Expat Community > Costa Rica

randa4
Joined 2016
Posts: 6

Immigration Visa

7 years ago

I am retired, single, and meet all requirements for necessary income to emigrate to Costa Rica. Have spent time in CR on vacation in the past, and while that is quite different, still loved the country and people. My Spanish is not good, but am schooling myself on Rosetta Stone, and live in Tucson where I can practice immersion.

So-some specific questions:

1) Can I begin the process of starting my Visa while still in the U.S.? Know that my first 3 months can be on a temporary tourist visa,

2) From what I have read, there are several key documents-Birth Certificate, Valid US Passport with at least 6 months of validity, written confirmation of my income from my pension and SS, a police report, and a confirmation of assets and handling my from my bank. What did I miss?

3) Know each document must be translated in Spanish, and certified in country.

4) Plans will be to bring these documents to CR when I spend three months as a tourist visiting various towns (have done a fair amount of research and know I would like to live outside San Jose in a smaller town south and east of there. I am a naturalist, and do birdwatching, orchid watching, and in particular, butterfly and moth watching. Snakes, lizards, and a lot of other insects also included.

5) Do I need to make prior contact with a CR attorney to receive guidance and direction? Possible long distance? Attorneys in the U.S. that might be helpful. Looking for someone who might provide a reliable source, since have read not all are reputable. Links to same welcomed.

OK, that is my beginning. I welcome any and all comments, advice, and feedback that might be helpful. More questions to come.

Thank you all!

Mike in Tucson

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