A recently naturalized citizen of Costa Rica, with Belgian nationality is unable to vote in February elections and lost an appeal this week to the nation’s highest court, Sala Constitucional. At issue is the 12 month waiting period before a newly minted citizen is added to the election rolls. After the period, designed as a […]
U.S. Embassy Reports Cases of Social Security Fraud in Costa Rica
Last year the Federal Benefits Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica failed to receive for lack of a better term, “proof of life” from 25 Social Security recipients. Payments were being made to their bank accounts in Costa Rica, but they were not around to answer letters confirming their continued existence. Although at […]
When Americans become Illegal Immigrants
You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here; is a message that “perpetual tourists”, among the American expat community in Costa Rica are being to perceive. As is common with immigration issues, the issue is devise and rooted in the social problems connected with globalization. For those unfamiliar, a perpetual tourist is […]
New Rules for New Costa Rica Residents: Drivers License
A new traffic law that requires foreign holders of a Drivers License in Costa Rica to be legal residents is a potential problem for those who receive residency in Costa Rica. In the past, Costa Rica was generally willing to issue a license to holders of a valid foreign license. For most tourists this was […]
Costa Rica Has Obama Care Also: Sort of
According to the immigration policy (Law 8764, Ley General de Migración y Extranjería), which took effect in 2012, foreigners granted residency in Costa Rica are required to enroll in the state heath care system. The system, which dates back to the 1950s provides state-funded medical services to wage earners and the voluntarily enrolled. Qualifying the […]
Using Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader in Costa Rica
Digital books have greatly improved the reading selection for expats abroad, and it’s easier than ever to download and instant enjoy titles. With a $119 price tag, the Amazon Kindle E-reader can pay for itself in international shipping and money saved on E-books, which are often cheaper than paperback. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, […]