5 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Employment Law in Costa Rica

Labor contracts are mandatory: Costa Rican law requires that every employee have a formal written contract outlining terms of employment. Severance pay (Aguinaldo): Upon termination, employers are required to pay severance based on the employee's length of service and reasons for termination. Paid leave requirements: Employees are entitled to annual paid vacation, maternity leave, and public holidays. Failing to...

24 September

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5 Things You Should Do if Involved in a Car Accident in Costa Rica

Posted by Cyrus Seper

in Legal Advice

Call the police immediately: In Costa Rica, it is mandatory to report any car accident to the police and wait for them to arrive before moving vehicles. Do not leave the scene: Leaving the scene of an accident, no matter how minor, can result in legal issues. Stay until the police and insurance adjusters have arrived. Exchange information with...

23 September

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5 Things That Can Lead to Legal Trouble When Visiting Costa Rica

Posted by Cyrus Seper

in Legal Advice

Overstaying your visa: Exceeding the permitted time on your tourist visa can lead to fines, deportation, or restrictions on future entry. Engaging in illegal drug activities: Drug possession or trafficking, even in small amounts, is illegal and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment. Driving without a valid license or insurance: Tourists need a valid driver’s license and car insurance to...

22 September

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5 Things Expats Should Know About Property Laws in Costa Rica

Posted by Cyrus Seper

in Asset Protection, Immigration, Legal Advice

Foreign ownership rights: Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Costa Ricans, except in the Maritime Zone, where special rules apply to coastal areas. Conduct due diligence on property titles: Ensure that the property has a clean title, free of disputes, liens, or ownership issues, by conducting a title search with a lawyer. Maritime Zone restrictions: The first...

21 September

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5 Things to Avoid When Doing Business in Costa Rica

Posted by Cyrus Seper

in Legal Advice

Ignoring labor laws: Costa Rica has employee-friendly labor laws, including severance pay, vacation entitlements, and limits on working hours. Ignoring these could lead to lawsuits. Overlooking environmental regulations: Costa Rica is strict on environmental protection. Businesses must adhere to environmental laws and obtain permits before any development or changes to land use. Not securing necessary permits: Operating without the...

20 September

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5 Things to Know Before Signing a Contract in Costa Rica

Posted by Cyrus Seper

in Legal Advice

Understand the language: Contracts are usually written in Spanish. Ensure you fully understand the terms or hire a certified translator to avoid misunderstandings. Verify the legitimacy of the parties: Always verify the identities of the people or entities involved in the contract by checking their legal documentation and business registration. Check for arbitration or mediation clauses: Many contracts in...