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Pensionado visa - Costa Rica

9 years ago
Hi there - I'm planning to spend time in Costa Rica over the next few years. My understanding - given that I am retired - is that applying for a pensionado visa may be the best approach.

I'm getting conflicting information from the various websites I'm researching so wanted to check out a few things.

1. I gather I can't work for another company while I am there but I can work for myself. Is that correct?

2. I start the visa application process in my country of origin (Canada) and then complete the process when I am in Costa RIca? What documentation do I have at to show at the border so they know I am in process of applying? A letter from my lawyer? Is it possible to complete the entire process prior to arriving in Costa Rica? (the fingerprints may be tricky to get - never needed them!! :))

3. I've read the document requirements for the visa application. I gather the process takes quite some time - about how long - 4 months? 9 months? over a year?

4. I'm not planning on purchasing I just want to rent for a few years so I can move around easily (will probably never purchase). I keep hearing that I can rent a suitable apt for around 2 - 300$ but can't seem to locate anything at that price online. Is that best done when I get there? Are there any sites that aren't just vacation rentals etc?

I'm sure I will have more questions but this is where I'm starting - thx for any help folks can offer

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