An Introduction to Work Permits in Costa Rica

If you are interested in moving abroad to live and work in Costa Rica you should know that it is rather difficult for foreign workers to obtain work permits in the country. The law in Costa Rica states that foreign workers can only be hired if there are no viable Costa Rican candidates available for the job. This can be difficult as there is a high level of educated workers in Costa Rica and the literacy rate in the country is almost 96 percent. That means that the easiest way to obtain a work permit and a job in Costa Rica is if you are a specialist in a field. And to get a work permit you will have to find an employer that supports the application.

If you are able to find an employer in Costa Rica to support your application for a work permit and are granted the permit you will be able to legally work in Costa Rica for the duration of the validity of the permit and are given a corresponding work visa. When work permits and work visas are issued you can expect for them to be valid for a period of six months. If you need to work for a period longer than the initial six months you are able to renew your work permit for an additional six month period.

Due to the capable work force in Costa Rica and the laws on hiring foreign workers most Costa Rican work permits are issued to foreign professionals and highly trained technicians and specialists needed by local companies. Once you submit your application for a work permit it will be reviewed by the Immigration Department of Costa Rica and the Work department. If your application is approved you will be given a temporary work permit and you will need to make a guarantee deposit of $100 at a Costa Rican bank. You will get a receipt for the deposit which has to be presented to the consulate when you get your permanent work permit.

When you are ready to apply for your work permit you will have to submit several documents with your application. You will need a letter from the company that wishes to employ you. You will need to have certification from the Costa Rican Social Security Institution. You will need to submit the legal constitution and registration documents of the company wishing to employ you. You will need to have special authority to representative and copies of your birth certificate and your dependants'. You will need copies of your birth certificate and marriage certificate if you are married. You will need proof of income and a police statement of good conduct. You will also need to submit to a background check and agree to join any applicable professional organizations.

If you wish to renew your work permit you will have to submit some documentation. You will need to have a new application letter, a new letter from the company that you wish to remain working for and Social Security Certification. All items will be given to the General Direction of Immigration for processing.