Assistance:
The team at Costa Rica Immigration & Moving Experts will assist you with all of the acquisition of your paperwork required for one's legal status. This is a no-stress process!
Are You / Have You Been a
Perpetual Tourist Here in Costa Rica?
Have you been making those "BORDER RUNS" every 180 days?
This may be coming to an end very soon. .
Intent of the "Law to Regulate the Reentry of Foreigners into Costa Rica"
Costa Rica’s proposed law, officially titled “Ley para Regular el Reingreso de Extranjeros en Condición de Turista y Fortalecer la Gestión Migratoria” (Law to Regulate the Reentry of Foreigners in Tourist Status and Strengthen Immigration Management), aims to address the widespread practice known as the “visa run.” This occurs when foreigners on tourist visas leave the country briefly. . typically to Nicaragua or Panama. . only to return and renew their stay indefinitely, effectively bypassing Costa Rica’s immigration laws. Tens of thousands of expats are currently doing this on a regular basis.
To close this loophole, lawmakers have introduced amendments to the
"General Migration and Immigration Law (Law No. 8764),"
tightening regulations on tourist stays and reinforcing immigration controls.
Objectives of the Law:
✔ Prevent Indefinite Stays by Tourists – Stricter reentry controls will discourage the misuse of tourist visas for long-term residency.
✔ Address the Impact of “Permanent Tourists” – The law aims to reduce the strain on local communities, particularly in coastal areas, where rising housing costs, gentrification, and increased demand for services are becoming concerns.
✔ Strengthen Immigration Enforcement – Higher fines for overstays will help fund the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners, enhancing its capacity to enforce immigration laws.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Law:
1) Mandatory 90-Day Exit Before Re-Entry:
Once tourists reach their maximum stay limit, they must leave Costa Rica for 90 days before reentering. This measure prevents indefinite tourism and encourages those wishing to stay long-term to apply for legal residency or a digital nomad visa.
2) Increased Fines for Overstaying:
The law raises penalties for exceeding the legal stay period:
🔹 $300 per month for tourists overstaying their visa.
🔹 $100 per month for other foreigners who overstay.
🔹 Failure to pay results in an entry ban equal to three times the overstay period.
3) Exceptions to the 90-Day Exit Rule:
Certain foreigners will be exempt from the reentry restriction, including:
✅ Temporary residents and permanent residents as well.
✅ Business travelers, journalists, and professionals on official invitations.
✅ Digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies.
✅ Foreigners seeking medical treatment in Costa Rica.
4) Stricter Enforcement Modeled After the Schengen Zone:
Inspired by the Schengen Area rules, the proposal limits tourist stays to 90 days within a 180-day period. Violators may face entry bans of up to five years, similar to European immigration policies.
Addressing Gentrification Concerns:
The law also acknowledges the impact of long-term foreign residents on Costa Rica’s housing market, particularly in coastal areas. According to a study by the Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Población (IDESPO),
📌 86.8% of Costa Ricans believe foreigners are acquiring land in coastal areas.
📌 76.9% believe foreign residents are driving up property prices.
Proposed by Frente Amplio, a left-wing political party, the law seeks to regulate indefinite tourist stays and reduce real estate pressures affecting local communities.
Impact on Tourists and Expats:
For tourists, this means stricter enforcement of visa rules. If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period, ensure you comply with the new regulations to avoid fines and entry bans.
For expats and digital nomads, the law provides exemptions for remote workers employed by foreign companies. However, securing the correct visa or residency status remains crucial to avoid immigration issues.
Final Thoughts:
Costa Rica’s proposed visa reform is designed to prevent visa abuse, reduce gentrification and enhance immigration control. While it may change how some visitors extend their stays, it ultimately encourages those wishing to remain long-term to pursue legal residency options.
If you’re considering an extended stay in Costa Rica, now is the time to explore residency pathways and ensure compliance with the country’s evolving immigration policies.
Visit our website at: www.costaricaimmigrationandmovingexperts.com/landingpage2.html
Kevin McNamee: WhatsApp 506-8385-5008
Local Costa Rica: 8385-5008
Email: [email protected]
