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Can a foreigner buy real estate in Costa Rica?
Prior to completing any real estate transactions, a buyer would be well advised to retain the services of a qualified and reputable realtor - to advise on the purchase - and the services of a lawyer specializing in real estate conveyancing. Buying real estate in Costa Rica by a foreigner is permitted Particular issues may arise in the ascertaining of the state of the title to property, which are different from other jurisdictions, such as the United States and Canada.
Can a foreigner incorporate in Costa Rica?
Yes, a citizen of any country may incorporate a company in Costa Rica.
1. complete identification of each of the incorporators including nationality and identity or passport number,
2. the corporate name,
3. the corporate purpose,
4. the duration of the corporate term,
5. the capital stock of the company,
6. the capital contribution by the shareholders,
7. the legal domicile of the company
Can a foreigner purchase a motor vehicle in Costa Rica?
Buying a motor vehicle in Costa Rica by a foreigner is permitted, but as with the purchase of real estate, does present some unusual title search and transfer of title problems, A transfer tax of 2.5% and a registration fee of .05% of the purchase price must be paid, along with a number of documentary fees, at the time of the registration, in the National Public Registry.
Can foreigners be married in Costa Rica?
Yes, foreigners may be married in Costa Rica.
Do "Common Law" marriages exist in Costa Rica?
Common Law marriages, referred to as 'imputed' or 'free union' marriages exist in Costa Rica
Do I have to pay income tax to Costa Rica on income received by me earned from off-shore sources, business, pension, or investment?
No, income received from sources off-shore to Costa Rica does not attract a Costa Rican income tax liability.
How are Costa Rican attorneys governed?
The Costa Rican Bar Association is responsible for drafting the guidelines regarding the Legal Profession. To be admitted to the Costa Rican Bar, an Attorney must have graduated from or have a foreign law degree accredited by one of the Costa Rican law schools. Attorneys must adhere to the law and regulations of the Bar Association and the Moral Code.
How do I establish a business in Costa Rica?
Business as a sole proprietorship or through a corporation. A business license must be obtained from the municipality, where you intend to conduct business. Some municipalities require that you obtain a "Zoning Certificate" ("Certificado de Uso de Suelo"), to insure that the property intended for the business is properly zoned for that use, prior to applying for a business license. Register your business with the Ministry of Finance, with the collection of any sales tax.
How do I obtain a Costa Rican birth certificate?
The telephone numbers +506-287-5472 and +506-287-5755.
All documents related to Costa Rican birth certificates are handled by the REGISTRO CIVIL of Costa Rica.
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How do I obtain a Costa Rican driver's license?
Buying a motor vehicle in Costa Rica by a foreigner is permitted and easy, search and transferring process, it is imperative that a purchaser retain the services of a lawyer specializing in motor vehicle transfers. transfer tax of 2.5% and a registration fee of .05% of the purchase price must be paid, along with a number of documentary fees, at the time of the registration, in the National Public Registry.
How do I obtain a construction permit for a house?
Contact us at permits@soulea.com
The law requires that the application for a construction permit be presented by a licensed architect or engineer, to the municipality where the property to be built on is located. Prior to submitting a application, municipal zoning for the property should be checked, a determination that basic services such as water, electricity and telephone are available, and insure that there are no restrictions placed on the property, which would deny the issuance of a construction permit. To determine if such restrictions exist, the registered title, in the National Registry, would need to be reviewed, along with checking with a number of other Government agencies, who may have statutory authority to restrict development. For a serviced residential lot, you will need:
1. architectural blueprints,
2. an electrical plan,
3. each of the above should be appropriately endorsed and filed with the "Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects", along with their standard consulting agreement,
4. approval of the plans from the Ministry of Health;
5. filing at the appropriate municipality, along with the completed construction permit application,
6. a worker's compensation policy from the National Insurance Institute,
7. a certified copy of the property survey map,
8. three copies of the construction plans,
9. a municipal certification that all property taxes and assessments are current, and
10. an approval from the water company (AyA), regarding the availability of water, where the home is to be built.
How much are property taxes in Costa Rica?
The municipal government in the area where the property is located is in charge of levying and collecting property taxes. The tax rate is set annually by the municipality and is based on 0.25% of the recorded property value in the National Public Registry. The property value may be adjusted automatically by the municipality, when the property is sold or mortgaged.
Is home insurance available in Costa Rica?
Yes, home insurance is available through the National Insurance Institute (I.N.S.), for all of the usual insurable perils. This coverage may be extended to cover house contents, which the Insurance Institute estimates to be 35% of the insured value of the house.
Is it possible to adopt a child in Costa Rica?
Yes, adoption is governed by the National Child Welfare Agency, a division of the Government. The law authorizes the adoption of minor children who have been legally declared abandoned, or a minor child whose birth parents consent to the adoption. An adoptive parent must be at least 25 years old, at least 15 years older than the child to be adopted, and show financial ability to support the adopted child.
Is it possible to have a will covering only Costa Rican assets?
Yes, it is called a Situs Will. However, the drafting of such a Will must be done with great care and coordination, especially if another Will already exists in a foreign jurisdiction, to avoid revocation of the prior Will, and allow both Wills to be enforceable simultaneously.
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What are the residency requirements in Costa Rica?
Residency status is available in different formats, depending on the applicant's qualifications and requirements, as to lifestyle in Costa Rica. However, it should be noted that at the moment, this area of the law is under scrutiny by the Costa Rican Government, with a view to introducing some significant changes, including a proposed elimination of the "rentista" residency status.
The "permanent" residency status means that you can both reside and work in Costa Rica, since it is usually granted without limitations.
Temporary residency may be granted to individuals for a specific purpose, such as rendering services to the government, international organizations, or educational institutions. It may also be granted to individuals with certain specialized knowledge, students enrolled in specific educational institutions, domestic servants, and to other individuals who qualify, at the discretion of the Department of Immigration.
"Resident Investor" residency status was created to attract investment capital to Costa Rica. This status may be granted to individuals who invest US$ 200,000.00 or more. If the investment is made in an area deemed a priority, such as forestry or tourism, then the investment amount is US$100,000.00 or more.
"Pensionado" and "rentista" residency may be granted to individuals who can demonstrate an offshore fixed income from recognized sources. In the case of "pensionado" status, the individual must show a fixed monthly pension income of US$ 600.00 or more. With respect to "rentista" status, the individual must show a fixed monthly investment income of US$ 1000.00 or more. Working is usually not permitted with either the "pensionado" or "rentista" status.
In each residency category, a specific set of notarized documents is required from the applicant's country of origin, which is more easily obtained prior to travelling to Costa Rica. An applicant should consult the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their country of origin to determine these documentary requirements.
What is the legal age to drink alcoholic beverages in Costa Rica?
The age of majority in Costa Rica is 18 years old - which is also the legal drinking age.
What is the medical system like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica essentially has two medical insurance programs. The basic program, known as the Caja, provides 100% coverage for all medical procedures and prescription drugs, through the public hospital and clinic system, in various locations throughout Costa Rica. Under this coverage, you will be assigned a doctor on an available 'first come, first served' basis, and long waits may be experienced, for non-emergency medical attention. Premiums are generally lower for this coverage, and is the coverage that the majority of Costa Ricans are subscribed to.
The second medical insurance program, is a private medical insurance coverage purchased from the National Insurance Institute (I.N.S.). Insurance premiums are based on age, a medical examination, and a disclosure statement detailing your prior medical history must be completed. Insurance coverage may be denied for pre-existing medical conditions. Under this coverage, medical treatment is dispensed through a number of private clinics located in the San Jose area, on an appointment basis, and carries a 30% deductible on medical treatment and prescription drugs to a maximum coverage amount in any calendar year, based on the policy provisions. Group coverage discounts are available under this insurance program.
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