Adam J. Says:
Do I need a lawyer to get residency in Costa Rica?
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Adam,
Getting residency can be a big job, involving different governmental agencies.
It’s possible to go through the residence process on your own. But, it’s best to hire a reputable Costa Rican attorney to guide you through the process, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Most of the government officials you will interact with will not speak English.
Plus, attorneys are familiar with the process and will help you avoid unnecessary delays due to missing documents or other issues. Their job is to help the process go smoother.
Hiring a lawyer usually costs between $1,200 and $2,500 per person. But it’s important to note that cheaper is not always better.
And be wary of non-lawyer “fixers” who offer to shepherd you through the process for a fee.
Remember that lawyers are not just translators. They’ll take you to the government offices to turn in the documents to ensure your paperwork goes to the correct place. Attorneys even have a special window at the immigration office with no wait to help expedite the process.
With or without a lawyer, patience is critical during the residency process. Immigration offices are crowded, and officials are overworked. Long wait times are the norm. Whenever visiting a government office, be sure to get there early so you can be at the front of the line. And bring a book to read.
I worked with a fantastic lawyer named Rosa when I was getting divorced in Costa Rica. I love sharing her contact with people because I know how hard it is to find someone who actually listens to you and has your best interest at heart—which is how I always felt when working with Rosa and her team, including her daughter Jimena, at Themis Legal (+506 7075 6154).
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