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expat move to CR

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Samnuel
  8/20/2014 18:08 EST

Hi all

Would a 2000$/month gross wage worth an expat to make the move to CR as an independent worker (with a working/sponsor VISA of course) ?

Thanks.

ILuvCR
  8/20/2014 18:35 EST

I don't fully understand your question but I think that one could live reasonably comfortably , modestly for $2k month.

Working is a different subject.

Pura Vida!

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Samnuel
  8/20/2014 18:41 EST

Hi

Yes, it would be a move to work in CR

Would $2000/month gross (before taxes and Caja) be short ?

Kohl
  8/20/2014 18:46 EST

For a work sponsor, I presume you mean that you will be provided with a work permit, which is not as easy/simple to get, as you may hope for.
You cannot, legally, work here without this or until you have gained Permnet residency although you can tele-commute.

http://www.costaricalaw.com/Working-in-Costa-Rica/

http://www.costaricalaw.com/Immigration-and-Residency/residency-general-information-and-summary.html

Kohl
  8/20/2014 18:48 EST

You would do fine with that, unless you are putting kids in a private school.

Samnuel
  8/20/2014 18:51 EST

Yes, a Costa Rican company will apply for the appropriate work permit, and the move would only happen after the decision of the authorities

About the wage I've mentioned, what are your thoughts ?

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Samnuel
  8/20/2014 19:00 EST

Yes, a Costa Rican company will apply for the appropriate work permit, and the move would only happen after the decision of the authorities

About the wage I've mentioned, what are your thoughts, considering that I would assume Taxes, Caja, etc ?

Kohl
  8/20/2014 23:42 EST

If hired legally, your employer is required to contribute 26% of your salary and you, the employee, pay 9%. CAJA premium and if under 55 you must participate in the pension scheme. Taxes are low.

http://www.costaricalaw.com/Labor-Law/

It may/could take a year to obtain a work visa.

The cost of living here will vary greatly on where and how you choose to live....but it could easily run you $500 to $1000 PM, depending on what you want/need and of course, location, usually plus utilities.
What do you like to eat? Imported food is expensive, including food from the USA while fresh, basic, veggies are usually less but very little frozen food choices?
Will you require a furnished home which will be more expensive? Unfurnished means empty so you will have to furnish it, etc.
Will you ride the bus, take a cab, or have a car, which will cost you 50% more that what you have been used to paying and gas is expensive?
Do you like/usually to eat out?
Is it only yourself or wife and family?
If it includes family, it will be very tough to stay in your budget?
If not, will you want to go out with friends most nights and spend weekends at the beach?

So, lot's to think about and only you can know if you feel you can afford to move live here.

Good luck!

Kohl
  8/21/2014 00:10 EST

Ooops, it should read " ....but a house or apartment could easily run you $500 to $1000 PM, depending on what you want/need and of course, location, usually plus utilities"

Samnuel
  8/21/2014 16:51 EST

Kohl, and all

Thank you very much for the information and insights.
It really helped

I'll keep in touch

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