how to get a work visa in costa rica

^{The documents you must submit with a Costa Rica work permit application include:}

• Work permit application form, which you can obtain at the immigration department
• A letter of application, including: The reason you’re applying Your full name, nationality, birth place and birth date Passport number Place and date of arrival in Costa Rica Exact address ...
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself
• Proof you have paid the required work permit application fee
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Copies of all the pages of your passport, even the blank ones. They must each be notarized.
A Statement from your employer, which details your salary, length of employment and job description.
Registration Documents and the Legal Constitution of the hiring company
Proof the company hiring you is registered.
Proof that the worker insurance has been paid (Statement of Insurance Company)
Proof of income/sufficient financial means.
Certificate of police clearance from your country.
Proof of registration with a Costa Rican consulate.

How do I get a work permit in Costa Rica?

Before a prospective employee can begin the lengthy application process for a work permit, the employer will need to prove that the position could not be filled by any job-seeking Costa Rican nationals. Once this has been established, the employee should apply for a provisional visa. This visa is required to enter Costa Rica.

Do you need a work visa to live in Costa Rica?

Not everyone needs to apply for travel visas and many people who choose to stay for a longer period of time, opt to apply for a working visa or a residence permit. Residents will be allowed to travel in and out of Costa Rica much like nationals can.

How to apply for a Costa Rica consular visa?

If you are from a country that requires a Costa Rica Consular Visa, then you must apply for it yourself at the Costa Rica consulate responsible for your jurisdiction. Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make a Costa Rica visa application appointment.

What documents do I need to apply for a Costa Rica visa?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are: A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport must be valid for an additional six months. Return flight ticket reservation. You’re advised not to pay for your ticket until your visa application has been approved.

Is it easy to get a work visa in Costa Rica?

However, obtaining a work visa in Costa Rica is not an easy process. Visitors may stay in the country for only 90 days at a time. So, expats also need a temporary residence permit to work in Costa Rica. Your employer must prove that you have unique skills that cannot be provided by a Costa Rican.

Can a foreigner work in Costa Rica?

In order to legally work in Costa Rica, you must either be a citizen of the country or have legal permanent residence. Generally, to obtain permanent residence you must have held temporary residence for at least three years before applying.

How much is a work visa for Costa Rica?

50 USDCosta Rica Work Visa Cost The cost of Costa Rica's work visa, the Special Category Residence visa, is the same as any temporary residence permit: 28,300 CRC (50 USD). Expats should also keep in mind that this is just the application fee.

Is it hard to get a job in Costa Rica?

If you want to know how to find a job in Costa Rica, you should be aware that it is difficult. Costa Rican law heavily favors employing residents over temporary expats, and foreigners may only take up employment once they have permanent residency. But do not let this stop you from pursuing your Costa Rican dream.

What is the basic salary in Costa Rica?

Last December 2019, the Superior Council of the Judiciary, through Session Nª109-19, established the base salary for 2020 in Costa Rica amounting to ¢450,200 (four hundred and fifty thousand two hundred colones exact).

What kind of jobs can I get in Costa Rica?

The most popular fields of work that expats can take advantage of include:Tourism. Tourism is the biggest and ever-expanding economy in Costa Rica. ... Teaching English. ... Environmental Conservation and Voluntary Work. ... Working For An Offshore Company From Costa Rica (or Telecommuting in Costa Rica) ... Starting Your Own Business.

How long does it take to get a work visa in Costa Rica?

between 3 to 8 monthsA Costa Rica work permit can take anywhere between 3 to 8 months to process, on average, but it may take even longer.

Can I move to Costa Rica and work?

Unless you secure your digital-nomad status foreigners cannot legally hold a job in Costa Rica without obtaining a work permit. This typically requires a lot of paperwork and a long wait time. Most people who relocate have money in the bank, a pension or other steady outside income.

How do I get a visa to live in Costa Rica?

US nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country). US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica.

What are the best paying jobs in Costa Rica?

Surgeons / Doctors. Salary Range: from 4,220,000 CRC to 13,800,000 CRC. ... Judges. Salary Range: from 3,540,000 CRC to 11,600,000 CRC. ... Lawyers. Salary Range: from 2,870,000 CRC to 9,380,000 CRC. ... Bank Managers. ... Chief Executive Officers. ... Chief Financial Officers. ... Orthodontists. ... College Professors.More items...

What do most Costa Ricans do for work?

Popular jobs include IT consulting, web design, copywriting/editing, and translation, and this type of work can provide flexibility, as well as a better income than what you may get by working for a company in Costa Rica. Telecommuters tend to be among the expats who live most comfortably in Costa Rica.

How much is rent in Costa Rica?

Average Rent in Costa Rica If you are a single expat, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for as low as 249,000-283,000 CRC (440-500 USD) per month. If you would like something more lavish, a large three-bedroom house will run around 735,700-1,018,700 CRC (1,300-1,800 USD) per month.

Can I move to Costa Rica and work?

Unless you secure your digital-nomad status foreigners cannot legally hold a job in Costa Rica without obtaining a work permit. This typically requires a lot of paperwork and a long wait time. Most people who relocate have money in the bank, a pension or other steady outside income.

Can I just move to Costa Rica?

Unless you're a first degree relative to a Costa Rican (through marriage or by having a baby in Costa Rica), you can't get permanent residency without first being a temporary resident for three years. After that period, you can apply to be a permanent resident and can work legally for Costa Rican companies.

How do people make money living in Costa Rica?

Summary: Expats in Costa Rica have three main ways to make money legally -- you can obtain permanent residency, find an online job or start your own business. Bill Ripley covers each of these options and offers great tips for expats looking to make money while living in Costa Rica.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Costa Rica?

Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. Most single expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on USD$1,500 to $2,000 per month. A family of four may be able to live comfortably on USD$3,000 to $3500.

How to Get a Costa Rica Work Visa?

In order to get a Costa Rica work visa, you first have to find an employer that’s willing to hire you. You and your employer have to prove that the position you are taking could not have been filled by a Costa Rican.

What is a work permit in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica Work Permits. A Costa Rica work permit falls under the “Special Category” of immigration permits, along with a student permit. This means that it will allow the holder to work and remain in the country under the conditions set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

What documents are needed for a work permit in Costa Rica?

The documents you must submit with a Costa Rica work permit application include: Work permit application form, which you can obtain at the immigration department. A letter of application, including: The reason you’re applying. Your full name, nationality, birth place and birth date.

How long do you have to stay in Costa Rica to open a business?

However, you still need to apply for legal residency in Costa Rica if your stay is longer than three months (or one month, if you are on a visa). Opening a business. Temporary Residence Permit holders such as investors or rentiers are allowed to set up a business in Costa Rica – they’re just not allowed to work in it.

How long do you have to live in Costa Rica to get a work permit?

However, you can only become a Costa Rica permanent resident and earn working rights if you have blood relations to a Costa Rican or you have lived in the country with a temporary residence permit for at least three years. Getting a Costa Rica work permit.

What is a working holiday program?

The Working Holiday Program, aimed at young Canadians (graduates and current students) who want to travel to Costa Rica and work in the meantime to finance the trip. In order to be eligible for a Youth Mobility program, the applicant must have a job offer/contract or a formal internship, as required.

What does the Immigration Department take into account when reviewing your application?

The Immigration Department takes into account the regulations set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security while reviewing your application.

Who Needs a Costa Rica Work Visa?

To legally work in Costa Rica, you must be a citizen or a legal permanent resident. If you do not fit into one of those categories, you will need a work visa.

Costa Rica Work Visa Requirements

If you intend to work as an employee in Costa Rica, you will need a work visa. The first step in obtaining a work visa in Costa Rica is getting a residence permit. There are several types of residence permits, but not all allow a foreigner to work. Most foreign nationals are eligible for a temporary residence permit.

Digital Nomad Visas

The Legislative Assembly approved in second debate a law that creates a series of exemptions and benefits for foreign workers who wish to migrate to Costa Rica, which are known as ["Digital Nomads."] (https://www.relocate.worl...

On the Pulse

Once in Costa Rica, a QR code feature confirms an individuals vaccine status. This is needed to enter most public establishments. Those who wish to request the official COVID-19 vaccination status document must meet the fol...

Global Community

When I was 12 years old, my brother, who’s 10 years older than I am, got a call that changed both our lives. I still remember that day, he rushed into the living room on a hot summer afternoon with a huge playful smile on his...

Global Community

There is this school in the middle of an evergreen jungle in Tanahun Nepal that is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Its inhabitants are around 200 students from different walks of life united by their thirst for knowled...

What determines what type of visa is required?

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

What is a nonimmigrant visa?

Nonimmigrant Visas. Travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange.

How to Apply for Costa Rica Visa?

The Costa Rica visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you need: Costa Rica Consular Visa or Costa Rica Restricted Visa.

How Can You Go to Costa Rica to Work or Study?

However, you must get a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country/nearest to you. Then, after traveling to Costa Rica, you must apply for a temporary residence permit and finalize your application at the Costa Rica Immigration Office.

What are the Costa Rica Visa requirements?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica visa application are:

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Visa for Indian Nationals?

Indian nationals need to apply for a Consular Visa before they travel to Costa Rica. They can apply using the application procedure as described above.

Can you Extend a Costa Rica Visa?

Yes , you can. You can extend a Costa Rica tourist visa for an additional 60 days by applying at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica. You must submit proof of why you are requesting the extension.

What is the Costa Rica Departure Tax?

Yes, all foreign nationals who enter Costa Rica have to pay a departure tax before they leave. The tax is about US$28-29, and you can pay it in the local currency, in USD or with a credit card.

Can Visa Holders of the US and Europe Enter Costa Rica?

Yes, if you have a visa for a Schengen and EU country, the USA, Canada, or South Korea, you can use it to enter Costa Rica, provided that the visa is still valid. You can remain for the period you have left in your existing visa or how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica.

How to send a Costa Rica visa?

If the applicant resides in a country where there is not a Costa Rica consulate, it should be indicated in the request, and listing the closest Costa Rica consulate in the country where the person is at, or if it should be sent to the applicant’s representative. In the latter case, the representative will be responsible for delivering the notification to the applicant so that he has a copy before he enters Costa Rica.

How long do you have to stay in Costa Rica to get a tourist visa?

They must have a valid passport with at least one day left and arrive in Costa Rica with a return ticket proving they will leave the country within the tourist visa period, usually granted for 90 days upon arrival in Costa Rica. The length of the tourist visa granted is at the discretion of the immigration official at the point ...

How long do you have to stay in Costa Rica?

They must have a valid passport with at least three months left and arrive in Costa Rica with a return ticket proving they will leave the country within the provided length of time in the visa. The length of the tourist visa granted is at the discretion of the immigration official at the point of entry to Costa Rica, but is usually granted for a stay of 90 days.

What is a Costa Rican letter?

Signed and authenticated letter issued by the Costa Rican entity that requests the entry of the foreign person.

What is required to get a visa in the US?

Proof of legal status in the United States. Visas will be issued to individuals with a legal status in the United States. Individuals who do not meet these requirements should apply for a visa in their country of origin.

How long do you have to wait to apply for a visa again?

You will have to wait a minimum of six months to apply again if your visa application is denied.

Who must address a restricted visa request?

The request must be addressed to the Commission of Restricted Visas, by the applicant and his relative residing in Costa Rica or his attorney, stating their qualities and the relationship to the applicant, and include the following information and documentation authenticated by an attorney duly accredited for said purposes.

What do consular officers look for in a case?

Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

What is H1B1 visa?

I want more information on H1B1 visa category. H1B1 visa category is a Treaty-based Temporary Work Visa

What is a temporary visa?

This visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform a job which is temporary or seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of U.S. workers. Your employer is required to obtain a Department of Labor certification confirming that there are no qualified U.S. workers eligible for the type of employment on which your petition is based.

How many days prior to I-797 can I travel?

However, when making your travel plans, please note that due to Federal regulations, you can only use the visa to apply for entry to the United States starting ten days prior to the beginning of the approved status period noted on your I-797.

Do I need to bring an I-797 to an interview?

The receipt number printed on your approved I-129 petition. Paper copies of the I-797 are not required at the interview.

Can a spouse work while on an H visa?

However, your spouse/children are not permitted to work while in the United States.