Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet in Costa Rica | Must-Know Legal Tips for Expats

Terry:
Well, happy 2025 to you! It’s a brand-new year, full of opportunities. If you live here in Costa Rica or are considering coming here, one of the realities is that you need legal counsel for a lot of things. Good day to you! My name is Terry with Howler Magazine, and with me is Debbie from Quatro Legal. Welcome, Debbie.

Debbie:
Hi, Terry. Thanks for having me. Hope you’re doing great. Can you believe it’s 2025?

Terry:
I feel like we just started last year, and now it’s over. Here we are. One of the realities for anyone living here or looking to move here is the need for trustworthy legal representation. You need a company that will tell you the truth, give you all the information up front, and follow through. If you post a question on social media, you’ll get all kinds of stories—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Like in our January edition of Howler Magazine, you’ll see all kinds of responses.

We appreciate everyone who has been following our webinars and sharing them. I’ve even noticed that when someone asks for recommendations on platforms like Facebook, Quatro Legal often comes up multiple times. That’s a testament to the reputation you’ve built. People want someone they can trust, who follows through, and keeps them informed about changing laws and policies.

Also, remember to visit HowlerMag.com. Since 1996, we’ve been publishing a wide variety of articles, including legal resources and updates. The business section is a great resource for residency and legal guidance.

Terry:
So, Debbie, tell us more about Quatro Legal. What have you done for residents or those becoming residents, and what can you offer?

Debbie:
Thanks, Terry. One of the most important things I always tell people is to get accurate information. I talk to people daily who have found outdated or incorrect advice online. A simple mistake can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why sharing accurate information is so critical. Please share these webinars with your friends and subscribe so we can continue providing helpful content.

We’ve been in the expat world for about 15 years now, which feels incredible to me. Day by day, it adds up, and suddenly it’s been 15 years. Before finding Quatro Legal, I went through at least five attorneys. One of them turned out not to be a real attorney, as I found through a website similar to Costa Rica’s Bar Association. It’s crucial to find someone you can trust.

Most of us haven’t lived in a country where you need an attorney for nearly everything. In Costa Rica, you need legal help to buy a car, purchase property, and more. For many of us coming from other countries, this is a big adjustment. Back home, needing an attorney usually means something bad has happened. Here, it’s part of exciting milestones like buying property or becoming a resident.

What’s great about Quatro Legal is that we have teams of experts in specific areas. We cover real estate, immigration, corporations, and more. For example, we handle all those pesky annual maintenance tasks like filing corporate documents. If you have a corporation, you know what I mean. Having someone you can rely on to take care of these things brings such peace of mind.

Terry:
That peace of mind is invaluable. Can you explain your process for helping clients with residency?

Debbie:
Of course. For residency, clients typically only need to visit the office once. During that visit, they sign a power of attorney and provide a copy of their passport. We handle everything else, including submitting applications to Immigration and scheduling fingerprint appointments. Every document is thoroughly reviewed to ensure accuracy and compliance.

One category that has changed recently is the rentista residency. There is so much misinformation out there because many websites haven’t updated their content. I get emails daily from people asking about old processes. It’s important to stay on top of these changes, especially if you’re moving with plans to bring a car or household items under tax exemptions.

Terry:
Real estate is another big topic for expats. Can you touch on that?

Debbie:
Real estate in Costa Rica is quite different from what people might be used to. For example, there are no title companies here, so due diligence is critical. We ensure that properties have access to water and electricity, verify lot lines, and confirm that everything is in order. Our team is happy to provide quotes and upfront information to help clients make informed decisions.

Terry:
What about Caja? That’s another big concern for expats too.

Debbie:
Caja is a critical part of life here, and we have a specialist, Xu, who helps clients navigate the process. She ensures clients are assigned the correct rates and represents them at appointments. Another exciting change is that residency applicants can now get a temporary Costa Rican driver’s license as soon as their application is submitted. That’s a big convenience.

Terry:
As the year unfolds, there are always changes. How does Quatro Legal help clients stay informed?

Debbie:
We’re committed to providing timely and accurate information. For example, the government recently announced stricter regulations for Airbnb and VRBO hosts. They’ll now require hosts to provide personal or corporate information, file monthly VAT returns, and possibly pay income taxes. These changes will impact many expats, and we’re here to guide them.

Terry:
It sounds like Quatro Legal offers a wide range of services. What’s the best way for people to contact you?

Debbie:
The easiest way is through our website or social media. We also offer complimentary consultations, so there’s no reason to rely on Facebook groups or outdated online advice. Reach out, and we’ll help you get accurate information and make informed decisions.

Terry:
That’s great advice. Debbie, thank you so much for joining us. Happy New Year!

Debbie:
Thank you, Terry! It’s always a pleasure. Happy New Year!

Terry:
Make sure to check out past videos and share this with your friends. Quatro Legal is here to make your Costa Rica experience as smooth as possible. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you soon.

Debbie:
Ciao, Terry!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.