Costa Rica Expertise              

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Owning Property in Costa Rica: A 2025 Guide



By: Garland M. Baker B. and
Licda. Xochilt Quezada López.
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

If you're buying property in Costa Rica, you've almost certainly been told: 'You must use a corporation.' It's the standard advice for expats. For years, the conventional wisdom, often echoed in online forums and by legal professionals, has been a simple and resounding endorsement of the corporate structure. This advice was typically rooted in the argument that the high cost of probate in Costa Rica made direct personal ownership a financially perilous choice for one's heirs.

However, this long-standing guidance is now dangerously outdated.

Monday, July 28, 2025

TRIBU-CR Launch Rescheduled: What You Need to Know


By: Garland M. Baker B. and
Licda. Xochilt Quezada López.
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

Breaking News from the Ministry of Finance! Today, July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) announced a critical update regarding the launch of TRIBU-CR. Due to recent developments, the official start date for TRIBU-CR, along with some related deadlines, has been rescheduled.

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Ever wonder why going to the bank in Costa Rica is such a nightmare?

By: Garland M. Baker B. and
Licda. Xochilt Quezada López
July 28, 2025, Update
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

The long lines, the constant requests for the same documents, the sudden threat of a frozen account—it's a shared frustration for many.

Monday, July 21, 2025

Costa Rica's Real Estate Market in Mid-2025: Are We in a New Cycle?



By: Garland M. Baker B.
July 21, 2025, Update
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

Discover Costa Rica's dynamic real estate market—a land of 'Pura Vida' and evolving opportunities for discerning buyers.

Monday, July 14, 2025

Navigating Costa Rica's Tax Landscape for Short-Term Rentals: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners



By: Garland M. Baker B.
Licda. Xochilt Quezada López
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

If you're a foreign resident in Costa Rica leveraging the booming tourism market by renting out your property on platforms like Airbnb, the time for full tax compliance is now. Hacienda, Costa Rica's tax authority, is intensifying efforts to ensure digital rental income is fully declared. Understanding and meeting these obligations is no longer optional; it's essential for the continued legality, success, and protection of your short-term rental business.

Let's delve into what you need to know, drawing on the latest insights and expert advice, to ensure your Costa Rica short-term rental business operates squarely within the bounds of the law.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Your 2025 Costa Rica Expat Tax and Compliance Calendar: A Clear Guide to Deadlines




By: Garland M. Baker B.
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

The whirlwind of new tax rules in Costa Rica over the past few years has left many expats feeling overwhelmed. Outdated information about old forms and past deadlines only adds to the confusion. It's time to clear the clutter.

Forget the old lists. This is your definitive tax and compliance calendar for 2025, specifically designed for expatriates who own property or have an inactive company in Costa Rica. Print this out, stick it on your fridge, and stay ahead of every important deadline this year.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Your 2025 Pura Vida Compliance Checklist


By: Garland M. Baker B.
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

The Essential 5-Point Check for Every Asset Holder

Whether you have a holding company for your vehicle or a property titled in your personal name, this checklist covers the critical areas you need to review annually.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Bridging Guanacaste's Past to a Booming Future: The Tempisque Friendship Bridge (2025 Update)


By: Garland M. Baker
Exclusive to CostaRicaExpertise.net

More than two decades after its inauguration, the structure once simply known as the Puente Tempisque Amistad Taiwan continues to be far more than just a bridge. It is the artery of Guanacaste, a vital conduit that has transformed the Nicoya Peninsula from a collection of sleepy beach towns into a thriving hub of tourism and real estate investment. As we revisit this iconic landmark in mid-2025, its significance has only deepened, underscored by recent major renovations and a burgeoning regional economy.