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Real cost of rentista visa

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drdata
7/23/2018 05:25 EST

Hello,

If I understood properly, when you obtain a rentista visa (say with $2500 per month), then you need to contribute to Caja. When you are under 55, I read the cost would be over $400 per month. Is that true? This is really high! If you pay for it during 4 years, this is about $19,000. Of course, there is health insurance coming with it, but still, it is so costly! Did I miss something? Is it really what many people do to get temporary residency?

Thanks!

Kohl
7/23/2018 08:14 EST

As far as I am aware, this is so. After you have gained Permanent residency, the premium may be lowered...but it still higher than someone who has applied as a Pensionado if the primary applicant is under 55. This premium, is for either a single person or a family.

We applied under this status, however it has changed, over the years.

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Kohl
7/23/2018 08:21 EST

I should have stated that one has to deposit US$60K twice. 2 years apart, prior to the application and the US$2500 will be 'electronically transferred' to your living expense account.

shermanwc
7/23/2018 09:07 EST

Don't set up a Rentista CD account at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) - they held our $60K for 2 years and only paid the interest monthly - they refused to distribute the $2500 per month even though they signed a paper saying they would, to give to Migracion!

drdata
7/23/2018 17:58 EST

Thank you for your replies! A move to Costa Rica would indeed be very expensive under the rentista visa, due to the Caja. Hopefully, there are other options, because this one is almost a showstopper, even though the country in itself is very interesting.

acastillo
7/24/2018 09:23 EST

Sadly this is true and given the poor quality of service caja offers it seems rather extortionist. It would only be $400 if you have no expenses. I pay about half that, but for something I don't use it is still outrageous. You don't have to pay it after you get your permanent residency so it is only 3 years. Still something that has to be budgeted for.

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Kohl
7/24/2018 09:47 EST

You are required to be affiliated with CAJA as long as you are a legal resident, however it will/may be at a lower premium.
If you decide to become a citizen, then you can 'opt out of it.'

Kohl
7/24/2018 10:03 EST

FYI, as a Rentista you are going to have to pay your monthly premium for approx. 4 years, as you can't apply for PS until the beginning of your 4th. year, and must have your new cedula in hand.

shermanwc
7/24/2018 11:23 EST

Kohl, I think you meant to say that you can apply for Permanent Residency after 3 years of temporary Residency - but it could be close to 4 years by the time your Permanent Residency is approved .

Kohl
7/24/2018 11:26 EST

Yes, Sherman, you are correct.

acastillo
7/27/2018 13:23 EST

I was told by my lawyer that you do not need to show proof of afiliation or payment to caja when applying for permanent residency.

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Kohl
7/27/2018 14:23 EST

Yes, you do, although, when your cedula/DIMIX # is entered into the computer, it will tell them immediately, if your premium have been paid 'up to date.'

You do NOT have to produce your financial info., such ar your pension amount.

You can only 'get out of paying CAJA if you leave the country, do not renew your cedula/residency status or become a citizen of Costa Rica.

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