Same Sex Marriage in Costa Rica

This week the Sala IV constitutional court has rejected an appeal against a section of family law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.  A lawyer filed the appeal which, if accepted, it would have opened the door in Costa Rica for same-sex marriages.
With the strong religious beliefs of this [...]

Trains, Planes and Automobiles

Costa Rica government officials are expection almost 100,000 people a month to ride the new train, San Jose’ to Heredia.  If all goes according to plan, there will be 42 trips a day for the 6 mile route.
To avoid the horrible traffic jams between LaUruca and Heredia Centro, TAKE THE TRAIN!  If you have ever [...]

Moving to Europe with Pets

Once you land in Costa Rica, most think that they are going to stay here forever.  Sometimes it doesn’t work out that way and for one reason or another you have to leave.  This is directed at those that are leaving to go to any European country with pets….
Costa Rica is not considered a rabies [...]

Thought You Had Heard it All?

Ex-governor considered as jungle survivor here
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Just when you think you have heard everything, along comes the Huffington Post to report that former Illinois governor  Rod Blagojevich is negotiating with NBC to be dropped into a Costa Rican jungle for a reality television show.
The ex-governor is facing federal racketeering and fraud [...]

Getting a Drivers License in Costa Rica

One of the real deals for expats is the ease of getting a Costa Rican driver’s license.
Assuming that the expat already holds a valid, unexpired license from North America or Europe, the whole process should not take more than a few hours.
If the expat does not have a valid license, the nightmare is just beginning. [...]

Tax Haven

Five days after being blacklisted for not committing to the international tax standards, the country’s Finance Ministry announced that it will take steps necessary to comply.
Costa Rica was taken off the list on Tuesday when officials with the OECD evoked a commitment for improved exchange of tax information.
This means simply that you cannot any longer [...]

Confiscated Drugs

Wow!  This is the only word to describe what just happened in Golfito.
Over the weekend there was an Equadorian boat stopped  in the Parque National Corcovado near Golfito by the  Servicio National de Guardacostas (Costa Rica coast guards).  They confiscated 320 kilos of cocaine.  The drugs were taken to the Judicial building in Golfito.
Yesterday (Thursday) [...]

Permanent Resident

Obtain your Costa Rica Permanent Resident Investor Status through our Government approved reforestation project.
SPECIFIC BENEFITS USING THIS PROGRAM TO OBTAIN LEGAL STATUS
If the applicant chooses to obtain their Permanent Resident Investor status through this type of project they receive the following benefits:

Application can be made directly to the Immigration department here in Costa Rica [...]

Garage in Costa Rica

To follow up on my last post, this post actually is related to the last.
I understand that “Garage in Costa Rica” is a rather strange subject but it is something that you need to think about if you are moving to Costa Rica.
In the US and other countries you CANNOT leave your bicycles in the [...]

Pet Relocation-Costa Rica

This is the time of year that many individuals and families start looking toward their move to Costa Rica.  Whether for a job transfer, coming down to experience a different way of life or just to start something new.  There are many reasons to move to Costa Rica but don’t forget your dog when you [...]