Similar to the real estate investment boom in California over 30 years ago, investing in Costa Rica is more promising than investing in other locations now. The drive to invest in Costa Rica is from those who understand the profit to be made and from individuals who wish to own their own piece of Paradise. Currently Fortune 500 companies have found Costa Rica as a great place to open offices.
When making a decision to invest or live somewhere we all take time to weigh out the benefits. One benefit to investing in Costa Rica is the beautiful and unique culture. Other countries may be as affordable yet none can come close to the culture, lifestyle, nature, etc. which Costa Rica has to offer. The country has a population over 3.5 million people not making it large at all but the people have extremely large hearts and welcome new residents and investors with open arms to this country. Oftentimes investors want to invest in another country but language is a barrier. In Costa Rica is not the case as English is the second language so dealing and negotiating real estate in Costa Rica can be done with ease. Costa Rica is the only country outside of the U.S. that has more U.S. residents per capita.
Costa Rica culture also presents the opportunity to visit and even invest in the most beautiful Costa Rican vacation rentals you've seen. Each one has breath taking views and opportunities for water sports, fishing or just lying on the beach. In addition to the beautiful beaches, you will find tropical plants and terrain, which you've only seen on postcards. The beautiful Arenal volcano is also in Costa Rica and has not erupted in years.
Former Costa Rican real estate investors will attest that the friendliness of the people. Whether you are from a large city or a small town, you will feel comfortable. It is more similar however to small town living. Even in a culture that is developing rapidly, investors and business owners alike will discover that the Costa Rican government is always excited to attract foreign investors. For both business owners and real estate investors, taxes are low in Costa Rica.
Holding property in Costa Rica as non-citizens and non-residents is not difficult. In Costa Rica, almost all property of value, such as land, cars, and even cell phones are held in the names of a corporation. In order to purchase real estate or make any type of investment as a non-resident in Costa Rica, it must be done though a corporation. The entity structure known as an SA is what is widely used. A Sociedad Anonima (SA) is a standard corporation equivalent to a U.S. corporation. One will pay 5-6% to close on property in Costa Rica however, Costa Vista Land takes care of all this for the investor when you buy from them.
It is suggested to hold the land as long as you can, at least 12-24 months, before you decide to do anything with it. Oftentimes the investor does not know where to get the money to invest in the desired property but the easiest way is to look into retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401Ks, etc. It is possible to avoid any penalties by transferring those monies into foreign accounts or by buying foreign property. Your tax advisor or attorney can better inform you on your specific situation and your best options.
Some investors actually choose to make Costa Rica their new home. They receive a good tax break for employment purposes and investment purposes. Income taxes are not paid in Costa Rica, as Americans are accustomed to. Instead, 9% is taken out of employees? pay automatically
One thing you will quickly discover about Costa Rica culture is that its people live affordable yet beautifully. For the real estate investor, property is beautiful, unique and at unbelievable prices. Whether you are buying rentals, vacation property or lots, investing in Costa Rica is an opportunity you simply should not pass up.
by David Lovendahl, Costa Vista Marketing
What To Do In Costa Rica
Most people moving to Costa Rica find that old habits die hard. After buying a Costa Rica beach property or building a dream home on prime inland Costa Rica real estate, new Costa Rican residents have a tendency to want to live life in Costa Rica like they're tourists. That's not a bad thing, of course. It is a nation built partially on tourism. The thing is, there's a lot more you can enjoy when you're a Costa Rica resident that, if you just stick to the touristy sites, you'll be missing out on.
Those into fast lane partying?
Bars & Nightclubs - Theme clubs, pubs, bars, discos, strip clubs, and live band / music'It?s all here! Some areas like San Jose and Guanacaste are livelier than others but most cities have a number of great nightspots or are right next door to one that does.
Saunas & Massage Parlors ? If you're looking to have your mind and body aroused more so than relaxed than you might consider visiting one of the legal saunas or massage parlors. If a traditional, therapeutic massage is what you want, saunas and massage parlors are not the places to visit.
Gambling Venues ? The clanking of coins dropping into your cup of winnings sounds good wherever you are, wouldn't you agree? Well you can always make a trip to one of Costa Rica's casinos when you want to try your luck. And if you want to try your luck outdoors, a trip to the horse track or the dog races is always an option too.
Those who like living the good life at your pace?
Golfing ? Golf is a sport that's hot with the tourists and growing in popularity among Costa Rican citizens. More and more courses are being built as Costa Rica real estate, especially that on the Pacific coast, is being developed.
Theater ? Plenty of great shows come are always in town and with tickets
around $15 US, every show is a great one to see!
Spas ? If love is the number one universal language and music the second, the notion of relaxation has to be the third. Two words: Pampering unparalleled!
Professional Massages ? For traditional, therapeutic massages, you should look for companies that provide professional massage services, not a massage parlor.They're two very different experiences in Costa Rica.
Fine Dining ? Whether you're longing for the good ol? taste of ?home? or food with international flair, you won't have to look far. Costa Rica restaurant offerings are plentiful.
For everyone in the family?
Costa Ricans are 100% about family so if you have children, there won't be a shortage of family-friendly activities to keep all of you entertained. Costa Rica has all the in-home favorites?broadcast TV, radio, Internet access and cell phone coverage. Some activities that families enjoy outside of the home include:
Zoos & Museums ? There are a number of zoos, some specialty and
some general, across the nation.
Movie Theaters ? Everyone loves a good movie. You'll find plenty of
theaters and even VIP theaters where you sit in big leather reclining loungers and waiters serve your drinks and beverages.
Shopping ? Antiques, specialty items, and goods for everyday. Costa Rica has got it.
Beaches ? Take your pick. There's plenty. If you live on the Pacific coast, you'll spend much of you beach time mixing with tourists. Head east for a day at east coast Costa Rica beachfront and you'll have a more private, less touristy day out.
Sports ? Costa Ricans enjoy playing organized sports, starting pick-up games, attending professional soccer matches, etc.
Outdoor - You can take in a Costa Rican style bullfight (different from Mexican & Spanish) or go camping, canoeing, mountain biking, or deep sea fishing.
As you can see, there's plenty to do as soon as you set foot on any piece of Costa Rica land; some may say too much, actually. But in the end, the pace and the activities you choose is all up to you. And remember: you are (or will be) a resident of Costa Rica with your own piece of dream-come-true Costa Rica real estate so you won't have to do everything in a week anymore. In fact, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy Costa Rica at your leisure.
David Lovendahl has sinced written about articles on various topics from Golf Guide, Real Estate and Travel and Leisure. Costa Vista Land is ?developing paradise? in Costa Rica http://www.costavistaland.com. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their propertie. David Lovendahl's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
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