working but not "working"

[zeke]

Hi- I'm wondering if anyone knows about the requirements (if any) for a "work permit" if your work is soley internet based. No wages earned in Costa Rica, only from abroad and no $ sent here (CR) not for a company with any ties here... Basically it's telecommuting (on line scheduling, data entry) but not sure if it's something I need to address?

Thanks in advance for any info.
Zoey

[Russ]

Hi Zoey,

As a practical matter there is no way Immigration would worry about the work you are performing or have any way to find out that you are "working" here.  However you would still have to deal with the practical matter of residing here.  What I mean is that you can certainly do the work and earn the money.  You wouldn't even have to worry about taxes here, since even the new tax bill was never trying to tax earnings that are already taxed under other country's laws.

But you might run into trouble for example if you have a traffic accident or get stopped at a checkpoint (like when they stop all the cars to look for drunk drivers).  It seems that with the new immigration laws and enformcement it will be getting more and more difficult to live here as a "perpetual tourist".

That means that it might be in your best interest to get the work permit, as a way to reside legally even though you don't necessarily need it for earning purposes or as a practical matter.

[zeke]

Thanks Russ ~ that was what I was thinking. I am planning on residing legally since residency application is well underway. Appreciate the info and perspective.

Regards,
Zoey