TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Pura Vida Costa Rica! 1
- Chapter One: An Overview of Costa Rica 2
- Costa Rica in Focus 5
- A Brief History of Costa Rica 8
- Cities and Provinces in Costa Rica 11
- Geography and Climate 13
- Dry and Wet Season 14
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica 15
- Language 16
- Social and Cultural Norms and Etiquettes 18
- Quick Facts 23
- Chapter Two: Immigration 26
- Different Types of Immigration Programs in Costa Rica 28
- Temporary Residency Immigration Program 28
- The Application Process 32
- Supporting Documents 33
- Authentication of Documents 34
- Filing the Application 36
- Approval of Application 36
- Final Appointment for Residency Card 37
- General FAQs for Permanent Resident Visa 38
- Chapter Three: Expat Districts and Cost of Living in Costa Rica 42
- San Jose, Costa Rica: The Capital 44
- Puerto Jimenez 49
- Golfito 52
- Cartago 55
- Puntarenas 58
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica 60
- Average Cost per Month 61
- Housing Costs 61
- Food and Dining 62
- Goods, Services and Entertainment 63
- Health Care 63
- Estimated Breakdown of Cost of Goodies 64
- Chapter Four: Housing and Estate Planning 68
- Renting vs. Buying 69
- FAQs When Purchasing a House/ Property in Costa Rica 74
- Estate Planning 83
- Definition of Legitimate Heirs under the Civil Code 84
- Types of Wills in Costa Rica 86
- Executing a Will in Costa Rica 88
- Chapter Five: Utilities and Communication Services in Costa Rica 90
- Housing Utilities 91
- Some Reminders Regarding Housing Utilities for those who are Renting 92
- Gas 93
- Water Utilities 93
- Electricity 94
- Phone Lines, Internet Services, Cable TV Providers 94
- How to Apply for Housing Utilities 95
- Legal Residents Registration 96
- Communication Services in Costa Rica 97
- GSM 98
- Chapter Six: Work and Business in Costa Rica 106
- Working in Costa Rica 108
- Working Hours 110
- Jornadas Ordinarias Normales 110
- Jornadas Especiales o de Excepcion 111
- Wages 112
- Labor Regulations 114
- Holidays 117
- Employee Rights and Disputes 118
- Doing Business in Costa Rica 118
- Types of Business Structures in Costa Rica 121
- General Partnerships 122
- Limited Partnerships 122
- Limited Liability Company 123
- Limited Company/ Corporation 123
- Naming Your Business 123
- Acquiring Business Licenses 124
- Chapter Seven: Family & Education in Costa Rica 126
- Acclimating Children and Family Living in Costa Rica 128
- Language Barriers 129
- Environment 130
- Food 131
- Safety 132
- Expat Communities 134
- School Options and Education Systems in Costa Rica 136
- Public Schools 137
- Private Schools 138
- School Regulations 139
- Universities and Colleges 140
- Chapter Eight: Taxes & Banking in Costa Rica 142
- Taxation in Costa Rica 144
- Taxable Income and Rates 144
- Deductions and Exclusions 146
- Tax Credits 148
- Social Security 149
- Value Added Tax 150
- Tax Filing 150
- Foreign Taxes and Tax Planning 151
- Financial Institutions and Banking in Costa Rica 152
- Bank Requirements for Individuals and Corporations 155
- General Requirements for Corporations 156
- Chapter Nine: Retirement and Healthcare in Costa Rica 158
- Retiring to Costa Rica 160
- Health Care System in Costa Rica 161
- Private Healthcare for Costa Rican Expats 163
- Pharmacies and Medicines 166
- Hospitals and Emergency Services 166
- Chapter Ten: Preparing for Your Relocation in Costa Rica 168
- Pre – Moving Tips 170
- 6 months before Moving 170
- 3 to 4 months before Moving 171
- 2 to 3 months before Moving 173
- 1 to 2 months before Moving 174
- 1 to 2 weeks before Moving 175
- Basic Travel Essentials 176
- Costa Rica Basic Essentials 177
- Quick Summary 179
- Puerto Jimenez 183
- Golfito 185
- Cartago 186
- Puntarenas 187
- PHOTO REFERENCES 194
- REFERENCES 198
