Volare Services and Costs

First Step: Explain Your Vision.

Call us (or drop us a note and we'll call you) to discuss what your goals are. From your goals we'll decide together if we're a good fit -- our services, your wants and needs.

This first conversation covers general questions about living in Costa Rica. and there's no "time limit" on the conversation. Questions like residency requirements, ownership opportunities for non-residents, locations for living, investing, weather in various places, broad conversation about banking, operating permits, social laws, employing people, medical facilities, churches and religious considerations, shopping, importing personal goods.

At this time we can plan a visit to Costa Rica to meet team specialists to explore the country, or we can postpone that conversation until you've digested what you've learned.

You can call your Planner anytime, at no cost to you, but we're e not experts in "everything". For more detailed requests you will need one of the experts, as listed below.

No charge

Locating Your Resources and Place To Live in Costa Rica

Volare Guides and 4x4 Vehicle for Exploring

Once you've decided your priorities - where you'd like to live, which resources (industries, church, medical services etc.), we assign a Volare guide with a 4x4 to explore the region with you.

Prior to your arrival you should talk with your Volare guide (there's no charge for the [pre-trip conversation), to get a good feel for his or her compatibility with you. We'll give you a phone number (or a WhatsApp number -- the preferred way of communicating internationally) once you have committed to guide service.
And feel free to ask for a "replacement" guide... before or during the exploration.

Most places available for purchase (or renting) are not listed with any agency. The good news: Volare's guide earns on a per day basis, not a sales commission. Our guides have real ability to "open doors" for exploring purchase or renting options, find out how the local area treats taxes, local industries and work opportunities, advantages (and disadvantages) of places that may interest you.

We recommend at least 4 days with your Volare guide to start, and longer if you have complex requirements.

$400 per day or part of day, minimum 2 days
Includes 4x4 vehicle (suitable for 2 plus guide), guide and car expenses

Legal Assistance

Alfonso is our team member (and lawyer).

Purchase or Rent Home, Property, Commercial Site

All property sales require a lawyer. The Registro Nacional is the government agency that is the single registry of property in Costa Rica. Alfonso does the grunt work to make sure there are no claims on the property -- from private loan securities to mortgages to conflicting information on ownership or property description. While there is "Title Insurance" available from North American franchise companies like Stewart Title, these services are used mainly by North American ex-pats who are accustomed to buying with this type of protection. Costa Ricans rely on the Registro Nacional.

Lawyer's legal fees are determined by the sales value of the property. The legal fee is enshrined in law as a fixed percent of the sale price. The transfer tax is paid by the seller.

It sounds straightforward, but it is full of traps for the inexpert. Many titles are so old they are almost written on parchment and require new surveys and verification examining older titles of neighboring properties.

Cost: Initial consultation via telephone: No charge

Cost for property transfer: 1.25% to 2.5% of purchase price

LEGAL: RESIDENCY/VISITOR VISAS

Alfonso is one of the foremost experts in Costa Rica for residency permissions. The process without an expert lawyer takes 3-4 years; with most applicants Alfonso can obtain a residency in 6 months.

While foreigners can own property, businesses, cars, etc., there are big advantages to having a legal residency if you plan to be in Costa Rica the majority of the time.

Cost: Initial consultation via telephone: No charge

Cost: Including Costa Rica government registration costs, from $1900 to $4,000 per primary applicant, from $500 to $1100 each additional family member

Engineering and Construction

Ricardo is our construction and engineering guru. From tool sheds to hydro plants, Ricardo is a hands-on engineer who handles every aspect of small, medium or gigantic projects. Obtaining permits, finalizing design, getting materials, testing the soil and hiring the work force. His team includes local construction workers who relocate as needed to your site and from the top engineering and construction companies in Latin America when you need them.

Cost: Initial consultation via telephone: No charge

Cost: per hour, consulting:$400
Construction Projects are by contract

Volare Private Activities

While you are here to explore the possibility of "forever", have some fun in the "now".

Not surprisingly, Volare private activities are operated by Serendipity Costa Rica. Serendipity has 28 years experience operating private activities and custom travel. The Serendipity team includes some of the most versatile and respected guides in the country.

Take advantage of our years of experience finding great accommodations, food, and adventures... no charge for designing your travels.

Cost: Call Volare for private (one day) experiences and full itineraries for 2 to 27 days.