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Costa Rican Residency, Association of ResidentsWelcome to ARCR
Association of Residents of Costa Rica

.........The ARCR will be closed     for Christmas Holidays, December 20th, 2008 thru January 5th 2009...........Residency Renewals have     begun again, contact us for information............................

URGENT   URGENT   URGENT   *PROPOSED IMMIGRATION CHANGES....

ARCR must once again combat changes in a new residency proposal, which hopes to include amounts of $2000 for a pension and $5000 for a Rentista    CLICK HERE for further details

For over 20 years, the ARCR has assisted those living in Costa Rica and those considering moving here. Our goal is to become your one source to retire, live and travel in Costa Rica.

ARCR Administration S.A. (or ARCR) is a division of Casa Canada Group. This organization serves foreign residents in Costa Rica as well as people abroad who want to obtain residency in Costa Rica. We serve members both prior to their move to Costa Rica and throughout their years of residency here. Main areas of activity are:

  • Information to live in and move to Costa Rica.
  • Assistance with insurance in Costa Rica.
  • To inform interested persons about immigration procedures for becoming legal residents, and to assist and advise them during the process.
  • Social Activities for members.
  • Seminars on different areas for living in Costa Rica.
  • A discount program effective at many locations when you live in Costa Rica.

Thinking Of Moving To A New Country?

Too many people make such a move emotionally. While how a person feels about a country, and it's physical attributes are important, it is also important to look at practical items which may cause frustration with your new home in the future. The check list below is meant only as a guide for your move- you will likely have additions to it, or perhaps some of the listed items are not of concern to you. Substitute your own questions. ARCR Administration will help you answer them with regard to Costa Rica.


Thinking Of Moving To Costa Rica?

We recommend that anyone considering a move to Costa Rica, or any country for that matter, first come here and travel as a tourist. The longer you can stay the better. It is important that in addition to knowing the logistics of establishing residency and making the move, you get a little taste of what life will be like.

Depending on your country of origin, you can travel around Costa Rica with a tourist visa for up to three months. With a driver's license from your home country and your passport, you can legally drive during this time. Try to get a feel for what day-to-day life will be like -- learn first-hand that a different culture means different responses to given situations. In the end, your ability to adapt and approach life with a relaxed attitude will probably govern your degree of happiness and satisfaction once you live in Costa Rica.

What is it like to live here? Only your own experience can answer that, since it is different for every person. But some basic information may help you in your investigation. At the present time, if you own a house and car and have no debts, you can live well on US$1,500 per month, including maid and gardener services. Foreign residents or tourists can buy or rent homes, condos, and property in Costa Rica.

Property taxes are generally lower in Costa Rica than in North America and many other countries. As a foreign resident, you will not pay income taxes on foreign pensions or income generated outside of Costa Rica, but you may have to pay taxes on income generated in Costa Rica. Businesses income, after expenses, is taxed, and there is a 13% sales tax on goods and services, including restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and so on. Bank interest is non-taxable to the client, therefore if you are told you will receive 6%, this is net.

For those considering retirement in Costa Rica, it may be unwise to expect to earn a living, or to supplement your income. Those with residency as Pensionados and Rentistas are allowed to own and operate a business but are not permitted to work for wages for someone else.  If you intend to immigrate, residency is highly advised.

Driving? Gasoline can be expensive, but having a vehicle gives you the freedom to see the country. Most of the roads are poorly maintained with an ample supply of potholes, though the current government has done a lot of work to improve this.

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