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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

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