Costa Rica´s Best Guide

Find Your Dream Home in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio | Quepos Dominical | Uvita | Jaco |

Just Listed!!!

Charming 2 Bed/2 Bath in gated Manuel Antonio community $429,000

3 bed/3 bath 12.5 acres Estate with producing cacao $1,675,000

74 Stunning Acres, 20 minutes from Quepos $379,000

3 Bed/3 Bath home + 1.24 acre lot $432,000

Just Listed!!!

Lucrative business opportunity: Manuel Antonio with 7 condos, restaurant and reception $1,095,000

Modern design 4 bdrm/4 bath on 10 Acres $1,249,000

170 Acres beach side Matapalo $1,495,000

Gorgeous 3 bed/3 bath in Esterillos $697,000

Just Listed!!!

2 bdrm Condo in the heart of Manuel Antonio $229,000

5 bdrm/3 bath 2 Acre Equestrian Estate community $595,000

8 bdrm Ocean View Manuel Antonio $750,000

Chic 1 bdrm Mountain view, close to Quepos $199,000

I can guide you through the do's and don'ts of buying, selling or investing in this beautiful country. Whether you want to live in Costa Rica full-time or part-time, create a lucrative ROI through renting your home, purchasing land or a successful business. Let's connect! Melissa Klassen +506 8882 0009 melissapuravida@gmail.com

Melissa Klassen +506 8882 0009 melissapuravida@gmail.com

COSTA RICA INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:

Population -

5,181,000 (July 2022 est.)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) -

$64.40 billion (expected to reach by end of 2022)

GDP Per Capita - Inflation Rate - Official Currency -

$12,408 (end of 2021) 10.4% (September 2022)

Costa Rican Colón Exchange Rate for APRIL 2. 2023 - 533 BUY - 547 SELL Colones (CRC) per US Dollar Language - Spanish (official), but English is growing. Capital City - San José Population of Capital City - 1,810,000 Time Zone - UTC/GMT -6 hours Seasons - dry season from (December to April) rainy season (May to November) International Dialing Code - + 506 Electricity - 120 V, 60 Hz System of Government - Democratic Republic ( a direct democracy ) Name and Background of Current Leader President Rodrigo Chaves (since 8 May 2022), Was a former Country Director with Capital gains are exempted unless the gains are derived from the habitual activity of the seller or the assets sold are tangible and can be depreciated. Taxed at 15% net Profits. Inheritance Tax - Inheritance and gifts are not specifically taxed in Costa Rica. Real Property Tax - 1.5% transfer tax and 0.25% municipal tax on real property applies. Annual "luxury house tax" also applies depending on the value of the asset. Transfer Tax - 1.50% Sales Tax - 13% Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property - None Local Chamber of Commerce - http://www.camara-comercio.com/ American Chamber of Commerce - http://www.amcham.co.cr/ Primary Exports - Pineapples, coffee, bananas, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, beef, seafood, electronic components, and medical equipment. Residency and Visa Requirements - Generally, citizens of the United States, Canada and the European Union countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Those citizens can enter Costa Rica with a valid passport and remain in the country for up to a maximum of 90 days. Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees - A new Retiree/Investor Law was passed recently, designed to give more incentives and lower the requirements but it has not gone into effect yet, possibly because interest in moving to CR has grown. Special Benefits to attract Digital Nomads - Yes, a new Pensionado Law passed with several attractive incentives including 2 tax free vehicles importation. the World Bank for many years. Income Tax Rate for Residents - 0-15% Property Tax - 0.0025% of appraised value (slightly more if luxury property. Capital Gains Tax -

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 ITINERARY FOR AN 8-DAY TRIP 09 COSTA RICA AT A GLANCE 14 DESTINATION SAN JOSÉ 18 DESTINATION OCCIDENTE 26 ARCHITECTURE IN COSTA RICA 32 WELLNESS IN COSTA RICA 36 COSTA RICA RESIDENCY DESTINATION ATENAS 43 YOUTUBE CHANNEL VIDEO LINKS 44 SHOULD YOU BUY OR RENT 46 CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST 52 COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS 58 INSURANCE IN COSTA RICA 38 62 COST OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA´S BEST GUIDE APRIL ISSUE April, 2023 -

TABLE OF CONTENTS

65 COSTA RICA´S BLUE ZONE 66 REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA 70 THE SOUTH PACIFIC COAST 80 THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY 85 DESTINATION TILARÁN 89 SPORTS FISHING IN COSTA RICA 94 THE NORTH PACIFIC COAST

PHOTO CREDITS:

ED CASTELLA VINCENT BRANCIFORTI ETIENNE DELORIEUX AWAKEN ALIVE EELCO BOHTLINGK CHARLOTTE RUSH SELINA BUBENDORFER NAT FERNANDEZ TOM PODMORE JULIANA BARQUERO LESLIE CROSS PHILIP GRAVES ROBIN CANFIELD CHARLOTTE VENEMA AUSTIN DISTEL

100 DIGITAL NOMADS LAW 102 MARINAS IN COSTA RICA 104 COSTA RICA PROPERTY INVESTMENT

DARIA MAMONT BRADEN JARVIS VERA

THE NEW PENSIONADO LAW #9996 THE LONG ROAD BACK HOME 106 108 THE NICOYA PENINSULA 110 COSTA RICA´S NATIONAL SPORT 114

JULIANA BARQUERO ATANAS MALAMOV MANNY GUTIERREZ HERNAN CARAZO

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HERNAN CARAZO MARKETING/SALES DIRECTOR MANNY GUTIERREZ

PUNTARENAS 116

OFFICE ASSISTANT MARIA SANDOVAL

PLUS THE LOYAL AND HARDWORKING SALES & EDITORIAL STAFF

MEDICAL TOURISM 120

EDITOR LETTER FROM THE

To: Our Highly Appreciated Readers & Advertisers From: Editor/Publisher Date: 02 April 2023

Subject: Online Launch of Costa Rica´s Best Guide 1st Full Edition We are extremely pleased to bring you this first FULL Issue of Costa Rica´s Best Guide . The idea had been gestating for several years and one thing or another kept us from just doing it. As the interest in visiting or moving to this beautiful place we call home has greatly increased post pandemic, we decided it was the best time to do it. Costa Rica is truly special and with each issue we expect to bring you more info about the areas of Costa Rica and the subjects that are of most interest to you. Always with the idea of providing the best and most up to date information so that you can use it to make the best vacation or relocation plans. We have also launched a companion YouTube Channel to further help in this endeavor and we really appreciate your taking your valuable time to see what we have to offer you so that you can be better informed and take advantage of our nearly 30 years of experience living and working in Costa Rica. The channel links are on page 43. As a Dual citizen of both Costa Rica and the United States, I believe I can bring a unique perspective that helps to join both cultures. Again, Thank you for being here and please keep reading and viewing our offerings as we promise to keep getting better and better with each monthly issue and please help us spread the word too. Hernán A. Carazo

WELCOME to our FIRST FULL ISSUE - Offering useful information for both Travelers and for those Individuals and Families who are considering a move to Costa Rica. In the past it was mostly Retirees that would make up the Ex-Pat population in the country but now, as a result of a variety of events in North America and Europe, such as the Pandemic, which gave remote work a really big push by both showing that it was feasible and giving people a taste of the advantages of working from home plus the seemingly increasing intensity in natural disasters and more extreme weather which is becoming the norm where before it was the exception in North America and Europe. Now when you look at this reality and compare it to living in Costa Rica, more and more people are deciding that it is the right time to make the move. This also applies to people wanting to move to other countries and while Costa Rica is not the cheapest place to move to, when you compare a variety of parameters that make up the sum of a great place to live in with the best quality of life, then Costa Rica is definitely at the top. In the MAY Issue we will have a comparison table between Costa Rica and the other top contenders in Latin America where we can really see how Costa Rica stacks up against the competition. n the MAY Issue , we will be adding more articles, updating happenings in Costa Rica and we will also be expanding the coverage on specific towns and their tourism attractions, both at the beach and inland. In each subsequent issue we will explore more in depth and also provide embedded videos for you to view the various tourism and living areas in more detail. UPCOMING Articles include: More suggested Tour Itineraries for your Costa Rica vacation. Top 10 Things to remember when Visiting Costa Rica. Top 10 Tours to do. Top 10 reasons to Move to Costa Rica and Top 10 Reasons Not to Move to CR Employee Rules and Regulations and who is allowed to legally work in CR. Importing Vehicles, Furnishings and Pets into Costa Rica. What is the best vehicle for Costa Rica? Is an Electric Vehicle your best bet? A more in-depth look at Taxes and at starting a Business in Costa Rica. Advantages of Free Zones in Costa Rica - Costa Rica History and Customs Private schools and Language schools for learning Spanish. Getting the best quality and deals on buying Home and Office Furniture. Medical, Dental, Wellness and Longevity Tourism. Receiving Mail and Packages, Living the Outdoor Life, and much more!

DESTINATION: SAN JOSÉ -CAPITAL CITY

NATIONAL MUSEUM

San Jos é is the Capital City of Costa Rica and like any city is is full of hustle and bustle and also has some areas that are better left alone at night, however it has much to offer to the visitor. I have seen time and again, persons on social media advising visitors to avoid spending time in San Jos é which I strongly believe is bad advice. I understand that many people just want to get to the beaches and forest and jungles of Costa Rica but for the savvy visitor, time spent in San Jos é is time well spent as it has many attractions that are definitely worthwhile and that will enrich your Costa Rica visit.

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Spending a day or two in San Jos é on your way into or out of Costa Rica is definitely a good idea because there is so much to see that your understanding of Costa Rica will surely grow. For example, seeing the over 125 year-old National Theatre which was built using a specific tax on coffee exports set to last the duration needed to build this now National Symbol of Costa Rica plus a later added general tax on the population by setting a tax on imports. It was started in 1891 by a Government Decree when the city had just over 20,000 inhabitants. no expense was spared to create a masterpiece which included very precious local woods plus iron, carara marble from Italy, gold and French glass. The arquitecture style is a neoclassical renaissance. The metal dome was made in Belgium and the local stone mason experts built the walls. Inside there are murals related to coffee harvesting. Over the three centuries this building has existed many famous persons have visited and also performed here and it continues to have world class performances. President John F. Kennedy visited here in 1963. It was inaugurated on October 19, 1897, with the opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod, performed by the French Aubry Company.

NATIONAL THEATER

COSTA RICA´S NATIONAL STADIUM LOOKING WEST TOWARD THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF ROHRMOSER

AVENIDA CENTRAL CROSSROADS NEAR THE NATIONAL THEATER AND THE PLAZA DE LA CULTURA

SAN JOSÉ COFFEE SHOP ACROSS FROM CENTRAL PARK

Three major museums await your visit in San Jos é , the Pre-Columbian Gold and Numismatic Museum located under the Plaza de la Cultura just North of the National Theater has an extensive collection of gold objects that reflect the society and the metallurgy skills of Costa Rica ´ s native Pre-Columbian people from around 300 to 1500. The museum also has a

very nice shop with handmade crafts and jewelry reproductions like the original jewelry seen at the museum. The Jade Museum located about 4 blocks East from the Plaza de la Cultura staying on Avenida Central, in an impressive new building has the World ´ s most comprehensive collection with pieces that date from 500 BC to 800 AD. This big & beautiful museum

has native culture exhibits, colonial life in Costa Rica exhibits, plus lots of history, archeology, geology and documentation and of course the very famous and mysterious balls of Costa Rica. This museum is housed in a big old fortwhere one can still see on the outer walls the bullet hole impacts from an attempted revolution in 1949. This is a highly recommended must visit.

LA SABANA METROPOLITAN PARK LOOKING TOWARD THE SOUTH

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For those of you who appreciate interesting architecture, you can tour the Barrio Am ó n neighborhood 5 blocks to the North of the Plaza de la Cultura where you can see great examples of very large homes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are also excellent small hotels for families and also some that cater to single guys and to the business traveler. Another must visit is the over one hundred year old Central Market which covers one square block and has just about everything for sale as well as many small places to eat and several souvenir stands. The North-West corner has a very nice coffee seller with some excellent choices both in beans as well as ground coffee. There are of course a variety of places to eat and drink. Another plus is the many parks that can be found in the downtown area which are great places to relax and people watch. The Central Post Office is another really colorful building, built in 1914 and across from it is the Club Union, which used to be the most exclusive private club in the country and in front of it is a very nice cafeteria.

CENTRAL PARK LOOKING TOWARD THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

STATUE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II BY ARTIST JIMENÉZ DEREDIA WHO ALSO HAS STATUES IN VATICAN CITY AND SAINT PETER´S CATHEDRAL

PARQUE NACIONAL MONUMENT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE NATIONAL LIBRARY AND THE SUPREME ELECTION TRIBUNAL

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DESTINATION: CITIES OF OCCIDENTE

GRECIA

Occidente is a region of towns with excellent climate which are located past the Juan Santamaria International airport as you head North on the Pan American Highway. 20 minutes North of the airport you pass an exit sign to veer off to the right toward the town of Grecia, about 6 minutes past that you can take the exit and head toward Naranjo, the town of Sarch í is located more or less halfway between Grecia and Naranjo and can be reached from either of these two exits, another few minutes later and you can exit to the town of Palmares, and a couple of minutes after that is the exit to San Ram ó n.

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The beauty of these towns is comprised of many factors such as great weather that generally requires nothing more than a fan at the most, great views from the hills, availability of healthy foods at the various Ferias del Agricultor (Farmer ´ s Markets), good water sources reasonable prices on both land and homes, friendly local people, relatively short distances to private hospitals and major shopping options including malls and other amenities but with lots of local choices including CAJA hospitals, private clinics, movie theaters, smaller malls, tons of small shops and many, many restaurant choices as well as many private residential developments which offer lots of Private schools are also available for those with minor children. If you are looking for a tranquil place to live in Costa Rica the towns of Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo, Atenas, Palmares and San Ram ó n are your best bet because they are close enough to the capital city with all of its amenities and services and ma jor shopping centers but far enough away to be its own world and to carry a much lower cost of living and yet it is only an Continued on next page

SAN RAMÓN MUSEUM DISPLAY OF PRE-HISTORIC GIANT SLOTH

SAN RAMÓN MUSEUM ACROSS FROM CENTRAL PARK

SAN RAMÓN CENTRAL PARK AND CHURCH

LOOKING AT THE VIEWS FROM ONE OF GRECIA´S HILLS

hour and a half to reach the Central Pacific beaches of Herradura, Jac ó , Playa Hermosa, and Esterillos. Or if you want to reach the Northern plains cities like Ciudad Quesada or La Fortuna and Arenal Lake, you can easily head through the backroads from San Ram ó n. Most of these cities have growing ExPat communities

such as Grecia which even has meetings every Wednesday should you wish to socialize with other ExPats. You can also find a good selection of gymnasiums and yoga studios as well as reasonably priced local therapeutic massage offerings at their stores or even to your house. There are also many very well qualified

professionals ranging from Doctors to Dentists, Optometrists, Physical therapists and other professionals such as Lawyers, Architects, Engineers Furniture craftsmen. There are also Waterfalls, rivers, trails, and other natural attractions to enjoy whether you are here visiting or you are living here on a permanent basis.

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LOOKING OUT AT PARTS OF GRECIA´S BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES

COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

FARMER´S MARKET IN GRECIA

CENTRAL PARK, CHURCH, MUNICIPALITY AND LOTS OF SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS ARE FOUND IN DOWNTOWN GRECIA

FARMER´S MARKET IN GRECIA

CENTRAL PARK, CHURCH AND MUSEUM AREA IN DOWNTOWN SAN RAMÓN

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We firmly believe that there is no better, healthier, nicer place to live in than Grecia. Located less than 30 minutes from the SJO International Airport, it is close to all services and amenities but it feels a World away! We invite you to discover this so, so very special corner of paradise. You may not ever want to leave!

P-2

Beautiful Home with 4 Bdrms., 2 Baths, Built in 2011. Construction is 240m2 and Lot size is 2,760m2, Located in Sarchi which is neighboring Grecia. Close to schools, shops, church, and parks.

Price: US $325,000

P-1 a, b y c

A large and beautiful 36 Hectare (87 Acres) property with level and undulating terrain. Perfect for large Tourism or Residential Project or for Agriculture. Located in El Rosario de Naranjo, just 10 minutes from major highway. Electricity, water, and internet to the property. Price: US $3 million dollars.

P-5

P-3

P-4

P-6

Big Lot with 2456 m2 (0.6 Acre) in the hills of San Isidro de Grecia. Has coffee and fruit trees growing. Very calm place with awesome views to the Central Valley

Perfect Lot in deluxe Gated Community with 886m2 in Puente de Piedra, Grecia. Close to everything, safe, and HOA is only $72/month.

Beautiful Lot 938m2 (almost ¼ Acre) in Tacares de Grecia by the University of Costa Rica branch. Great for a Residence, Commerce or Agriculture.

Gorgeous Lot with 1559m2 located in the Rincón de Salas, Grecia área, just a few minutes from highway, surrounded by nature and great views.

Price: US $116,000

Price: US $70,000

Price: US $137,750

Price: US $70,000

Grecialandandhomes@gmail.com - Costa Rica WhatsApp #: +506 7266 7558

Architecture Stages of Home Design By Gohisa Arquitectos .

1. First approach

A conversation with the client to find out their initial needs and a meeting is arranged. In this they discuss their intentions and aspirations, which will be reflected in the architectural program.

2. Presentation of packages

We have designed a set of packages of materials and finishes from similar ranges. These packages vary in value per square meter and can be modified to customize them according to the client's needs. This price will serve to define a base budget as a starting point for the following design stages, giving the opportunity to make changes as they are assessed in the process. After this, the contract is signed. A visit to the project site is carried out to collect information about its qualities, understanding through analysis the visual and climatic characteristics, study of the terrain through a topographic survey, the environment, current regulations in the area, among others. In addition, detect the availability of the different basic services. This is done in order to take advantage of the potential of the site according to the client's intentions and corroborate the feasibility of the project. 3. Preliminary studies

“HOME IS THE

STARTING PLACE OF LOVE, HOPE AND DREAMS.”

26

4. Draft: First Phase Duration: 1 week approx.

The client is presented, through a face-to-face or virtual meeting, with the architectural distribution proposal designed from the preliminary studies and adjusted within the predefined construction area. Consequently, an exchange of ideas takes place to evolve the proposal if necessary.

5. Draft: Second Phase Duration: 1 week approx.

Once the distribution is approved, the details of the three dimensionality of the project are refined, from which photorealistic images and a virtual tour emerge to clearly show the design of the facades and architectural spaces to the client. This is delivered to you in a complete document with the preliminary studies and final version of the draft.

6. Construction plans and technical specifications Duration: 2 weeks approx.

The construction plans are prepared based on the draft, in which the structure, electrical and mechanical systems and others that may be required are designed in an integral way. They indicate all the technical specifications for the construction. After completing the drawing of the plans, we proceed to set a face-to-face or virtual meeting with the client to give him a brief induction on reading the plans and to review their details.

7. Procedures and permits. Duration: 1 month approx.

Once the construction plans are ready and the documentary requirements of the reviewing institutions are available, the procedure is sent through the APC system in institutions such as the CFIA, the Municipality and others that are required to obtain the construction permit for the project.

8. Bank budget.

In the case of clients who opt for bank financing for the construction of the project, a budget is made as required by the lending entity.

9. Construction.

At the beginning, the client is given a work schedule with which he can check the weekly progress of the construction of the project. We will take care of ensuring that we adhere to this, and for everything necessary in the project: labor, the acquisition of construction materials, quality supervision, and of course, answering questions and attending to customer requests.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GOHISA

HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@GOHISA ARQUITECTOS9319

HTTPS://WA.ME/50684827777

HTTP://INSTAGRAM.COM/GOHISAARQUITECTOS

by Jill Ruttenberg, registered AHG herbalist, owner of AmaTierra Retreat & Wellness Center WELLNESS IN COSTA RICA I sometimes think the word “Wellness” was created in Costa Rica. There is a powerful healing energy in this country that is the perfect backdrop for any and all spa treatments, body-mind

51% of the country of Costa Rica is forest land, with over 1900 different species of trees. Start with that, and think of how much oxygen is put out into the air here for us humans to breathe. This, in itself enhances our health. The negative ions in the air are calming and healing, and these particles are abundant in the forests, oceans, rivers and in the rain that falls here. Fruits, ripened right on the trees, give us very powerful antioxidants that sustain our bodies, and provide a lifestyle of healthy eating. The activities one can choose that immerse us in nature are numerous — hikes through the rainforest to see wildlife and ancient trees, bathing in pure waterfalls, riding bikes and horses, surfing and swimming, all contribute to “a life of holistic health” contained in the definition of wellness. The ecosystem in this country itself just hums along, creating an energy field of wellness. And the laid-back, Pura Vida lifestyle lends itself to a happier, more relaxed atmosphere where people can let their hair down, relax and be themselves.

As the owner of one of the first wellness centers in Costa Rica, I often joke that all the yoga, the meditation and the therapies we offer here at AmaTierra are just a tiny adjunct to the abundance of waterfalls of healing energy already overflowing in the jungle. But of course, therapeutic modalities have their impact and value, too. Since a few pioneers brought yoga to Costa Rica in the 1970 ’ s, the country has grown to become one of the most popular places in the world to practice yoga and learn to teach it, second only to India, yoga ’ s birthplace.

therapies, relaxation weekends — just about anything that contributes to what we call “wellness”. Just what is “wellness”? It may be easier to say what it is NOT: It is not just the absence of disease, not just physical health or having a “fit” body. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”

Photos Yoga and meditation are enhanced by Costa Rica´s natural healing energy.

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And if we ’ re talking spas, look no further than native volcanic clay for face masks, and open-air palapas where the scent of ylang ylang and frangipani waft through the air while you receive the best massage of your life. It is no wonder that the number of retreat centers in Costa Rica has gone from just 6 when we opened our Center in 2006, 17 years ago, to now over 200. Thousands of people have relished in these oases in nature, created to help them pause to find themselves again, to start anew on the path to real wellness. And we are proud to

be one of the first, and still going strong today. AmaTierra, or “Beloved Earth” as we like to translate our name, came into existence in 2006 when my husband Bob and I were looking for a change from life in the U.S.A. I was in private practice as a massage therapist, herbalist and yoga instructor in Tucson, Arizona, and even before the onslaught of cell phones and social media, I was seeing that life was getting more and more sped-up, and people more and more stressed. We wanted to create a place where people could really take a

breather, re-set, and just BE for a while. With the help of some generous and kind investors, we bought a ten-room B&B in the central mountains, and built a ample yoga studio surrounded by nature and with a 4 room spa space below. Since that day, we have welcomed over 4,000 people into our space, assisted by a dedicated and hard-working staff of Costa Rican people who are now family to us. On our 3 hectares (7.5 acres) of mostly forested land, AmaTierra is home to mango and coconut trees, and some of the best ginger and turmeric you ’ ll find in Costa Rica. Guests can walk the trails, participate in a medicinal herb walk, detox and start fresh with better nutrition, and get pampered in our spa. Continued on Page 34

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High quality dentistry at reasonable prices

osef Cordero Telma Rubinstein Cosmet ic Dentistry J

Drs

COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 9 clinic@prismadental.com | www.prismadental.com Local (506) 2291-5151 | Tol l Free from USA 1-866-741-8194

Obtaining Costa Rica Residency

There are several ways a foreign citizen can obtain residency in Costa Rica. Obtaining residency is the way to go if you are serious about staying in Costa Rica, although some ex-pats who live in Costa Rica have become ¨perpetual tourists¨ and do a visa run to the border (Nicaragua and Panama are the most popular choices) every 90 days, this is a risky proposition because visas are renewed for ¨up to¨ 90 days but this is done at the discretion of the immigration person at the border who can give you less time on that visa renewal and then you are in a bad position. There is of course a bureaucratic procedure to obtain your residency and of course there are the related expenses. However; in my opinion, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages especially with the new Pensionado Law benefits . For example, only with a legal residency can a foreigner get a driver´s license, or be allowed to work legally, or get a post pay cell phone or other utilityservice, open an unlimited bank account, obtain a loan or not need to carry around a passport, or get local prices at many places versus tourist prices, etc., etc., so it all begins to add up. Let´s examine some of the various ways you can obtain residency:

TEMPORARY RESIDENCY:

PENSIONADO: Requires monthly income of US$1000 per month. This would be from a permanent fixed income like a private sector, government or social security benefits pension.

RENTISTA: Requires a monthly income of US$2500 per month and includes spouse and children under 25 years of age. This category requires a permanent and stable source of income equal to or above US$2500 for two years which equals US$60,000 and is renewable for 2 more years (after 3 years you can apply for Permanent Residency). An international and recognized bank or financial institution has to issue you a letter that states this or you can deposit the US$60,000 in a local bank and can take out $2500 per month. This is usually the quickest way based on results.

SPOUSAL: Granted to Spouse of a Costa Rican citizen per article 73 of Immigration Law.

Riding on deserted endless beaches Playa Esterillos, Central Pacific

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WORK RELATED: Technical workers, Managers, Executives, Specialized workers, etc. of a company established in Costa Rica.

INVESTORS: Foreigners who purchase Property for $150,000 ( amount based on the new Pensionado Law (see page 108) which was passed but is in the process of being fully implemented ) or more can apply for the status of Investor by presenting the proper documentation to Immigration.

SPECIALIZED: Professional, Scientific, and other such specialized individuals deemed of value to the country.

RELIGIOUS: Persons who are part of duly accredited religious orders and are so recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Culture.

PRESS & SPORTS: International Press Correspondents & Recognized Sportsmen.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY: This is the category allows you to live and work legally in Costa Rica. This residency application can now be filed in Costa Rica. Before it had to be done at a consulate or embassy of Costa Rica in your home country. This requires having the Temporary Residency for at least 3 years in order to become a permanent residency.

DESTINATION:

CITY OF ATENAS

Discover the renowned town of Atenas, “The Best Climate in the World” according to some. Atenas is surrounded by beautiful mountains and exuberant views of the Central Valley and in some parts, you can see the Pacific Ocean. Stunning views amaze you when you visit Atenas and beautiful residences are hidden among the forests and mountains. Atenas is a small, close-knit community where many of the residents know each other and seem like a big family. You can notice it when you visit the Municipal Market of Atenas or in the coffee shops in town, all the people are very friendly and greet you in the original Costa Rican “Pura Vida” style. Atenas was founded in 1836 by the Spaniard Jos é Mar í a Á guila and is in the central part of Costa Rica, in the Province of Alajuela. It is located to the West of San Jos é , just 25 minutes from the Juan Santamar í a International Airport and 40 minutes from San Jos é , the capital of Costa Rica.

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The community of Atenas is a mixed one, with both Costa Ricans and Ex-Pats. Currently, Atenas stands out because it has many ex-patriots, more than three thousand foreigners from the United States, Canada, and Europe, the vast majority, of whom live permanently in the canton of Atenas. According to data from the Municipality of Atenas, the population of the canton is around 25,460 inhabitants, of which 8.2% were born abroad. If you are wondering why so many chose Atenas as their home, it is because Atenas was named one of the 5 best retirement destinations in the world and Costa Rica is the second-best place in the world to retire, according to Annual Global Retirement 2022, prepared by International Living. Due to the mild temperatures, the climate is very pleasant to live in. National Geographic magazine titled the climate of Atenas as the “Best Climate in the World”. According to studies by the World Health Organization, among others, Atenas is considered the “Best Climate in the World” for its constant climate changes generated by constantly active microclimates, resulting in an air purity of 98%.

VIEW FROM VISTA ATENAS

WHAT PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT ATENAS Beautiful views A tight knit community A calm and serene environment. The many outdoor recreational activities. The location – offering accessibility to all services but in a still traditional Costa Rican setting.

LOCAL ATENAS LIFESTYLE Every turn in Atenas reveals a stunning location. Even close to the city, you can find that the flora and fauna are quite diverse, which increases the attractiveness of the city. The mountains of Atenas have led those who visit us to fall in love with the view and start filming and taking souvenir photos with their families and friends. As well as attracting outdoor enthusiasts looking for great hiking and mountain biking adventures. The landscape is not only aesthetically stunning but also spiritually uplifting. Continued on next page

DOWNTOWN ATENAS ACROSS FROM THE CENTRAL PARK

CATHOLIC CHURCH NEXT TO THE CENTRAL PARK IN ATENAS

GASTRONOMY, ENTERTAINMENT, AND SHOPPING IN ATENAS Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along National Route 3 which passes through Atenas. Relax and forget about your worries while enjoying a “Gallo Pinto” in one of the “Sodas” or a nice gastronomic experience next to “Monte del Aguacate” in the restaurant “La Casita del Cafe”. During a quiet lunch on a workday, a weekend, or a night out, you can savor the international food at Firenze Ristorante, Pizzeria La Finca, La Fiesta de las Pupusas, Monsoon Asian Bistro & Neapolitan Indian-style Pizza or have a few beers and good music at La Trilla de Vega. Enjoy a Chifrijo at the Chicharronera Don Yayo restaurant in Atenas, where they serve one of the best chifrijos in the country which is perfect with a cold beer. And for vegetarians the Almendra plant-based cuisine restaurant is an excellent choice. If you ’ re looking for fresh, artisanal baked goods and good coffee, the full-service Crema y Nata has you covered. Excellent pastries and bakery. As you can see there are many places to enjoy a delicious meal in Atenas. Come and discover it for yourself!!! THINGS TO DO IN ATENAS One of the main crops in Atenas is coffee. In Atenas, the Toledo Coffee Tour is highly visited by both nationals and foreigners. The Coopeatenas coffee cooperative also offers a tour of its facilities with reservations – Coffee Tour Diamante. 85% of Coopeatenas ‘ coffee is exported with great success, achieving better differentials paid by the best clients worldwide, including Starbucks, Nespresso, and Italian Illy Caf é . In addition, the brand Coopeatenas and its Ateneo brand, was awarded first place, among 14 countries, in the “New York Coffee Lover ’ s Choice” category, that is, “the choice of New York ´ s coffee lovers”. If you are also a coffee lover, do not miss the opportunity to visit Atenas and try it. If you have 4×4 vehicle and you like impressive views. The viewpoint “La Zopilota” is famous among the locals and on the mountain, there is a large rock, as well as beautiful sunset and beautiful views that are perfect to fly your drone. A visit to Atenas would be incomplete without visiting the “Las Minas del Aguacate”, although it is not specifically in Atenas but on the way to San Mateo, it is a place you should visit in the summer. Beautiful crystal-clear waters are perfect for taking a dip and having a family picnic. SCHOOLS IN ATENAS There are multiple options of public and private institutions of the national education system of Costa Rica. Offered in Atenas – private: Green Valley Bilingual Private School - San Rafael Bilingual Private School Colina Azul Bilingual Private School and the Atenas National Technical State University.

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Fully-Furnished - Price: $1,800,000 - Single Story Gated Community, Bedrooms: 5 plus office, casita 1b/1ba, guest house 2b/2ba, Bathrooms: 3 ½ Garage: Double - Size: 539 m - Lot Size: 3.72 acres

Price: $875,000 - Type: Gated Community Bedrooms: 4 - Bathrooms: 5 - Garage: 5-Stalls Size: 608 square meters Lot Size: 8124 square meters

Price: $450,000 - Gated Community Bedrooms: 3 plus large office/extra bedroom/ 2nd LR Bathrooms: 2 ½ 2 car spaces - Size: 220 m - Lot: 5031 m

Price: $389,000 - Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 4 - Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Double Size: 252 m - Lot: 2661 m

Price: $865,000 - Single Story Bedrooms: 3 - Bathrooms: 3 ½ Garage: Double Size: 223 m - Lot: 11941 m

Price: $875,000 - Style: 3 Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Double Size: 494 m Lot: 8815 m

Price: $310,000 - Style: Single Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 ½ Garage: Triple Size: 260 m Lot: 1668 m

Price: $777,000 - Style: 2 Story Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Plus guest home (150m2 ) - 2 bedroom & 1 bath Garage: 4-Stalls Size: 550 m Lot: 2839 m

2 baths RE/MAX Best Climate - Mejor Clima Across from Coopeatenas Gas Station, Atenas, Costa Rica Cell: (506) 6302-9198 (Spanish,English,Italian,Romanian) Office: (506) 2446-4929 www.atenasbestclimate.com

3 bedrooms

1,163 sq. ft.

Daniel Remus Sales Associate

THE FERIA DEL AGRICULTOR (FARMER´S MARKET)

MONUMENT HONORING THE OXCART DRIVERS

EXPLORING THE BACKROADS OF ATENAS

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BUY OR RENT IN COSTA RICA? Like most things in life, there are no clear cut Yes or No answers … It depends on many factors since every individual and his life situation are different from others and it also depends on your current knowledge and experience with Costa Rica, your capacity to be honest with yourself and your ultimate life goals.

home at the beach which is much more affordable to do so here in Costa Rica. So, you are ready to jump right in and purchase that dream home or would you be wiser to wait? It depends on various factors so please take a sheet of paper and look at your overall situation, vacationing at the beach and living full time at the beach are not the same thing and for some the transition from one to the other may be perfectly smooth but for others it may be quite a rude awakening as it does not always result in the Endless Summer fantasy you dreamt about for years. If you have previously lived full time at the beach then you know that you must take the good with the bad and weighing both the Pros and Cons, you can then decide if full time beach living is for you. However, if

you have never lived in a beachfront situation then possibly the wisest course to take is to rent for a year and see what the full-time beach life with all its Pros and Cons is really like. Also, each beach community has a different flavor and living there will let you experience it and decide if it is what you are looking for because while living full-time at the beach may be perfect for you, it may not be perfect for you in that specific beach location. Also, you may decide that beachfront is not right for you, but something set back a little with possibly more altitude to catch those lovely cooling winds coming from the ocean may be exactly the perfect compromise. You can catch the beautiful sunsets as you gaze from your beautiful home toward the sea but save yourself from several maintenance

For example, let ´ s say that you are a couple who are retiring, and you have always wanted to own a home at the beach, but you lived in an area like California where a home at the beach was prohibitively expensive, so you lived inland. When you vacationed in the past you usually chose a destination by the beach and you loved it each time, so now that you are ready to retire and live in Costa Rica, you believe it is the perfect time to buy a

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issues (the constant attack of salt water spray can be unforgivingly harsh on many of your home surfaces and vehicles) and have generally cooler temperatures due to a higher altitude and prevailing winds so that you end up needing nothing more than a good ceiling fan to be comfortable temperature wise. Now let us say that you have decided that while you love the beach, you would prefer to live inland, then you must decide what appeals more to you. Do you want to live away from the cities and big towns in a small community or just be away from it all and sharing only with nature? Or are you someone that enjoys the hustle and bustle of living near the city with all the entertainment and art and culture it has to offer? Are you still young enough that a constant nightlife scene is very appealing? It is these and many more factors that you must consider including your monthly budget. Living in or near the city center is usually significantly more expensive than if you are living in a small town 30 minutes to an hour away.

Living in a gated community is significantly more secure and specially if you spend weeks or months away from your residence but again it is generally more expensive to do so, however, you not only get more security but also the use of common areas like pools, gyms and paths to walk, run or pedal. Also, if you are someone who looks forward to having a large garden with your own fruits and vegetables then you must consider that you will need a minimum land area in order to do so and the lots or lots with homes in gated communities are usually not large enough for more than an herb garden with just a few small trees and shrubs. Over the last 26 years I have been fortunate to live in just about every residential environment and area of Costa Rica. I have both rented and owned and I have rented homes from $300 a month to as high as $2500 per month. I have done city living, rural living and beachfront living and have also built and developed homes and residential communities both inland and beachfront. I have learned from each experience and my tastes

have also changed over the years from being a single guy in his late 30 ´ s wanting to live luxuriously and to have a great time and enjoy nightlife to a person in his 60 ´ s wanting to be in a quieter and more rural environment (but still within 60 minutes or less from all amenities and services offered by the big city) and wanting to build a home with lots of space to grow my own food and be off-grid capable should the need arise. I still enjoy the beach a lot, but I only need to drive an hour on a well paved road to get my quota of beach life when I feel the need and it is not much further to go and retreat deep into the mountains and tropical or cloud forests. That is the beauty of Costa Rica, there is so much to see and experience and yet the distances are such that you can experience an early breakfast on the Caribbean side and watch the sun come up and enjoy an early dinner on the Pacific Coast while you enjoy another spectacular Costa Rican sunset! So, going back to the initial question of renting or buying, just examine your experience, needs, wants, budget and your ultimate goals and make sure you are ready to take a step that will involve a significant outlay of your hard-earned cash. Do your homework and have the help of a good bi-lingual attorney so that you can be happy in Costa Rica.

PURA VIDA LIVING AWAITS YOU!

DESTINATION: CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

JACO BEACH SUNSET

Extending from Tarcoles onward to Herradura Beach and then passing through Jaco beach, Esterillos, Parrita and continuing down South to the Manuel Antonio-Quepos area, the Central Pacific beaches of Costa Rica have so much to offer. This area is booming as it concentrates many of the top attractions including the most visited National Park in Costa Rica at Manuel Antonio Beach.

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Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, encompasses rugged jungle, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. It is renowned for its vast diversity of tropical fauna and plants, from three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys to hundreds of species of birds. The park's nearly 1,500 acres are crisscrossed by hiking trails, which meander from the coast to high up in the mountains. Declared a National Park in 1972, Manuel Antonio is a must see on any Costa Rica travelers list of places to visit and enjoy! With a narrow peninsula and protected coves this National Park encompasses nearly 700 hectares chuck full of flora and fauna. Additionally, the Central Pacific offers world class aerial trams to view the treetops and canopy adventures with spectacular views of the forest canopy and the ocean as well as ATV tours, nature treks, horseback rides to enchanting waterfalls and natural pools and some of the best Sportfishing and Scuba Diving on the planet. You can take a Catamaran tour to the white sand and clear waters of Tortuga Island and enjoy an unforgettable sunset aboard as you head back to your port in the Central Pacific. Perhaps you prefer a day or several days of tour aboard your very own chartered yacht departing from the Marina in Quepos. Or a relaxing stay at the Los Sue ñ os Resort and Marina where you can enjoy the fine cuisine....

HERRADURA BEACH

ATV TOURS BEHIND JACO BEACH

CATAMARAN TOUR TO TORTUGA ISLAND

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

MARRIOTT HOTEL AT LOS SUEÑOS MARINA & RESORT

offered by restaurants at the marina or at the Marriott Hotel there and play a round of golf amid iguanas and monkeys. Maybe a horseback ride along deserted endless beaches returning to soak your body in a hot tub or pool and a cool refreshing drink in your hand to watch that great sunset. Perhaps a full spa day with some regenerative massage to recover energies for more adventures is the ideal way to go. And we should not forget the active nightlife of Jaco Beach which is very popular with both visitors and locals from the capital city of San Jose as it is just over an hour away by automobile and offers many hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars to choose from. The choices are yours and the Pura Vida lifestyle of endless summer is there at your fingertips. Of course, with so much to offer this is an area that is also perfect for a permanent move or for an investment in a vacation rental property with several very enticing offerings that range from condominiums in a beachfront or ocean view tower to a custom home in the nearby hills with endless Pacific Ocean views. Or maybe a nice oceanview lot to build your own dream home on. From Tarcoles to Herradura Bay to Jaco Beach to the expansive and deserted beaches of Esterillos and continuing South past the fast growing city of Parrita and all the way to Manuel Antonio / Quepos and all the great beaches and towns in between, you are sure to find just the right place for your unforgettable vacation destination or for your new home in the tropics.

NEAR TORTUGA ISLAND

ESTERILLOS BEACH

MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH

JACÓ BEACH

COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 21

COSTA RICA CORPORATIONS

Costa Rica Company formation: a background overview, efficiency, and tax related regulatory compliances. A jurisdictional article by JJ Sanchez LL.M. International Law - web: www.crlaw.info November 2022 version

1. Background: Incorporation of mercantile entities in Costa Rica is regulated by the CR Code of Commerce of 1964, Section I, Title I, chapters 2 to 11th, and some sections of the Civil Code of 1888 apply as ancillary provisions. The most used entities are Corporations or SAs and LLCs or LIMITADAS: Corporations being conceived as open partnerships with a four member board of directors and its shares constitute securities designed to circulate by endorsement or assignment, which makes them more cumbersome and subject to shares ´ certificate loss or theft. The LLCs are simpler with one or more managers instead, personalist entities meaning the existing quota (share) holder identity is relevant to the other partners, who have first right

of refusal before a third party acquisition of quotas or units, and their liability is also limited, except in case of criminal fraud by a company director - shareholder. Both entities are constituted by two constitutional shareholders, who can be nominee directors from the Law office, who later convey the shares to the Beneficiary owners (final shareholders). Beneficiary owners can remain anonymous within the company shareholders registry record or be also designated company directors – managers which is public record of the Mercantile Registry. Company directors are to receive a specific power of attorney to administer the assets and relations of the company, this power of attorney can be either full unlimited, exclude acts of asset disposition and exerci

se jointly or independently amongst the company directors. The entity is to have a legal domicile which is a street address in Costa Rica, where it will receive legal notices and service of process of any nature either contractual, administrative, or judicial action claims. In lieu of a CR physical address of the company directors they may appoint a CR Lawyer as Resident Agent with an office authorized to receive notifications or service of process. The life span of the entity is one hundred years, their articles of incorporation which is the equivalent of the birth charter gets executed before a CR Notary Public protocol book of indentures and filed and recorded in the National Registry Mercantile Registry, once recorded the articles are public record and an electronic

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