Is it realistic to obtain a Work Permit in Costa Rica?

In the current Costa Rica Immigration Law, Work Permits are not established as such. This does not mean foreigners are not able to work in Costa Rica, because the category of temporary residencies does contain the possibility of bringing foreigners to work in certain activities. These temporary residencies apply for: scientists, professionals, technical specialists, correspondents, athletes, executives, representatives, managers, technical employees, and dependants of registered companies.

The basic requirements are the following:

STEP 1

To address a letter to the General Director of Costa Rica Immigration, signed by the legal representative of the company requiring the services of the foreigner. It has to be legalized by a consul, notary public or a respective Costa Rica immigration functionary. In the case of religious applications, they are allowed to apply directly without the assistance of a Costa Rica attorney. Either way, the letter has to explain the reasons of the application of the residency, the activities the person will carry on in Costa Rica, the personal information of both the applicant and his legal representative when required, a place for receiving notifications, the possible direction of the applicant, a document that certifies the type of work that he or she will be making and the proposed salary.

STEP 2

Present the corporate certification of the company or entity that is requiring the services here in Costa Rica, in the case of athletes, the sports organization or National Sports Council, as well as a labor contracts with the organizations, it is also needed in the case of executives, representatives, managers, technical employees, and dependants, authenticated by a Costa Rica lawyer.
To present a certification from a chartered public accountant that certifies the economic capacity of the company, as well as the certification of the Social Security Institution/ Insurance Institution to confirm goodstanding.

STEP 3

ID copies and the original document of the foreigner that intends to work here in Costa Rica. The applicants must be fingerprinted at the Ministry of Public Security.

STEP 4

To present a report from the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, previously requested, that demonstrates that the national work force won´t be affected or displaced, as the Immigration policies intend to avoid.

STEP 5

Present his/ her Birth certificate where the name of the applicants parents appear, it must be legalized by the respective Consul, and once in Costa Rica, sealed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also a certified copy of the applicant’s passport is necessary.

STEP 6

To present the certification of criminal record, this confirms there were no crimes or felonies committed by the applicant in the past three years. It must be legalized first by the consul, then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here en Costa Rica.

STEP 7

Attach photographs, stamps, and translation to Spanish if the documents where written in any other language.

As you can see it is not impossible to obtain a Costa Rica Work Permit, however just like similar laws around the world, the applicant has to demonstrate considerable qualifications that can contribute with the development of a specific Costa Rican Corporation which will have to sponsor the petition.