We are continuing our series on Moving Abroad and this weeks destination will be Costa Rica! If you don't want to watch the video, please read the recap below.
Below is a quick nutshell view for those that don't want to watch the Vlog:
Land- Yes! And you don't have to be a resident.
There are two exceptions:
-A foreigner cannot own 100% of a property in a Maritime Zone. -A foreigner cannot own any IDA (now INDER) property, in which land is donated to poor farmers.
Business Ownership - It is legal for foreigners to own a business. To protect your investment and your legal status in Costa Rica, you should apply for residency.
Citizenship - Costa Rica allows foreign residency holders to opt for Costa Rican citizenship if they have legally resided in Costa Rica as follows:
(a) 5 years for those citizens of other Central American countries, Spaniards or Latin Americans by birth.
(b) 7 years for other nationalities.
Costa Rica and the United States allow a dual citizenship between the two countries.
Medical - Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America with Universal Health Care for its citizens and permanent residents. And if that doesn't interest you, you can also access/use the Private system.
Education - Education is generally free with every citizen obligated to receive education between the ages of 6 and 13 by law. Secondary education allows pupils to choose between academic (5 years) and technical (6 years) schools. Costa Rican schools are in session from February to December (there is a break in June/July).
LGBTQI Friendly - Same sex marriage will be legal as of May 2020. Same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1971.
*Cost of Living - It's inexpensive but...costly? In essence you can spend as much as you want to live whatever level you want. If you are on a budget, you can easily find a one bedroom apartment in the city for $400 a month, a 4 bedroom house on the outside of the city for a $1000. Eating out and shopping at "western" oriented grocery stores will cost you.
Hopefully the above helps you! Where shall we look at next?
Kat