Costa RicaHow difficult is it to attain Pensionado status?
"It's easy if you have no criminal record, have a 'guaranteed for life' pension of at least $1000 (in US dollars) a month. It will cost you approx. $2500 for your application using a lawyer. and it will take approx. 12 - 15 months. You will not be covered by the socialized medical system until then. In my opinion, $1000 is no longer enough to comfortably live on here', but LOCATION is key. I live in an area where there are hardly any other expats, only ever have lunch out if we are 'out of our town' doing business elsewhere, nor do I live near the beach and there is no way we could live on $1000 a month. If you own your home, don't maintain a car and seldom eat out, possibly you could," wrote one expat.
"Takes some knowledge that you get by reading a lot and then talking to lawyer to make sure current. Pull up ARCR (Association Residents of Costa Rica). Have list of what you need to do. It's kind of a hassle and takes some clear thinking to do in right order. They are not interested in original documents. You have to order on line certified copies of your marriage certificate and birth certificate. Then send them to have them 'apostiled'. You have to have local police record of good conduct. All has to be less than 6 months old and can't remember police record less than that. Fingerprints after papers are in the hat or when your lawyer says to. Not fun to do. But I did and I am no Einstein and I did it correctly for me and my husband. We received our 'Expediente' in 3 weeks, and our cedulas in nine months. Everyone has a different experience. Depending on your lawyer, how detail oriented you are, and patience. Some people bug the lawyer every week, and I personally believe that works against them. I didn't call once, and ours were approved in 8-1/2 months," added another expat.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Costa Rica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Costa Rica
- 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Costa Rica
- Getting a Driver's License in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica vs. Panama
- 2024 Guide to Living in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica
