04/03/2025
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➡️*FAQ Insights:*
✅The proposed legislation does not offer any exemptions for property owners under the new rules.
✅Foreign property ownership carries risks, as individuals may hold assets or property without a valid, permanent identification number (DIMEX). Using a passport number, as a temporary document, poses challenges for ownership and may result in legal issues in the future.
✅Understanding the difference between tourism and long-term residency is vital, as tourism is intended for short stays, while living or investing in a country requires different legal considerations.
Here’s a summary of the key points regarding the Bill to regulate the re-entry of foreigners in perpetual tourist status in Costa Rica:
➡️*Context:* Countries in visa group 1 (e.g., USA, Canada) can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days for tourism purposes, but the misuse of this rule has necessitated regulation of perpetual tourism.
➡️*Objective:* The bill seeks to regulate the "visa run" practice, where foreigners temporarily leave to renew their tourist status, enabling indefinite stays without legal residency.
➡️*Concerns:* The practice of "visa runs" has raised issues concerning foreign tourists exploiting legal loopholes, which affects Costa Rica's Social Security system and small towns.
➡️*Monitoring Issues:* Insufficient control over tourists and the growth of companies facilitating "visa runs" complicate immigration management.
➡️*Legal Uncertainty:* Foreigners buying property or opening LLCs under changing passport numbers face risks from inconsistent immigration status.
➡️*Societal Impact:* Gentrification resulting from foreign land acquisition has displaced local residents and raised living costs, causing concern among Costa Ricans.
➡️*International Comparison:* Other countries, especially in Europe, have enacted strict regulations to prevent "visa runs," including penalties for avoiding immigration laws.
➡️*Proposed Regulations:* The bill proposes stricter rules for perpetual tourists while allowing exceptions for certain groups, ensuring the integrity of immigration management.
➡️*Increased Fines:* Fines for overstaying a visa will be set at $300 per month to deter abuse of perpetual tourist status.
➡️*Re-entry Prohibition:* Tourists who overstay will encounter a 90-day ban on re-entering the country in the same status, highlighting the necessity of following immigration laws.
➡️*Recommendations:* Foreigners planning to reside in Costa Rica should apply for legal residency and consult qualified immigration lawyers before making property purchases.
➡️*Legislative Modifications:* Proposed changes to current laws include higher fines for irregular stays and a clear re-entry prohibition, aiming to protect Costa Rican socioeconomic interests.
For more information, contact Expats Legal Services Costa Rica & [email protected]
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FAQ & SUMMARY OF THE NEW BILL TO REGULATE THE PERPETUAL TOURISM IN COSTA RICA **Context of the Project** Recently, countries in visa group 1, which includes the USA and Canada, have been authorized to travel to Costa Rica as tourists for up to 180 days. However, there has been abuse of … FAQ and s...
