Temporary Work Permits and Temporary Residency in Costa Rica

If you are interested in moving abroad to Costa Rica to live and work for a short period of time you will need to get a temporary work visa so that you can live and work in Costa Rica on a temporary basis. Temporary work permits also offer temporary residency in Costa Rica for qualified applicants.

If you apply for and receive a temporary work permit you can expect for it to be valid for a period of six months. If needed, you can renew the work permit at the end of the six months. Temporary work permits are usually granted to foreign workers that are professionals or highly trained technical professionals that have been hired for a short period by local Costa Rican companies. When you submit your application for a temporary work permit it will need to be approved by the immigration department and the work department.

To apply for your temporary work permit you will need to have several documents to submit along with your application for a temporary work permit. All items will need to be submitted to the Department of Temporary Permits and Extensions at the General Directorate of Migration. You will need to have your application form and a statement from the company that will be employing you. You will need certification from the Costa Rican Social Security Institution that says you have no outstanding monetary obligations. You will need to have the legal constitution and registration documents of the company that will be employing you. You will need special authority to representative, a copy of your birth certificate, photocopies of your passport and your marriage certificate if you are married. You will need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources and a statement of good conduct from the police. You will also need to submit to a background check by the Costa Rican Ministry of Security. You will need to have a few passport size photos and copies of your diplomas or other qualifications. And you will have to join any professional associations that are available in your field.

If you need to renew your temporary work permit after the initial six months you are entitled to do so. You will need to have a new application, a new company letter and a new social security certification. All of these things will need to be given over at the General Direction of Immigration.

By holding a valid temporary work permit, you are legally allowed to work and live in Costa Rica as you are automatically granted temporary resident status.