| Moving to Costa Rica is a lot like moving to paradise. | | | | - Driving on the right side of the road |
| Just ask the more than 50,000 Americans and | | | | - Same time zone as Chicago |
| Canadians who have done so over the last 20 years. | | | | - Dollar is widely accepted as currency |
| Who can blame them for making this decision? Along | | | | Minor items that make the move easier: |
| with its tropical climate, miles of beaches, lush rain | | | | - Electricity is 120V AC, so you can use your |
| forests, and cooler mountains, comes its cosmopolitan | | | | American appliances |
| cities with modern medical facilities, lower cost of living, | | | | - Spanish is the main language, though many people |
| and laid back life style. The real question may be: | | | | speak English |
| "Why aren't more Americans relocating to Costa | | | | The cost of living is lower than in the US, so it is very |
| Rica?" | | | | attractive for retirees on a fixed income. Many retirees |
| International Living, the magazine devoted to educating | | | | can live more comfortably on their Social Security |
| people and helping them to relocate to foreign | | | | income in Costa Rica than in the US, but still have all |
| countries, has recently placed the country back on its | | | | the amenities that they are accustomed to in the US. |
| list of 'Top Retirement Havens', based on affordability, | | | | The Government of Costa Rica |
| profit potential, and lifestyle. Though not all areas of | | | | The stability of the American style, the democratically |
| Costa Rica meet their requirements for this | | | | elected government, can make the transition to living in |
| designation, IL builds a compelling argument for moving | | | | a foreign country a little easier for most Expatriates. |
| to many (previously overlooked) areas. These areas | | | | The government is encouraging International |
| include The Gold Coast (Guanacaste and the Nicoya | | | | immigration to the country through its policy of |
| Peninsula), The Central Valley, (cooler, drier climate) | | | | improving infrastructure, including building a new airport, |
| and the Caribbean Coast. (less developed and less | | | | large cruise ship port, and new roads to previously |
| expensive) | | | | remote areas of the country. The government's |
| Moving to any foreign country is more involved than | | | | policies on encouraging development, though getting |
| moving across America, and there are many aspects | | | | ever more regulated, bodes well for real estate |
| of the move that you need to consider before making | | | | appreciation in the coming years. |
| this decision. Many experts, and people who have | | | | Residency Requirements to Live in Costa Rica |
| made the decision to live overseas, strongly urge you | | | | Residency requirements for are minimal, but you do |
| to spend an extended time visiting or vacationing in the | | | | have to demonstrate a steady income. These |
| country to which you are considering moving. Spending | | | | requirements were recently raised, and took affect on |
| several vacations, or a summer living, in the country of | | | | March 1, 2010. |
| your choice will give you a good feel for the lifestyle, | | | | For Pensionado (retired) status you are required to |
| and help you determine if it is right for you. Costa Rica | | | | furnish proof of monthly income from Social Security |
| travel visas are good for 90 days and will give you | | | | benefits or a qualified pension plan with a minimum |
| ample time to sample the lifestyle and experience the | | | | $1,000. |
| warm-hearted people who will be your neighbors. | | | | For Rentista (residency) status you must show proof |
| Advantages of Moving to Costa Rica | | | | of at least $2,500 monthly income as well as evidence |
| When you are considering moving to a foreign country | | | | that this income will be continued for at least the next |
| there are many little items that you need to be aware | | | | five years. |
| of to make the move easier, both logistically and | | | | An Inversonista (investment) status requires $200,000 |
| mentally. | | | | of verifiable value to qualify. |
| Major conditions that make the transition to living in | | | | If you have ever considered living in a tropical paradise, |
| Costa Rica easier for most people: | | | | moving to Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. |