March 2025 - IEX Costa Rica

Costa Rica is renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant biodiversity, but at the heart of this paradise lies a community of unsung heroes: the Tico farmers. Their way of life is a beautiful blend of sustainability, simplicity, and deep respect for the land. By taking a closer look at their daily routines, we can learn valuable lessons about living in harmony with nature and embracing the Pura Vida philosophy.

Sunrise and Connection to the Land

For a Tico farmer, the day begins long before the sun has fully risen. As the sky turns shades of pink and orange, they step outside, breathing in the crisp morning air. The first task is often feeding the animals—chickens, cows, or goats—before heading to the fields.

Farmers here don’t just grow crops; they nurture them. Whether it’s coffee, bananas, cacao, or root vegetables, each plant is treated with care. Many use traditional, sustainable farming practices passed down through generations, avoiding harmful chemicals to keep the soil healthy and productive.

The lesson: Start your day with purpose and connection. A little care and attention to detail go a long way, whether you’re tending crops or pursuing personal goals.

Mid-Morning: Harvesting Nature’s Bounty

As the sun climbs higher, it’s time to begin the day’s work. Harvesting is done by hand—carefully selecting ripe fruits or vegetables to ensure quality. In coffee plantations, for example, beans are picked selectively to maintain the flavor and integrity of the harvest.

This part of the day is physically demanding, but there’s joy in it, too. Many farmers sing or share stories with their families and neighbors as they work, turning labor into an opportunity for connection and community.

The lesson: Take pride in your work, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. Hard work feels lighter when shared with others.

Noon: A Well-Deserved Meal

Lunchtime is a sacred moment for Tico farmers—a time to refuel and reconnect with family. Meals are simple, wholesome, and prepared with ingredients straight from the farm. Think rice and beans (gallo pinto), fresh vegetables, homemade tortillas, and perhaps some freshly caught fish or free-range chicken.

Lunch is enjoyed slowly, often under the shade of a tree or on a wooden table in the kitchen. It’s a reminder to pause, appreciate the fruits of their labor, and bond with loved ones.

The lesson: Simplicity is satisfying. A meal shared with family is more nourishing than the fanciest dish eaten alone.

Afternoon: Working With Nature, Not Against It

The afternoon is spent maintaining the farm—watering plants, repairing fences, or planting seeds for the next harvest. Farmers here have a deep understanding of the land and its rhythms. They respect the rainy season and plan accordingly, often using rainwater collection systems or practicing crop rotation to keep the soil fertile.

Sustainability isn’t a trend for Tico farmers; it’s a way of life. Many participate in local cooperatives, sharing resources and knowledge to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.

The lesson: Live sustainably by working with nature, not against it. Small steps—like composting or conserving water—can make a big difference over time.

Evening: Reflection and Rest

As the day winds down, the farm grows quiet. Animals settle in, the sun dips below the horizon, and the air cools. Farmers take this time to reflect on the day’s work, enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee, and share stories with family.

Evenings often involve preparing for tomorrow—sharpening tools, checking weather forecasts, or organizing harvested goods for market. But it’s also a time to rest, recharge, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life in the countryside.

The lesson: Balance work and rest. Taking time to reflect and unwind ensures you’re ready to face the challenges of the next day.

What We Can Learn From Tico Farmers

The life of a Tico farmer may seem simple, but it’s rich with lessons about sustainability, community, and gratitude. They remind us to respect the land that provides for us, to value connection over convenience, and to embrace the slower rhythms of life.

For those looking to make Costa Rica home, whether temporarily or permanently, there’s much to be gained from adopting the farmer’s mindset. Respect for the environment and an appreciation for life’s simple joys are at the core of the Pura Vida lifestyle that makes Costa Rica so special.

How Immigration Experts Can Help You Embrace This Way of Life

If the idea of living in harmony with nature and embracing a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle appeals to you, Costa Rica is the perfect place to call home. Immigration Experts is here to guide you through the residency process, making your transition seamless so you can focus on settling into this beautiful way of life.

From managing legal paperwork to providing expert advice on integrating into local communities, Immigration Experts ensures you can enjoy all the benefits of Costa Rica without the stress. Let us help you start your journey toward living your own Pura Vida.

Costa Rica, long celebrated for its welcoming immigration policies and vibrant expat communities, is taking significant steps to reform its immigration system. A new legislative proposal aims to address the widespread practice of the “Visa Run,” a loophole that has allowed foreigners to extend their stays indefinitely without applying for residency. This development has far-reaching implications for tourists, expats, and immigration professionals alike.

Understanding the “Visa Run” Phenomenon

The “Visa Run” is a well-known strategy employed by foreigners in Costa Rica to circumvent the 180-day limit typically granted to tourists under the country’s visa policies. By briefly exiting the country—often to neighboring Nicaragua or Panama—and re-entering shortly thereafter, individuals can obtain a new tourist visa, effectively resetting their 180-day stay. While this practice has been a convenient workaround for long-term visitors, it has also created significant challenges for Costa Rica’s immigration system and local economy.

The Rationale Behind the Proposed Reforms

The proposed legislation, spearheaded by lawmakers from the Frente Amplio party, seeks to address the unintended consequences of the Visa Run. These include rising housing costs in popular expat destinations, increased pressure on public services, and unfair competition in the labor market. By closing this loophole, the government aims to create a more equitable and sustainable immigration framework.

Marcela Gurdian, President of Immigration Experts Costa Rica and a leading immigration lawyer, has been a vocal advocate for these reforms. She emphasizes the need for a system that distinguishes between genuine tourists and those who misuse tourist visas to live or work in Costa Rica indefinitely.

“Costa Rica has always been a welcoming destination for foreigners, but the current system allows for exploitation. Many individuals work illegally under the guise of tourism, undermining local businesses and workers. This reform is about fairness and ensuring that those who reside here contribute to the system in a meaningful way.”

Key Components of the Proposed Legislation

The proposed reforms focus on two critical amendments to Costa Rica’s General Law of Migration and Foreigners:

Mandatory Waiting Period for Re-Entry

Articles 33 and 91 of the law would be amended to introduce a mandatory waiting period before individuals can re-enter Costa Rica under the same visa status. This change would effectively eliminate the ability to perform back-to-back Visa Runs, requiring long-term visitors to pursue legal residency options instead.

Increased Penalties for Overstaying

The legislation proposes higher fines for individuals who exceed their authorized stay. These fines would be directed to the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) to fund improvements in immigration services and enforcement.

Legal and Practical Implications for Immigration Professionals

For immigration experts, these reforms underscore the importance of guiding clients toward compliance with Costa Rica’s residency requirements. The proposed changes will likely lead to an increase in applications for temporary and permanent residency, particularly among digital nomads, retirees, and long-term visitors who have historically relied on Visa Runs.

Marcela Gurdian highlights the broader implications for the immigration landscape:

“This reform is not about discouraging tourism or expatriation. Rather, it is about ensuring that those who choose to make Costa Rica their home do so through the proper legal channels. As immigration professionals, our role is to help clients navigate these changes and secure the appropriate visas or residency permits.”

What This Means for Tourists and Expats

For short-term tourists who adhere to the 180-day limit, the reforms will have little impact. However, long-term visitors, including digital nomads and retirees, will need to reassess their strategies for staying in Costa Rica. The proposed waiting period for re-entry will make Visa Runs impractical, necessitating a shift toward formal residency applications.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration Policy

Costa Rica’s proposed reforms reflect a broader effort to balance the country’s open-door policy with the need for sustainable and equitable immigration practices. By addressing the misuse of tourist visas, the government aims to protect local resources, support Costa Rican workers, and maintain the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for responsible visitors and residents.

Conclusion: Navigating the Changing Landscape

As the legislative process unfolds, immigration professionals will play a critical role in helping clients adapt to the new rules. The proposed reforms represent a significant shift in Costa Rica’s immigration policy, emphasizing compliance, fairness, and sustainability. For those who cherish Costa Rica as a home or destination, understanding and adhering to these changes will be essential.

Marcela Gurdian and the team at Immigration Experts Costa Rica remain committed to providing expert guidance and support as these reforms take shape. For updates and assistance with residency applications, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

A Day in the Life of a Tico Farmer: Lessons in Sustainability and Simplicity