Questions About Costa Rica

[Beancounter]

I am seeking information about keeping a sailboat, potentially permanently, in Costa Rica. I have read where a recreational, boat registered say in the U.S. is allowed in country for 3 months with an additional 3 month extension. Then it has to be moved out of Costa Rica for 6 months. Does anyone have any current information on this. This is quite restrictive as is the import tax (30%) if I were to register the boat in Costa Rica. I am researching the web and have yet to find any changes to this law.

[Paul L]

Look under Customs here
https://www.noonsite.com/place/costa-rica/formalities/

Costa Rica will be a very expensive place to keep a cruising boat. The marinas are oriented toward high end sportsfisher boats and charge high fees.

[Beancounter]

Paul, thanks for your reply and the info. Despite the costs I will be living there for the next 3 years and need something to do. Not much choice.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Beancounter

Paul, thanks for your reply and the info. Despite the costs I will be living there for the next 3 years and need something to do. Not much choice.

It can be difficult to get the required berth at the authorized marinas, so do your homework before you head down with tne boat. CR customs and immigration can be difficult to deal with and very picky on some days.

[Beancounter]

Paul,

Spoke to the harbor master in Papagayo Laws are changing Sept '21. CR's tourism is below 40% due to Covid. Given this they are easing entry and cruising ability for cruising yachts. However it will be expensive.
More later...

[belizesailor]

In most Central American countries a good agent can make a world of difference. They can certainly make the process easier and may save you money as well.

Maybe someone has a recommendation in CR?

[Montanan]

FYI

Cruising Permits.

Snipets:

There are two types of navigation permits in Costa Rica: 90 days and the 2 year permits (renewable, often referred to as 2-year cruising permits).

2-year cruising permits are only available through fully government licensed marinas like Banana Bay, and we allow our customers a one year minimum dockage contract for these permits.

Dockage is at the same rate as listed here on our website, at a monthly rate of less than $1 per foot per day, and there are discounts available for pre-payment. For the duration of this contract you are always guaranteed a slip at our marina.

The 90-day permit requires that for every 90 days you stay in the country, you must wait 90 days before you can return. If you overstay your 90 days, you are subject to an import tax on your boat up to 40% of its value as determined by the government.

With the two-year permit you can enjoy your stay for months on end, and as the permit is renewable, your boat can stay in the country for years without subjection to this import tax.

The cruising permit only allows the vessel to stay for long periods in Costa Rica; if you do not have Costa Rican citizenship or permanent residency you must still abide by your travel visa and leave the country for 48 hours every 90 days to renew your tourist visa.

The process to obtain a 2-year cruising permit takes up to one month. To learn more about the permit or how to obtain one, please call our office or email us at info@bananabaymarinagolfito.com.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Montanan

FYI



Cruising Permits.



Snipets:



There are two types of navigation permits in Costa Rica: 90 days and the 2 year permits (renewable, often referred to as 2-year cruising permits).



2-year cruising permits are only available through fully government licensed marinas like Banana Bay, and we allow our customers a one year minimum dockage contract for these permits.



Dockage is at the same rate as listed here on our website, at a monthly rate of less than $1 per foot per day, and there are discounts available for pre-payment. For the duration of this contract you are always guaranteed a slip at our marina.



The 90-day permit requires that for every 90 days you stay in the country, you must wait 90 days before you can return. If you overstay your 90 days, you are subject to an import tax on your boat up to 40% of its value as determined by the government.



With the two-year permit you can enjoy your stay for months on end, and as the permit is renewable, your boat can stay in the country for years without subjection to this import tax.



The cruising permit only allows the vessel to stay for long periods in Costa Rica; if you do not have Costa Rican citizenship or permanent residency you must still abide by your travel visa and leave the country for 48 hours every 90 days to renew your tourist visa.



The process to obtain a 2-year cruising permit takes up to one month. To learn more about the permit or how to obtain one, please call our office or email us at info@bananabaymarinagolfito.com.

There ya go, extended permit and agent all in one post!