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Expat Legal Advisors

Casa
Costa Rica
Santa Ana
Expat Legal Advisors

Expat Legal Advisors specializes in immigration services in Costa Rica, expertly handling residencies, visas, and work permits.

We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that simplify the immigration process for individuals and businesses alike.

22/06/2026

One of the first cultural differences many newcomers encounter is learning how addresses work in Costa Rica.

For generations, Costa Ricans have relied on landmarks rather than street numbers to describe locations. Instead of an address like "123 Main Street," directions often reference well-known points such as churches, schools, parks, or businesses.
You may hear addresses such as "100 meters east of the supermarket" or "50 meters north of the church." While digital mapping systems and postal codes are becoming more common, landmark-based directions remain part of everyday life throughout the country.

Understanding this system can make everything from receiving deliveries to finding a local business much easier after you move. It's a small detail that offers a fascinating glimpse into Costa Rican culture.

$Costa Rica is home to approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity despite occupying just a fraction of the planet's lan...$

19/06/2026

Costa Rica is home to approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity despite occupying just a fraction of the planet's land area.

More than 25% of Costa Rica's territory is protected through national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and conservation areas managed by SINAC, the country's National System of Conservation Areas. This commitment to conservation has helped Costa Rica reverse decades of deforestation. Forest cover, which declined significantly during the twentieth century, has recovered to more than half of the country's territory thanks to conservation policies and reforestation efforts.
For residents, this means access to protected beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife that remain remarkably accessible compared to many other countries.
For many expats, Costa Rica's environmental leadership is one of the reasons they choose to build a life here.

Source: SINAC; World Bank; United Nations Environment Programme.

17/06/2026

One of the most important real estate concepts in Costa Rica is also one of the least understood by foreign buyers.

Costa Rica's Maritime Zone Law regulates the first 200 meters measured inland from the average high-tide line along most coastlines. The first 50 meters constitute a public zone that cannot be privately owned. The following 150 meters form the restricted zone, where occupancy is generally governed through concessions granted by local municipalities. In certain cases, restrictions apply to foreign ownership interests within concession properties. The rules can vary significantly depending on the property's location, zoning status, and history.

This is why beachfront properties require a different level of legal due diligence than inland properties. Understanding exactly what rights are being transferred is essential before signing a purchase agreement.
If you're considering a coastal investment in Costa Rica, our team can help you evaluate the legal status of the property before you buy.

Source: Law No. 6043 (Maritime Zone Law); Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT).

15/06/2026

One of Costa Rica's most remarkable characteristics has nothing to do with its beaches, volcanoes, or biodiversity.

In 1948, following a brief civil war, Costa Rica abolished its military. The following year, Article 12 of the Constitution formally prohibited a permanent army, making Costa Rica one of the few countries in the world without one.
Since then, national resources have been directed toward public institutions, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Today, Costa Rica consistently ranks among the most stable democracies in Latin America and is recognized internationally for its commitment to peace and diplomacy.
For many expats, this history contributes to the sense of stability and quality of life that attracted them to Costa Rica in the first place.

Source: Costa Rica Constitution, Article 12; United Nations; Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

10/06/2026

After residency is approved by Costa Rica’s immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería), applicants must complete several additional procedures before fully establishing their legal status in the country. One of the most important is enrollment in the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which is mandatory for most residency categories and provides access to the public healthcare system.

Residents must also obtain a DIMEX card, the official identification document issued to foreign residents in Costa Rica. The DIMEX is commonly required for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, obtaining certain services, and completing many day-to-day administrative processes.

Depending on the residency category, additional obligations may apply, including maintaining minimum income requirements, reporting address changes, or renewing documentation within legal deadlines. Missing these requirements can create delays or complications later on.

If you’re planning your move to Costa Rica, we’re the legal team you need to guide you through every stage of the residency process correctly and with confidence.

09/06/2026

Meet Oscar

As Legal Director at Expat Legal Advisors, Oscar helps expats navigate the legal realities of living, investing, and owning property in Costa Rica.

With extensive experience in immigration, labor, public, and real estate law, he provides practical guidance that helps clients make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

During our upcoming webinar, Oscar will share key legal insights every expat should understand before purchasing property in Costa Rica, including due diligence, ownership structures, legal protections, and common pitfalls to avoid.

If you're considering a move or investment in Costa Rica, this is a session you won't want to miss.

June 11, 4:00 PM CST. Message us for the joining link.

08/06/2026

Researchers studying Nicoya have identified several lifestyle patterns associated with longevity. Traditional diets in the region are heavily based on beans, corn, squash, and locally grown vegetables, while meat is typically consumed in smaller quantities. Daily life also tends to include constant low-intensity physical activity such as walking, gardening, farming, and household work rather than structured exercise.

Another factor commonly mentioned is “plan de vida,” a strong sense of purpose and community connection. Studies and interviews conducted in the region also point to close family relationships, social interaction, and lower levels of isolation among older adults. Some researchers have additionally highlighted the region’s mineral-rich water, particularly its calcium content, as a possible contributing factor.

While not every claim surrounding “Blue Zones” is universally accepted in the scientific community, Nicoya continues to be internationally recognized and studied for its high concentration of long-lived residents and lifestyle habits associated with healthy aging.

05/06/2026

We're excited to be at the Roadmap to Costa Rica conference for our first session: Real Estate Law in Costa Rica.

During the presentation, we're sharing practical information for individuals and families considering purchasing property in Costa Rica, including legal due diligence, title verification, ownership structures, and some of the most common mistakes foreign buyers can avoid.

We look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the event and helping future residents and investors make informed decisions in Costa Rica.

04/06/2026

Costa Rica Rejects Proposed Restrictions on Tourist Re-Entry

A bill that would have significantly changed the rules for tourists staying in Costa Rica has been officially rejected by the Legislative Assembly's Tourism Committee.

Bill 24.854 proposed two major changes:
• A mandatory 90-day waiting period before re-entering Costa Rica as a tourist after using the full authorized stay.
• Increased penalties for overstaying, including fines of approximately USD 300 per month.

The proposal was rejected and will not become law.

For now, the current rules remain unchanged. However, the bill reflects an ongoing discussion about long-term stays under tourist status and the practice commonly known as "border runs."

For individuals planning to live in Costa Rica long-term—whether for retirement, remote work, investment, or family reasons—it's important to remember that tourist status was not designed as a permanent immigration solution.

If Costa Rica is becoming your home, exploring the appropriate residency options can provide greater legal certainty and peace of mind. Our team is available to help you evaluate the residency category that best fits your situation.

03/06/2026

Depending on the type of business and where it will operate, the process may include incorporating a company, registering with the tax authority (Ministerio de Hacienda), obtaining a municipal business license (“patente”), registering with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and securing additional permits for regulated activities.

Requirements can vary by municipality and industry, which is why proper legal planning is essential before launching operations or making investments. Structuring your business correctly from the start can help avoid delays, compliance issues, and unnecessary costs later on.

If you’re planning to invest or start a business in Costa Rica, we’re the legal team you need to help you navigate the process correctly and confidently.

Dirección

San Jose
Santa Ana

Horario de Apertura

Lunes	07:00 - 17:30
Martes	07:00 - 17:30
Miércoles	07:00 - 17:30
Jueves	07:00 - 17:30
Viernes	07:00 - 17:30
Sábado	08:00 - 13:00

Página web

https://expatlegaladvisors.com/

Notificaciones

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