The Guide to Costa Rica Work Visas & Permits 2024

Due to government regulations limiting the types of work that foreign nationals can do in Costa Rica, getting a work permit for the country might be a challenge unless you can provide convincing evidence that your job is really unique and cannot be filled by native Costa Ricans.

That being said, if you are interested in finding a job in the Costa Rican job market, it’s still possible. But first, you’ll need to know what special category work and special category work permits are, their definition and requirements, and the best way to apply for them.

This Pacific Prime Latin America article will provide you with a summary of the aforementioned information to help kickstart your expat journey in Costa Rica.

Securing Work in Costa Rica

The most effective methods for expats to secure special category work in the Costa Rican job market are gaining permanent residency through long-term stays by doing remote work under a temporary Rentista residence visa or establishing and owning a business under a temporary Inversionista visa; doing so enables expats to apply for work under the special category criteria without fail. 

On the other hand, you may attempt to apply for special category work without permanent residency, but your employer will need to show that your position in the special category of work is impossible for a Costa Rican to perform. If successful, you’ll not only be granted a temporary residence permit but also a special category residency/work permit.

Remote Work

For expats, working remotely for international companies or as freelancers in Costa Rica by earning their income from abroad is an option that enables them to work without securing local employment. This is an effective method for digital nomads and professionals who can perform their duties remotely.

After performing remote work under temporary Rentista residency for 3 years, you will be eligible for permanent residency and thus be able to apply for work in the Costa Rican job market under the special category of work.

Rentista Requirements for Freelancers and Digital Nomads

Foreign nationals with a steady monthly income of USD $2,500 from a guaranteed source for a period of two years are eligible for a temporary residency visa under the “rentista” category that Costa Rica offers to those who wish to immigrate to the country.

Establishing or Investing in a Business

The second method is to become a business owner or investor in Costa Rica. By establishing a business, you are required to hire Costa Ricans to work in your company or invest more than USD $150,000 in a business or property.

After owning and running a business or investing in one under temporary Inversionista residency for 3 years, you will be eligible for permanent residency and thus be able to apply for work in the Costa Rican job market under the special category of work.

Inversionista Requirements for Investors and Business Owners

Inversionista visas require business owners and investors to invest more than USD $150,000 in Costa Rican businesses or property. Additional legal requirements are to hire Costa Rican nationals to work for your business and pay incorporation fees as denoted below.

• To qualify for an Inversionista temporary visa, you are required to invest more than USD $150,000 in a Costa Rican business or property.
• Please note that the additional cost of incorporating a business entity in Costa Rica will range from approximately USD $10,000 to USD $18,400.
• To determine the number of Costa Rican nationals to hire, please consult a Costa Rican lawyer, as business requirements may vary depending on scale and industry.

Directly Applying for Special Category Work Without Permanent Residency

When applying for special category work without permanent residency, your employer must prove that your function in the special category of work cannot be performed by a Costa Rican national. If successful, you’ll not only be granted a temporary residence permit but also a special category work permit.

Please note that Costa Rican authorities may go to extreme lengths to determine the necessity of the job function an expat wishes to perform, and this may take around 3 to 8 months, or longer, to process, requiring your utmost patience.

Below is a table summarizing the key methods for expats to perform special category work in Costa Rica:

Special Category Work

In Costa Rica, expat work functions fall under the special category; these jobs are generally reserved for Costa Rican nationals and require special permission from authorities for those without permanent residency to apply and perform.

As a reminder, special category work functions are classified as the following: 

• Temporary workers
• Workers in a specific occupation
• Transferee staff
• Self-employed workers in a well-established company
• Individuals who are self-employed in the agriculture, service, or construction industry
• Athletes, artists, and entertainers
• Transfrontier workers
• Professional and technical guests

Special Category Work Visa

In Costa Rica, expatriates can obtain a special category work visa, which is a specific type of immigration permit that allows them to work in job roles falling under the “Special Category.” This category encompasses the job functions mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

• If successful, they will receive both a permit to perform job functions under the special category, and receive a temporary residency visa.

Popular Investment Sectors for Expats in Costa Rica

The most popular and profitable investment sectors for expats in Costa Rica comprise medical devices and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, information technology and business processing outsourcing (IT BPO), and ecotourism and sustainable agriculture.

Medical Devices and Life Sciences 

Costa Rica has emerged as a prominent global player in the medical device and life sciences fields. The country produces a diverse range of medical devices, including orthopedic implants, disposable items, diagnostic equipment, and precision instruments.

Advanced Manufacturing

Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing sector encompasses a variety of products, such as aerospace components, automotive parts, and electronic components. The country has attracted major multinational corporations that seek strategic manufacturing locations.

Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) 

Costa Rica has established itself as a significant player in the global IT-BPO industry. The country specializes in services such as software development, IT consulting, customer support, and business process outsourcing.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Agriculture 

Costa Rica is renowned for its dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The country’s ecotourism industry flourishes due to its abundant biodiversity, offering tourists unique experiences in national parks, rainforests, and wildlife reserves.

Additionally, sustainable agriculture practices contribute to the export of organic products, including coffee, bananas, and pineapples. This industry holds a prominent position in Costa Rica.

Why Should Expats Invest in Costa Rica?

If you plan on investing in Costa Rica, you’ll be able to take advantage of the non-restricted repatriation of earnings, royalties, reinvestments, and capital. You will also benefit from political stability, non-restricted capital fund transfers, and global standards of intellectual property protection.

In the current decade, the key objective of Costa Rica’s trade policy is to promote and consolidate the country’s position in the international economy. This means gradually preparing its workforce to learn and collaborate with foreign workers while prioritizing its people.

Below are the main reasons why you should consider investing in Costa Rica:

• Costa Rica serves as a preferential access platform for 1/3 of the world’s population and 2/3 of worldwide GDP, with 90% of goods exported covered by free trade agreements.
• Over 200 multinational companies are currently operating in Costa Rica, with approximately 95% of their employees being local and bilingual.
• The country has an excellent business climate based on a renowned democratic tradition, economic stability, and political stability.
• There are no limitations on capital fund transfers associated with investments in Costa Rica, regardless of the currency.
• No restrictions are imposed on reinvestments or repatriation of earnings, royalties, or capital.
• There is no requirement to register investments with any government authorities.
• Costa Rica has achieved international standards for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
• Costa Rica has a high quality of life and is recognized as the safest country in Latin America, as well as one of the top 5 environmental performers.
• The country has a renewable energy capacity of 93%, low and guaranteed electricity costs, and redundant telecommunications access.

Popular Job Hunting Websites in Costa Rica

The most popular job hunting sites are LinkedIn, Glassdoor, GoAbroad, UN Jobs, and Indeed. These sites may help determine the demand for jobs that can not be performed by local Costa Ricans; however, it is important to contact an employer regarding their legal hiring process and whether or not they require an expat to fulfill the function.

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a widely recognized professional networking platform where individuals can create a professional profile, connect with other professionals, and explore job opportunities in Costa Rica.
• Glassdoor: Glassdoor is known for its extensive database of company reviews and ratings provided by current and former employees. Job seekers can access valuable insights into companies in Costa Rica, including salary information, interview experiences, and company culture.
• GoAbroad: GoAbroad is a specialized job search platform for individuals seeking international work opportunities, such as teaching English abroad, volunteering, or finding internships or jobs in different countries.
• UN Jobs: UN Jobs is an official job portal that lists employment opportunities within the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated organizations. It offers a wide range of job positions under the non-profit category, which does not directly compete with Costa Ricans for jobs.
• Indeed: Indeed is a popular general-purpose job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources, including company websites, job boards, and staffing agencies in Costa Rica.

How to Apply for a Temporary Visa in Costa Rica

For temporary visas, the key types are Rentista visas, Inversionista visas, Pensionado visas, Retiree visas, and Estudiante and Intern visas. Below is a table listing the various types of temporary visas and their respective descriptions.

Required Documents for Temporary Visa Applications

The key documents for obtaining a temporary visa in Costa Rica are police clearance documents, fingerprint registration documents, consulate registration documents, passport page copies, proof of income, birth certification, letters of purpose, marriage certification, and passport sized photos.

Below is a table listing the total costs for temporary visa applications:

How to Apply for Special Category Work Permits in Costa Rica:

Applying for work visas in Costa Rica requires you to prove that your purpose and job function cannot be performed by local Costa Ricans and ensure that your accompanying documents are complete and in order, in accordance with the Costa Rican government’s requirements.

The Application Steps

The application process for a work visa in Costa Rica entails showing your employer’s proof of unavailability, applying for a provisional visa, registering your fingerprints with the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security, submitting a work permit application, and waiting.

Below are the steps that will take place during each phase of the application process:

1. Employer’s Proof of Unavailability: Before the employee can begin the work permit application process, the employer must show that the job position is not available to or cannot be performed by Costa Rican job seekers.
2. Apply for a Provisional Visa: The employee should apply for a provisional visa, which is necessary to enter Costa Rica. A provisional visa guarantees your stay until your work visa application is processed and approved.
3. Register Fingerprints: Upon arrival in Costa Rica, the employee must register their fingerprints with the Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio Seguridad Pública).
4. Submit Work Permit Application: The employee needs to submit their work permit application to the Immigration Department (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). The department will review the application based on the regulations set by the Costa Rican Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
5. Wait: The processing time for a Costa Rican work permit can range from three to eight months, and sometimes even longer. It is advisable for employees to initiate the application process well in advance of their intended start date.

Required Documents for a Costa Rican Work Visa

To ensure that your application process is smooth and without obstacles, it is important to compile and submit all essential documentation, such as your passport, proof of income, registration documents from your employer, police clearance, letter of application, and a completed work permit form.

The table below contains all the necessary document types and their respective descriptions:

Considerations for Expats Moving to Costa Rica

Before making the move to Costa Rica, there are several important factors for expats to consider, such as cost of living and finances, language and culture, climate and environment, and healthcare.

Cost of Living and Finances

While Costa Rica offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to some Western countries, it’s essential to assess your budget and understand the expenses involved, including housing, healthcare, transportation, and daily necessities.

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that you have a solid financial plan in place, including understanding tax obligations, banking options, and currency exchange rates. Generally speaking, the costs of living in various parts of Costa Rica are similar; however, rental fees may vary. To learn more, we recommend reading this article about the 15 best places to live in Costa Rica.

Language and Culture

While many expats in Costa Rica get by with English, given that 8.2% of the total Costa Rican population speaks English, learning Spanish can greatly enhance your experience and integration into the local culture. Consider taking language classes or immersing yourself in language learning resources.

Moving to a new country involves adapting to a different culture and way of life. Embrace the local customs, traditions, and social etiquette to foster positive relationships with the local community.

Climate and Environment

Costa Rica is a warm and tropical country. Familiarize yourself with the climate and environmental conditions of your chosen location. Costa Rica offers diverse microclimates, and understanding the weather patterns and natural hazards can help you make informed decisions.

With different weather patterns come different illnesses that you may need to take care of during your stay. As such, you must consider your pre-existing conditions and health conditions to know whether you’re ready. This brings us to our final point, healthcare.

Safety for Expats in Costa Rica

In Central America as a whole, Costa Rica is considered the safest country. The Costa Rican government takes into account the wellbeing of its citizens, and while they are meticulous about accepting foreign workers, they also take additional measures to ensure their safety.

As always, it is important to be wary about where you keep your belongings, how much money you keep on you, and knowing where your essential travel documents are and when they must be used.

Healthcare

Healthcare is perhaps the most important factor to consider for all expats, given that it determines whether or not you’ll receive timely treatment for any accidents or conditions that may occur during your stay in Costa Rica.

Research the healthcare system in Costa Rica, including the availability of private and public healthcare facilities, health insurance options, and the quality of medical services in your chosen location.

Most importantly, get yourself or your family covered with private health insurance. This eliminates the element of uncertainty, especially when it comes to healthcare access, unpredictable costs, and piling medical bills.

Conclusion

To apply for special category work permits in Costa Rica without permanent residency, your employer will be required to prove that your job function cannot be performed by a local.morn

As a result, the most effective method for expats to apply for special category work without fail is to choose to take on temporary visas until they gain permanent residence in order to apply for special category work in the Costa Rican job market without obstacles.

In any case, moving to a different country requires you to do research and read up on the requirements. We hope this article has provided you with the necessary data to make informed decisions, and we hope that you’ll consider the importance of health insurance.

Pacific Prime Latin America is available to assist you in locating the appropriate insurance coverage, whether you require health insurance for retirees or expats. With more than 20 years of expertise, we can provide you with recommendations on the insurance plan that aligns with your circumstances and budget.

For further insights on different subjects, including the expenses of living in Mexico, procedures for opening a bank account in Mexico, and the 15 best places for expats to live in Costa Rica for the year 2024, please explore our blog section.

Contact us now to receive complimentary and impartial guidance or to compare insurance plans and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Costa Rica as a US citizen?

If you or your employer can demonstrate the necessity of the job function you want to fill, you can work there as a citizen of the United States. You may also apply for jobs right away after obtaining permanent residency after three years of temporary residence.

What are the types of work visas available in Costa Rica?

The three most effective methods for expats to secure work in Costa Rica are gaining permanent residency through long-term remote work, establishing and owning a business, and living under a temporary residence visa. There is also a special category of work permit available for specific occupations.

How can I work remotely in Costa Rica?

For expatriates, working remotely for international companies or as freelancers in Costa Rica is an option. This allows them to work without securing local employment. After three years of remote work under temporary residency, you may be eligible for permanent residency.

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Piyanat Jantharot

Content Writer/Marketer at Pacific Prime

Piyanat is a Content Writer and Marketer with an affinity for storytelling and marketing. He works with a team of experienced professionals at Pacific Prime who create a range of engaging and informative content aimed at helping both individuals and companies understand the importance of and benefits of insurance.

Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance.

In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry. He’s also a big fan of turtles.

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