Potential Move; Family Already in CR

@Cheryl  Good Evening; Thanks some good Pointers on Making the Move To CR early next year. I have Family there and they can help me settle in.

Desert kid....Do you meet the requirements for legal residency in Costa Rica ? Many make the declaration,that they are moving to Costa Rica but don't realize,that they have to show proof of a return airline ticket back to their origins .Costa Rica has common sense,we are not going to be a dumping ground for the rest of the world,that has nothing to offer to the Republic.

Desert kid, Edwinemora is correct but, I’ll put it in a more pleasant context. If you purchase property for $150,000 or greater, start a business investment of $60,000 or greater or deposit into one of the National banks, have a proveable retirement or other income of $2,500 or $1,500 monthly (depending on age) those are a few ways to begin the residency process. When you enter CR they will require you show proof that you plans to leave within 3 months on a tourist VISA.

But the most important advice I or anyone can give to anyone seeking residency in CR is find a reputable Attorney. One’s who do it regularly can navigate the process better than any advice you’ll receive here. Make sure you find a well thought of attorney, just like everywhere else in the world there are too many people who “think” they know what they’re talking about and others who are out to make a quick colones

Yes, an attorney is important. However keep in mind, that when you get your 2 year residence, it comes with CAJA, as mandatory. CAJA is a low quality medical service you must pay for monthly (200 and up). Isn't it better to make a regular border run and arrange a private insurance? Make your calculations... I've just got approved for residence and regret. I can't refuse CAJA. Prepare to be milked...

I have no idea HOW people come up with the $200 per month for caja I as a pensioner pay 22,000 lessthan $20

I have had several serious operation >>My cancer treaed and cured 20 years ago Chemo rads the LOT and reconstruction of Mastectomy GREAT surgons and excellent surgery..I continue to receive many free [erscriptions FREE  for high blood pressure Heart pills thyrois and bcreams for mnay aikments/I will say it has not been quite as good since Covid but WELL wit=rth what I get for under $18

*****things have changed. $200+ is not unusual!

@TerrynViv  hey guys does the caja increase affect someone who already has caja and has been paying for years? Will everyone's caja go up?

@Simplepuravida Please, can anyone confirm or reject the following information: a person must reregister with CAJA if he/she relocates to a different municipality or province. My lawyer said this was the case but they can be biased, as they charge extra.

Yes, you are required to take your card to the new location to register that you will be treated at the new clinic, but there is no charge for this.

And, Simplepuravida, your premium will not change as it will be 'grandfathered' into the system, unless the principle applicant dies and their spouse intends to stay in Costa Rica and so they may be able to qualify for a deduction of the premium,

Info on new Residents rates

@kohlerias yes, this is what I found. What is the difference between IVM and SEM? Anything useful this additional coverage?

Example

1) Pensionado with $1,500 USD per month income:

(1,500 x 6.24%) + (1,500 x 7.20%) = $201.6 USD monthly Caja payment.

Before: you had to pay 6.25% (for 1 plan, SEM)

Now: you will have to pay 13.44% ( for 2 plans, SEM + IVM)

2) Rentista with $2,500 USD per month income:

(2,500 x 8.2%) + (2,500 x 7.65%) = $396.25 USD monthly Caja payment.

Before: you had to pay 8.02% (for 1 plan, SEM)

Now: you have to pay 15.67% (for 2 plans, SEM + IVM).

As you see, the Caja payments have almost doubled…

@Henrych here is an additional BS:

• Clase "C" (SEM-IVM-BPO): Esta clase es para todos los trabajadores que no poseen una pensión en el país, ya que cotizan para el seguro de salud (SEM), el seguro de pensiones (IVM) y el Banco Popular. • Clase "A" (SEM-BPO): Esta clase es para los pensionados que continúan laborando, por lo que al tener una pensión, se le exonera al ...

It looks like expats are now paying IVM, i.e. pension security, which has nothing to do with our medical coverage. It can't be called other than the blunt extortion....Too bad, I've already paid for this residence. Border runs look more and more attractive....however, I am sure the bureaucrats will take care of that too...

Cavscout98, I would advise you to read the info on the Outlier Legals web page as you are posting  some information that may confuse future new residents.

Fixed Income (Rentistas)

"If you, or your spouse, receive an income of at least $2,500 USD per month ($30,000 per year), individually, you could qualify for temporary residency as a person with fixed income, or rentista, in Costa Rica.

Under this category, the principal applicant is allowed to obtain residency for a spouse and children as dependents.

   * The temporary residency under the Rentista Category is valid for two years.

   * It can be renewed for additional two-year periods.

    *After three years of holding temporary residency, you will become eligible for permanent residency."

    Make sure to read all the information on this page, but the main thing is to understand that unless you make a second deposit of $60K it will not benefit you, if your intention is to gain Permanent Residency.