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🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Work Permit Visa

Costa Rica's employer-sponsored work permit is for foreign nationals with specialized skills not available in the local labor market. Employers must demonstrate they advertised locally and found no suitable Costa Rican candidates. The job contract must specify a salary at least 25% above the legal minimum wage for the position. Processing takes 3-8 months. The permit is tied to the specific employer and location. Required documents include employer affidavit certifying specialized work, authenticated academic degrees, company legal status certification, and proof of employer's CCSS (social security) registration. Work permits are location-specific and require approval for job changes.

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Processing Time

3-8 months

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Cost

Varies by category + employer fees

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Duration

1-2 years initial

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Work Rights

Tied to sponsoring employer and specific location

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Renewability

Renewable if employment continues

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Path to Permanent Residence

Yes

Requirements

  • 1Job offer from Costa Rican employer
  • 2Specialized skills not available locally
  • 3Employer labor market test (local advertising)
  • 4Salary 25% above minimum wage for position
  • 5Authenticated academic degrees
  • 6Employer CCSS registration
  • 7Criminal background check
  • 8All documents translated to Spanish

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