Country Profiles

Costa Rica

January 2012

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Costa Rica. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

Overview

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Attending business meetings or discussions;
  • Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Costa Rica;
  • Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings.

Type of Business Visas - The visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.

  1. Consular visa;
  2. Restricted visa.

Basic Requirements -

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Valid passport;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Costa Rica;
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Costa Rica;
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Costa Rica;
  6. Proof of funds.

Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Costa Rica for up to three months. Visas can be extended in country.

Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases;
  • a valid visa or authority to enter Costa Rica.

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in Costa Rica is the temporary residence permit. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra-company transferees in Costa Rica on a temporary basis.


Process Overview - The process for obtaining a temporary residence permit for skilled workers involves a four-step process summarized below and is usually completed in-country.

  1. Entry to Costa Rica (on business visitor status);
  2. Fingerprints and Consular Registration;
  3. Temporary Residence Permit application;
  4. Temporary Residence Permit card (cedula) collection.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) applications sponsored by companies that are accredited by the General Immigration Directorate (DGME) should be submitted directly to the DGME, while applications sponsored by unaccredited companies must be submitted to a Costa Rican consular post abroad. Applications submitted abroad can take over a year to be processed. Pro-Link GLOBAL can assist with the accreditation process if required; please factor in an additional 30-45 day lead time.

Estimated Processing Time - six to eight weeks (for the above described process. Consular applications will take considerably longer; over a year in most cases)

Validity periods - Visas are generally valid for up to two years.

Family Members -Secondary/ family dependants may not work without separate work authorization.