Eric@Osaricarealty.com | 16 Blog(s)

Schools in Costa Rica: International, Private & Bilingual Education Options

Schools in Costa Rica: International, Private & Bilingual Education Options For families considering a move to Costa Rica, education is often one of the most important factors in deciding where to live. Fortunately, Costa Rica offers a wide range of educational options, including international schools, bilingual programs, private institutions, and public schools. The right choice will depend on your children’s ages, language abilities, educational goals, and the region of Costa

Living in Costa Rica: What Daily Life Is Really Like

Many people dream about moving to Costa Rica for its beaches, tropical climate, and relaxed lifestyle. While the country’s natural beauty certainly attracts attention, daily life in Costa Rica involves much more than simply living near the ocean. Understanding what everyday life is actually like can help future residents determine whether Costa Rica is the right fit for their goals, expectations, and lifestyle preferences. The Pace of Life One of

Hiring Household Help in Costa Rica: What Expats Should Know

Hiring Household Help in Costa Rica: What Expats Should Know One of the lifestyle adjustments many newcomers appreciate after moving to Costa Rica is the affordability of household assistance. Depending on your location and needs, it is often possible to hire housekeepers, gardeners, caretakers, pool technicians, and other service providers at costs that may be significantly lower than what many people are accustomed to in North America or Europe. However,

Short-Term Rental Taxes in Costa Rica: What Airbnb & Vacation Rental Owners Need to Know

Many foreign buyers purchase property in Costa Rica with the intention of generating rental income when they are not using the property themselves. Vacation rentals through platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com have become increasingly popular throughout the country, particularly in beach communities and tourism destinations. However, property owners should understand that rental income earned in Costa Rica is generally subject to taxation and reporting requirements. Understanding these obligations

Can You Buy Property in Costa Rica Without Being Present?

One of the most common questions foreign buyers ask is whether they need to be physically present in Costa Rica to purchase property. The short answer is no. Many real estate transactions in Costa Rica are completed successfully without the buyer being in the country for every step of the process. Whether you are purchasing a vacation home, investment property, retirement residence, or development land, there are legal mechanisms that

Water Rights in Costa Rica: What Property Buyers Need to Know

Water availability is one of the most important factors to evaluate when purchasing property in Costa Rica. Whether you are buying a home, building on vacant land, developing a commercial project, or investing in agricultural property, understanding water rights can have a major impact on the property’s value and future usability. Many foreign buyers focus on views, location, and pricing while overlooking water availability. In reality, access to a legal

Maritime Zone Laws in Costa Rica: What Beachfront Property Buyers Need to Know

Costa Rica’s beaches are among the country’s most desirable real estate locations, attracting investors, retirees, second-home buyers, and developers from around the world. However, purchasing beachfront property in Costa Rica is often very different from purchasing traditional titled property. Many buyers are surprised to learn that a significant portion of Costa Rica’s coastline falls within a special legal framework known as the Maritime Zone. Understanding how these laws work is

Buying Property in Costa Rica: What Foreign Buyers Need to Know Before Getting Started

Costa Rica has become one of the most popular destinations in the world for retirees, investors, second-home buyers, and families seeking a better quality of life. Whether your goal is a vacation home, rental property, retirement residence, or future relocation, understanding the fundamentals of buying property in Costa Rica can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. The buying process is generally straightforward, but it differs from what

Safety in Costa Rica: What Expats, Retirees & Families Should Know

Safety is one of the most common concerns for individuals and families considering a move to Costa Rica. While no country is completely free from crime or risk, Costa Rica has long been regarded as one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America. Like anywhere else, safety depends on understanding your environment, making informed decisions, and maintaining realistic expectations. Most expats, retirees, and long-term residents enjoy a

Banking in Costa Rica: What Expats, Retirees & Property Buyers Need to Know

Banking is one of the most important topics for anyone planning to relocate, retire, invest, or purchase property in Costa Rica. Whether you are opening a local account, transferring funds for a property purchase, receiving retirement income, or managing day-to-day expenses, understanding how the banking system works can help make your transition significantly smoother. Costa Rica has a well-established banking system, but the process often differs from what many foreigners