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Hi,
I’m curious what’s the process in CR to become a RE Agent. I am considering moving to CR probably this time next year. I have been interested in real estate quite some time now.“If” – I repeat – “IF” you are legally allowed to work in Costa Rica, as a first step I would recommend that you take the real estate agents course [ http://www.camaracbr.or.cr/ ] that will give you the very basics about Costa Rica real estate
After this, “if” – I repeat – “IF” you are legally allowed to work in Costa Rica, then many real estate offices would be happy to hire you. Selling real estate sales is a sales commission only profession so it doesn’t cost them too much to give you a set of business cards and point you to the telephone…
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comYou can must apply for “pensionista” or “rentista” status before applying for residency unless you are married to a Costa Rican or have a child in Costa Rica. Once you achieve this status for 3 years, according to Javier Zavaleta (attorney), you can apply for residency that will be granted at the end of 5 years as a “pensionista” or “rentista”. To get this status, there is an application process that must originate in a CR consulate or embassy in the country of your current residence. They used to allow you to apply in CR, but I am not sure if they have reinstated that caveat. You must also prove a guaranteed income of $1,000 per month per person + $500/month per child for 5 years or deposit $60,000/person + $30,000/child in a CR bank account and withdraw the required monthly amount for 5 years to satisfy “rentista” requirements. You must also must be present in the country for at least 4 months out the year, non-consecutively. I suggest you purchase Roger Petersen’s book and thoroughly educate yourself on the CR legal system.
And as Scott has so emphatically stated, you cannot be an “employee” without residency. However, you can own a company (S.A. in CR) and employ Costa Ricans but to do so without “pensionista” or “rentista” status will only allow you to remian in the country for 90 days at a time and then leave for 72 hours. Then you would be considered a “perpetual tourist” and run the risk of being barred from the country if you are caught.
The real answer to this question is…. “You get off the plane and start selling Real Estate!”
While there are MANY gifted, qualified, honest folks in the RE business here…. the REALITY is that MOST are nothing more than folks that have done just as I’ve stated… they got off the plane and went into “business”. That will become obvious when the FIRST person you meet (or knows someone) that has property for sale!
The rules only seem to apply to those who hold themselves to that standard.
THE POSITION OF THIS WEBSITE AND THE FOUNDER OF THIS WEBSITE SCOTT OLIVER IS THAT AS GUESTS IN THIS COUNTRY WE SHOULD ABIDE BY ALL COSTA RICA’S LAWS, IMMIGRATION AND EVERY OTHER LAW.
“If” you are working here illegally, all it takes is one telephone call to immigration and you could be escorted by immigration officials to the airport for a flight home.
Jealous competitors have made those telephone calls about me and made an number of other false and outrageous allegations and I have been visited by immigration police as well as other law enforcement officers… Thankfully I am a legal, permanent resident and allowed to work here.
It does happen and it’s going to happen more frequently in the future so for your sake and the sake of your young children – PLEASE do your homework and work here ONLY if you are legally allowed to do so …
And let’s please be realistic here, making a good living as a real estate sales person is NOT easy especially if you also wish to spend quality time with two very young children.
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comPS. As a matter of interest, are the same people who are encouraging someone to work in Costa Rica illegally OK with the idea that thousands of people cross the US border to work illegally there?
I agree with you Scott… and I for one find that playing by the rules makes sleeping at night much more of a pleasure…
But we ALL know that there are MANY people involved in the RE business here in CR that do not play by the rules. I’d venture a guess that some of the real estate professionals both you and I know are not playing by the rules.
To think otherwise is foolhardy…
I also agree Scott and have spent 5 years educating myself on the laws in Costa Rica. I have asked every question that has come to mind of three different attorneys (consensus is a quite acurate confirmation). This is a one shot opportunity and I would never consider jeopardizing it on a technicality.
Thank you everyone for your advice and thoughts. I do plan on doing things by the book in costa rica. I wouldnt jeapordize me and my kids in anyway shape or form living in costa rica. Like I side i would feel very very uncomfortable if i didnt. That’s why all of your thoughts and advice is dooley noted and will be taken in consideration.
While ‘Imxploring’ writes “
‘The real answer to this question is…. “You get off the plane and start selling Real Estate!”‘
The correct answer would be ‘you could try to sell real estate along with thousands of others’!Some friends of our who sell real estate, not legally, just mentioned the other day that they were closing a deal and that this was the first for over a year.
This won’t help raise and feed a family, unless you have money to spare…
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