New Urban and Rural Land Use Category Proposed
The landscape in your vicinity of Costa Rica could look different down the road as proposed legislation is being considered [...]
Brewing in Guanacaste
Alaks Three years after opening its doors as Costa Rica’s newest premier craft brewery, Brothers Of Ale Brewing is being [...]
Guanacaste Airport received a 100% crewed flight by female personnel
QCOSTARICA – On Wednesday, March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the Guanacaste Airport received a 100% crewed flight [...]
Howler Dining Guide
QCOSTARICA – March 10, 2023 One in eight (78%) of people in Costa Ricans take into account what they see [...]
Update: Tax Declaration of Inactive Corporations
A new form is being introduced for filing the annual tax declaration of inactive corporations in Costa Rica. As advised [...]
Costa Rica seeks to become a Central American Hub for AI
QCOSTARICA – On Monday the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) took the first decisive step in the […]
Hackers attacked Costa Rica two billion times last year
QCOSTARICA – In an average of more than five million vulnerability attempts per day, cyber attackers tried to compromise Costa […]
Medical Marijuana and Hemp Legalized in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has legalized hemp production and commercialization, as well as cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. This article provides [...]
Nature’s Abundance
Agriculture has always been vitally important to Costa Rica’s self-sustainability, while also playing an integral part in the Gross National [...]
Why Should Flooding Be a Consideration When Purchasing Property in Costa Rica?
The question asked in this article title may appear to have a very obvious answer. However, the inquiry required in [...]
The Unravelling of Sea Shepherd
In 1971, I set out on a stormy November cruise from Vancouver, northward to a remote barren island called Amchitka [...]
Registration of Imported Ships in “Pura Vida Land”
As people find Costa Rica an ideal place to live, enjoy or retire, many want to take advantage of the [...]
Rick Philps
Rick Philps www.costaricacanadalaw.com Immigration and Residency Real Estate Law Corporate and Incorporations Business and Commercial Banking and Escrow Wills and [...]
What are the Considerations for Foreigners Building Their Own Home In Costa Rica?
As a foreigner, constructing your own home in Costa Rica will present some unique challenges. First and foremost, if you [...]
Extension for Filing the Informative Declaration of Inactive Companies (form D 101) in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tax authority, Ministerio de Hacienda, has once again extended the due date for the first filing of the [...]
What Makes It a Good Area to Invest in Costa Rica?
What Makes It a Good Area to Invest in Costa Rica? As we have reinforced in past Investment Chat articles, [...]
Understanding the Real Estate Market
I have over 30 years of combined experience as primarily a real estate attorney, in both Canada and Costa Rica, [...]
Investing / Real Estate FAQs – Live-happy-invest-wisely
What’s the first thing I should do before investing in Costa Rica? Get to know the country well. Rent a [...]
Riding the Winds of Climate Chaos for Power and Profit
The COP 27 climate change summit, sponsored this year by the Coca-Cola corporation, is being held in a resort town [...]
Building Permits “Pura Vida” Land
Many new buyers may want to develop their Costa Rican land acquisitions. Regardless of whether the development plan is for [...]
What is the Difference in the Due Diligence Required when Buying a Building Lot?
When you purchase a completed home in Costa Rica, issues such as the correct zoning, the availability of utilities and [...]
Insurance Nuggets – Marchamo – Register Early
It's that time of year once again. Time to register your vehicles in Costa Rica for the next year. This [...]
Chartering in Costa Rica for International Vessels is Allowed!
In April 2021, the Costa Rican Congress approved law 9977, "Ley de Impulso a las Marinas Turísticas y Desarrollo Costero," [...]
What is the Legal Closing Process for a Property Purchase Transaction in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses the Roman civil legal system, which is the legal system used by the majority of countries in [...]
Legalizing Marijuana in Costa Rica
Will Costa Rica be the next country to legalize marijuana for recreational use? President Chaves in November's legislative assembly will [...]
What You Eat Has The Power of What You Can Achieve
Paying More Attention to the Way You Eat Can Help Your Productivity The truth is that we have created our [...]
In Love With Costa Rica Four Beautiful Opportunities
Introducing and connecting non-Costa Rica citizens to this county has been a passion of mine for over ten years and [...]
Home for Sale in Matapalo Costa Rica
Property Spotlight: Home for Sale in Matapalo Costa Rica. ABOUT THIS PROPERTY Quality construction and design in a quiet secluded [...]
Have a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
Entrepreneur Costa Rica: Have a Healthy Relationship with Social Media. We live in the era of digital marketing. Let’s be [...]
What is the Impact of the Purchase and Sale Agreement on a Property Purchase Transaction?
When entering into a property purchase transaction in Costa Rica, the purchase and sale agreement — the initial formal legal [...]
Digital Nomads: Work Remotely From the Land of Pura Vida!
A year ago, Costa Rica approved Law 10.008, Ley para atraer trabajadores y prestadores remotos de servicios de carácter internacional, [...]
30 Actions That Take 5 to 10 Minutes
To Improve Your Well-Being And Your Efficiency at Work Hello, fellow entrepreneurs and wellness seekers! We still have a [...]
Do You Live in a Condo Complex?
A condominium is a type of co-ownership in which each owner holds absolute individual ownership of a unit based on [...]
What are the Social Compromises Necessary for Expats Moving to Live in Costa Rica?
This article would be more apt under a “social” rather than a “legal” due diligence category. But I believe that [...]
New Laws Provide Second Chance for Corporations Being Dissolved or Already Dissolved
In 2017, the Law 9428: Tax over legal entities came into force in Costa Rican legislation. Corporations that did not [...]
How Does Concession Property Differ From Titled Property?
What are the differences between registered title properties and concession leasehold properties in Costa Rica? This outlines the key distinctions [...]
Advance Directives for Medical Decisions
Costa Rica took an essential step in respecting people's autonomy over their life regarding health care and medical treatment. In [...]
What is the Definition of “Due Diligence” in Costa Rica Legal Transactions?
In various legal transactions, you will often hear lawyers bandy about the term “due diligence,” particularly when it comes to [...]
The Eviction Process in Costa Rica
(Versión en Español a continuación) With a substantial number of rental properties in Costa Rica, it is important for property [...]
Crypto, a mean of investing in Costarican Realty
Convenience expanded market, and increased security are just a few of the reasons cryptocurrency real estate transitions are all the [...]
How Does the Residential Renting Process Work In Costa Rica?
Renting a residential property in Costa Rica is governed, primarily, by the provisions of the Tenancy Law (Ley General de [...]
Gut Health, Bright Health
Why is it so essential to maintain good gut health, and how does this impact your day-to-day life? Hello, my [...]
What are the Most Common Forms of Holding Real Property Interests in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the three common forms of holding real property interests are: registered title properties, right of possession properties [...]
Walking the Talk
Giving Back in a Big Way There is no doubt the real estate market has been doing very well in [...]
Surviving in Times of Crisis
Hoping you are well, let's welcome April, my fellow entrepreneurs! Too much unfortunate news around the world during March, for sure, [...]
Margaritaville A Taste of Paradise
Yes, we're open to the public! Margaritaville began as a synonym for a relaxed, laid-back state of mind. Delicious food [...]
If Selling or Buying Property In Costa Rica
Whether you’re selling or buying property in Costa Rica, it’s important to select a real estate company and associate who [...]
What Is The Property Purchasing Process?
Many of you reading this will have purchased a property in other jurisdictions previously, particularly in Canada or the United [...]
Women Empowerment
I welcome March with a special salutation to all the women around the world: Happy International Women’s Day! Every year [...]
Tres Amigos Realty
Discover why Tres Amigos Realty remains the top seller to SATISFIED clients in Costa Rica. Research our agent's stories, why [...]
Tropicales del Valle Pineapples
Pineapples Fresh from Costa Rica to the World By exporting around 120 containers per week, we reach some of the [...]
Becoming Unstuck
Dear entrepreneurs: Let's welcome February with a positive vibe. A new month brings a unique opportunity to get a new [...]
Important Update: Tax Filing For Inactive Corporations In 2022
Last year, on January 22, 2021, the Costa Rica Tax office announced the resolution DGT-R-02-2021, which modified the previous resolution [...]
How are Property Purchase Closing Costs Calculated in Costa Rica?
For expats moving to Costa Rica and purchasing a home, it is useful to have ready information available to calculate [...]
From Dream to Design
Vargas Vargas arquitectos is a studio for sustainable architecture, landscaping design, engineering, and building. The company was founded by Cristina [...]
Financing Your Property In Costa Rica
What Are The Options? In the history of Costa Rica, not one single bank has ever failed. Click here for [...]
Mandatory Registration of Rental Properties For Non-Traditional Tourist Accommodations
As established in the "Law for the Regulation of Non-Traditional Accommodation Through Digital Platforms (N. 20 865)," rental properties in [...]
Purchasing Pre-Construction Properities
Costa Rica is currently experiencing a residential construction boom. Offerings of pre-construction (pre-sales) property purchases by developers are abundant, particularly [...]
Perfect Harmony
Happy 2022 beginning to all! Beginnings are the perfect time to look ahead and start making our to-do and purpose [...]
Time to Declutter
Order in Our Home Restores Health and Order in Our Life One of the best things we can do at [...]
Flor de Caña Rum Becomes Carbon Neutral Certified
Flor de Caña is recognized as an industry leader for its sustainable practices. Flor de Caña, a sustainably produced premium […]
FAQs for Expats
Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting time, and the country is very welcoming to foreigners. Expats can apply for [...]
Condo Living
The term “condominium” in Costa Rica refers to a legal property entity registered in the National Registry as such. There [...]
Choosing a Property Management Company
Real Estate Costa Rica 101: Choosing a Property Management Company. So you decided to buy property in Costa Rica but [...]
Silvia Castro
I was around 13 years old, maybe younger, when I first met Silvia Castro in Costa Rica. Our dads were [...]
Grow Your Inner You to Grow Your Business in 2022
Dear fellow entrepreneurs: I think most of you might feel like I do — excited to begin a new year. [...]
Considering Relocating to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica Legal Due Diligence Seminars If you are an expat who is interested in understanding the pure legal facts [...]
Costa Rica has Strong Showing in Cologne
A small but dynamic export delegation showcased some of Costa Rica’s most attractive food and beverage products at the recent [...]
Shrimp Farming in Costa Rica
Ecos Shrimp Group is an organic shrimp farming company based in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. With six farms and 180 collaborators, [...]
How do Escrow (Trust) Accounts Operate in Costa Rica?
The question often arises with expats moving to Costa Rica: how can we transfer large sums of money to Costa [...]
Luxury Living
Luxury living in Costa Rica may be a lot more attainable than you think. A large inventory of luxury villas [...]
Entrepreneur Costa Rica: Creating Harmony
Let me begin by saying that I’ve taken my time getting around to writing about this topic. It’s one that [...]
Home Luxury Tax for 2022
This month we are discussing Costa Rica’s "home luxury tax," Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda (Law [...]
Can a Foreigner Acquire a Beachfront Property Interest in Costa Rica?
Is it possible for foreigners to acquire a beachfront property interest in Costa Rica? The answer is less than straightforward [...]
Think in Pink
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so my Entrepreneur CR article this month is dedicated to all women anywhere, and [...]
Now Law: Digital Nomads Welcomed in Costa Rica
I am pleased to update Howler readers on the March 2021 LegalEase article, Digital Nomads Welcomed in Costa Rica. The [...]
Britt Coffee
THE HISTORY OF GOURMET COFFEE Costa Rica has produced one of the best coffees in the world for over a [...]
Never Looked Back
Please allow me to introduce myself — my name is Joseph A. Emanuelli. I am the Managing Broker of Tres [...]
How to Build Inner Resilience
BEST COSTA RICA ADVENTURE DEALS Welcome, my fellow entrepreneurs, to a new month with new challenges, situations and expectations among [...]
Cadastre Registration Regularization Program
BEST COSTA RICA TRAVEL ADVENTURES In 2006, the Government of Costa Rica established (re-designed) the Cadastre and Registration Regularization [...]
Squatter’s Rights?
BEST COSTA RICA ADVENTURE DEALS Before you purchase property in Costa Rica you may want to know more about so-called [...]
Day Three Botanicals
Day Three Botanicals was created while exploring alternative treatments for epilepsy, chronic pain, and inflammation. Day Three was founded by [...]
Economic Reactivation Goals
New Law Encourages Foreign Investment and Relocation to Costa Rica On July 5, 2021, the government of Costa Rica published Law [...]
Joint Tenancy Property Title Registration
In English common law jurisdictions, such as Canada and the United States, registering a property title in joint tenancy — [...]
HMH Marketing
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Reset Your Mindset
My dear fellow entrepreneurs, I will begin this month's article with this mantra: “I am still standing!” Repeat this mantra [...]
Rental Properties
With the substantial number of rental properties in Costa Rica, it is important for owners who rent their properties out [...]
Water Availability
When considering building a home in Costa Rica, you might expect water availability to be the least of your concerns. [...]
Dynamic Howler Marketing
Interactive Videos - unmute, and click! Unmute videos. Open magazine pages to full screen. International Magazine Audiovisual Magazine Spanish quarterly [...]
Costa Rica’s Legal System: Roman Civil Law
Like the judicial systems used primarily throughout the countries of Latin America and continental western Europe, Costa Rica has adopted [...]
Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica: Basics – Part 2
Our last LegalEase article in the May 2021 Howler issue focused on the basics of making a real estate purchase [...]
Global Wellness Day
Happy June to all of you! This month’s Entrepreneur CR article is dedicated to an extraordinary worldwide celebration: Global Wellness [...]
Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica: The Basics
PART 1 Now that international borders have reopened, the real estate market in Costa Rica is starting to heat up. [...]
HOA Law in Costa Rica
Purchasing or renting property in Costa Rica can be confusing for foreigners. One of the most confusing and least understood [...]
Be One Step Ahead
My fellow friend entrepreneurs, I congratulate all of you because you are warriors, and you have survived. As this pandemic [...]
Digital Nomads Welcomed in Costa Rica
Becoming Unstuckable
Entrepreneur Costa Rica: Becoming Unstuckable - Your Personal Business Mission. Unstuckable may not appear in most conventional dictionaries, but nonetheless [...]
Lifting Disabled Barriers to Cahuita’s Beach Beauty
Have you ever tried to push a wheelchair through the sand? No, I have not either, but just the idea […]
ProParques Costa Rica
Getting Things Done They get things done! That was my foremost thought when undertaking to follow up on the community […]
New Obligations for Inactive Corporations
The Costa Rican tax administration, Ministerio de Hacienda, has implemented new decrees to control the legitimization of capital and root […]
Exit Permit Requirements for Minors
All Costa Rican minors (under the age of 18) are required to have an exit permit, regardless of whether or [...]
Staying the Main Course
A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association in the United States found nearly one in six restaurants have closed [...]
Feel Good From the Inside Out
Happy February, everyone! I got the sense that January passed fast, and some of the objectives that I had in [...]
Costa Rica Provides Additional COVID-19 Relief Measures
The Costa Rican government continues to adjust to the financial implications of COVID-19. The relief measures outlined below pertain to [...]
Your New Coldwell Banker Agents
Katy and Larry Benveniste Recently arriving from Hawaii, we traded one tropical paradise for another, leaving Maui’s sunny beaches for [...]
Taking Adventure Tourism To The Top – Diamante Hits New Heights
Diamante Hits New Heights - The growing business of Costa Rica's adventure tourism: On a perfectly bright and clear January morning in [...]
Your 2021 Vision Board
SPANISH BELOW Are you already wondering how next year will be? Do you want to plan to have the best [...]
International Exchange of Financial Account Information
This article will discuss the requirements and application in Costa Rica for the automatic exchange of foreigners’ financial account information [...]
A Challenge to Feel Good
Cómo están, my fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, working moms and friends? Before I started to brainstorm about what I [...]
Value Added Tax Modified for Tourism
The tax rate will be reinstated in stages over a period of time. Texto en español a continuación The [...]
IREN Renaissance Institute
Renaissance Institute, known as IREN, is a Costa Rican nonprofit organization focused on finding educational solutions for children and adults. [...]
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence Being an entrepreneur with a business to run can sometimes be overwhelming. Maintaining a business is a demanding [...]
Dare To Make A Difference
Dare To Make A Difference Spanish text below. Texto en español a continuación (Photos courtesy of SIFAIS) Located [...]
Local Fisherman Feeding Families and More
It is inspiring to see the number of people in the Jacó community that work to help others. No doubt [...]
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Entrepreneurs
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Entrepreneurs I am glad everyone is alive and kicking. In this article, I will be your […]
Do Foreigners Require a Costa Rica Will?
Do Foreigners Require a Costa Rica Will? As a Costa Rica lawyer I am often asked by expat clients whether […]
How to Open a Costa Rican Bank Account SP/EN
Aperturas de cuentas bancarias (English below) Requisitos para extranjeros (Residentes y no residentes) Banco de Costa Rica Original del documento […]
Jacó Impact: Making Waves in Ways that Matter
Born and raised in the neighboring port city of Puntarenas, Yorgina Ureña has been part of the Jacó community for […]