Naturalization is an option expats have after being a resident for seven years, or marrying a citizen and living in Costa Rica for two years. Expats who acquire citizenship are entitled to receive a Costa Rican passport, which is valid for travel worldwide. Expats who retain their U.S. citizenship are unlikely to see much benefit […]
Original Articles and Expat Advice for Costa Rica
Happier Than A Billionaire: Quiting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica
Tired of their stateside jobs, contemplating a long gap between retirement and social security, Nadine and Rob take off for Costa Rica, hoping to live the dream life on the beach. The full title of the book is actually Happier Than A Billionaire: Quiting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour […]
Study Spanish at the University of Costa Rica
Costa Rica attracts students and backpackers because of its natural diversity and vibrant culture. Although, many come to study Spanish, those seeking a university degree need an accredited program. In Costa Rica, the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) provides courses in Spanish language and literature through a program called, “Español para Extranjeros” or Spanish for Foreigners. […]
Benefits to Citizenship: It’s Permanent and You Can Leave
Naturalization is an option expats have after being a resident for seven years or marrying a citizen and living in Costa Rica for two years. One benefit to citizenship in Costa Rica is that unlike residency, it truly is permanent. The only ongoing requirement for citizenship is to not die. In theory, foreigners who have […]
Learning Spanish: Conversational Approach with Audiobook
Before we learn to read and write, we learn to speak. When you know what sounds right, then everything else is easy. Using the conversational approach to Spanish language learning is the quickest and easiest approach because it’s the same way we learn language as children. Dr. Pumseleur’s approach focuses on the following. Graduated Recall […]
U.S. and Costa Rican Taxes: Too Often Neglected by Expats
Two often quoted, but highly deceptive facts you might hear from someone “selling” Costa Rica is that Costa Rica does not tax income from foreign sources and that U.S. citizens abroad are entitled to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion ($97,600 for 2013). Both statements are accurate, but can be misleading to those considering relocation abroad. […]