So you want to relocate to Costa Rica

So, you want to relocate to Costa Rica.

This can be a dream come true for many people, but if you think is that easy you are mistaken.

Yes, Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a lot of foreigners live there, but the real estate prices are not as low as they used to be and because Costa Rica is the most peaceful country in Central America, it attracts a lot of foreign investment especially in the real estate industry.

Some will call Costa Rica the Switzerland of Latin America.

So, yes, Costa Rica is the place to relocate and to invest in real estate.

There are ups and downs though.

It is not easy to get a resident status unless you are a retiree, with a defined pension, say from Social Security or a pension plan from a company; or you have a substantial amount to deposit into a Costa Rican Bank, or maybe you are able to invest in a state approved project, or set up a profitable business. Anyway, in other words you must have an income from somewhere.Working or living outside the law brings with it the risk of deportation, and I’m pretty sure you do not want that to happen.Other thing is, Costa Rica has no licensing, minimum education requirements or standards of conduct for Realtors, so practically anyone can be a real estate agent and that’s not in the advantage of the buyer. How should one relocate to Costa Rica? First, travel to Costa Rica and see different locations. There are many different sub climates in Costa Rica or better said hundreds of “microclimates” So, first see which region of the country suits you best. Some like it close to the beach some like it in the mountain area; some are in love with the sunny weather some considering it too hot.So make up your mind first, and do not even think to buy a property right away.Rent first, and get used with the Costa Ricans way of living, study the real estate market, make friend with the locals but also with other foreigners already established there for longer.One guy used to say “I have been here for 3 years and I am still not sure where I want to live”, so explore as many areas as you possibly can.Keep in mind always that it may work out for you or it may not, so be prepared to have money to fall back on, but above all, make sure to have a skill so you can start your own business.Depending on your financial status there are houses to rent from 200 $ to thousands of Dollars. It all depends on what you want. If you buy from the local markets and you live away from the cities you should be able to spend for yourself 30-40 $ a week, but don’t expect much.One of the most expensive places to relocate is Tamarindo, and there is no way to find a cheap rent except outside the town.One place that I consider best to start your Costa Rican adventure is La Tigra, located in north central Costa Rica; if you want to live a conservative live style that’s the place to start. You can always contact Bob who is living there for many years and he is a real estate expert. He can advice you on anything you may want to know: http://www.la-tigra.com/. Also, make sure that you learn Spanish otherwise you are a sitting duck. Sharks are waiting for you, even in shallow waters! I will list some resources you can start with. Make sure you read them all, as this is going to be one important step in your life.Good luck!!

http://www.therealcostarica.com

www.migracion.go.cr

www.arcr.net

http://www.arcr.net/residency/requireddocuments.html

http://www.retirement-costa-rica.com

http://www.inmanwiki.com/Real-Estate/Costa_Rica_Real_Estate_-_The_four_major_problems