It’s not just Gringos…. We have wealthy Venezuelan clients (thank God for the Venezolanos) who are paying the same amount to the CAJA and more …
[/quote]That’s good for you, but I am confident that when the idea of new taxes comes up in the halls of government, more thoughts go toward getting the money Gringos than Venezolanos, or Columbianos, or Mexicanos, or ……….[/quote]
Sadly I don’t think the Costa Rican government is the only ones trying to figure out how to painfully extract as much money out of EVERYONE as possible. I have seen it in just about every country I have been to.
Here is a challenge, name a country (Besides places like Somalia and the like) that do not have the same goal of taking all of your money$$$$$$$$$.[/quote]
[quote=”sweikert925″]….says the guy who recently insisted that….
[quote=”davidd”]….even though I may disagree does not mean I discourage or would say something to offend or argue with you. personally.. I find i am at my best when I keep an open mind and listen to all points of views which gives me perspective because in the end its all about our own individual decisions that we will follow anyway.[/quote]
[/quote]sweikert
ok… ok… you got me on that one..:D post deleted.
[quote=”costaricabill”][quote=”Scott”]It’s not just Gringos…. We have wealthy Venezuelan clients (thank God for the Venezolanos) who are paying the same amount to the CAJA and more …
[/quote]That’s good for you, but I am confident that when the idea of new taxes comes up in the halls of government, more thoughts go toward getting the money Gringos than Venezolanos, or Columbianos, or Mexicanos, or ……….[/quote]
Sorry guys… When I used the term “gringo” I should have qualified it as any non citizen of CR that is subject to the whim of government for the benefit of residency. That includes our friends from Europe as well as South America. Basically ANYONE the folks running CR see as wealthy and ripe for the picking.
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Kwhite1]Here is a challenge, name a country (Besides places like Somalia and the like) that do not have the same goal of taking all of your money$$$$$$$$$.[/quote]
. Yet another anti-government rant here on WeHateGovernment.com that the folks who come here to gain useful information about visiting and living in Costa Rica no doubt find so truly helpful.[/quote]
Sweikert, when you actually have some experience living out of Chicago, then maybe your comments might have a smidgen of interest. I still find it amazing that you can sit in your cubical, depending on someone else for your paycheck, but yet you have all of this worldly advice to folks that live outside the US and a majority have had their own business. I have provided my own way for over 15 years after serving in the military, I always believed it was my obligation to provide for myself, by doing that, I have gained an complete understanding of what the roles of givers and takers are. Care to guess which one you are?
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Kwhite1]…then maybe your comments might have a smidgen of interest.[/quote]
And when you finally have something useful to say about Costa Rica instead of posting comments over and over and over again about how much you hate government then your comments might have a smidgen of interest for me.[/quote]
I assure I am not here for your entertainment or approval, easy solution, don’t read my post and don’t comment on them. It is obvious we are on polar opposites in just about everything.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
