Source: Lonely Planet
Security & Justice
State Action Signals Change in Tackling Longstanding Illegal Land Grabs in Jbeil District
For years, the serene villages of Jbeil's highlands have been far from peaceful. Ghabat, a Maronite village nestled between the predominantly Shiite towns of Afqa and Lassa, has become a focal point of growing tensions due to territorial disputes.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Mawlawi Ensures Strict Monitoring for Wanted Syrian Regime Figures at Beirut Airport
Caretaker Minister of Interior, Bassam Mawlawi, conducted an inspection tour of Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut to review the security arrangements and measures implemented by the Airport Security Apparatus ahead of the holiday season.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Opinion
Lebanon After the Assads
The United States has important equities in Lebanon, including a desire for a generally friendly government’s economic and political stability; security cooperation; long-standing relations with the large Christian community in Lebanon and Lebanese diaspora in the United States; and ultimately peace between Israel and Lebanon within a broader regional settlement. Achieving these objectives will require navigating a tumultuous period in the country’s history following a war between Hezbollah and Israel that has devastated a large part of the country, exacerbating Lebanon’s already challenging economic conditions. But perhaps the most important dynamic will be how a likely Sunni-dominated state of uncertain composition in Syria will differ in its intentions toward Lebanon from the previous Alawite-led minoritarian Assad regime.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Europe’s Syrian Dilemma
The news of the sudden and unexpected demise of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has met a mixed response in Europe. The jubilation that a murderous dictator and close ally of Russia and Iran has fallen is not just good for the Syrian people but serves as a morale booster for Eastern Europeans wondering whether Russia can be defeated
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils New Private Jet Worth $73 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the richest global athletes, has unveiled his upgraded private jet reportedly worth $73 million. With its top-notch design, exceptional speed and range of 7500 nautical miles, the Gulfstream G650 is among the fastest jets in the world.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Guardiola Accepts Man City May Need to Sign More Players to Cope with Schedule
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes he will need a bigger squad to handle soccer’s ever-expanding fixture schedule.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday 21 August 2021 11:28:11
You Can Do Your Job from Costa Rica with this New 12-Month Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica recently passed a law to grant visas to digital nomads. The visa allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least a year, all while enjoying the country's easy-going 'Pura Vida' lifestyle and a wide range of benefits.
Several countries have introduced special visas for remote workers since the pandemic as more people have the opportunity to become international digital nomads. Georgia, Estonia and Aruba recently introduced such visas, and now Costa Rica is getting in on the trend by granting visas to international visitors who wish to do their current jobs from the Central American country. It makes it easier for them to stay there for a year—with the option to extend it to two years.
It's hoped that the new visa will prop up the tourism industry and boost related sectors. Contributions from digital nomads is expected to inject USD $24,100 (15 million colones) per year into the local economy, the tourism board predicts—which the government hopes will provide more jobs for Costa Ricans.
"The digital nomad utilizes services, consumes food, makes purchases, utilizes transportation, and hires people—all of this generates more employment and growth in the country,” Costa Rica's president Carlos Alvarado said in a statement.
The law was signed on August 11, and while some details have still to be confirmed, it's likely that people will be able to apply for the digital nomad visa within a matter of weeks.
What's included?
Currently, digital nomads enter Costa Rica as tourists and must therefore leave the country within 90 days but this new visa will allow the holder and their families to stay in Costa Rica for up to one year, with the option to extend it for an additional year. Under the digital nomad visa, the holder is exempt from paying local income taxes, and is permitted to open a bank account in Costa Rica. They will also be permitted to drive using their own country's driving license.
How do I apply for Costa Rica's digital nomad visa?
You must present proof of an income greater than US$3000 per month to apply; or if you're traveling with your spouse or family, that income can be combined to US$5000 per month.
You'll need to obtain a medical insurance policy that covers you throughout your stay in Costa Rica, and you'll also need to make a one-time payment for the visa to be issued; though that amount has yet to be determined.
Applications have yet to open and more details on the digital nomad visa are expected to be announced soon. We'll update this article when we have more information.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica has been welcoming tourists without quarantine or testing, but there are still some additional requirements in place. Arrivals must complete an online Health Pass before they board their flight, and local restrictions apply in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates. Travelers are advised to stay up-to-date on public health guidelines before traveling to Costa Rica.