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Free Trade Zone Personnel Permit (Residencia Temporal - Personal de Empresas COMEX/Zona Franca)
Costa RicaCosta Rica•North America
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Free Trade Zone Personnel Permit (Residencia Temporal - Personal de Empresas COMEX/Zona Franca)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

USD $50

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Overview

Temporary residency for executives, scientists, professionals, and technical staff employed by COMEX-authorized free trade zone companies in Costa Rica.

The Free Trade Zone Personnel Permit is a specialized work residency for executives, scientists, professionals, and technical staff of companies authorized under Costa Rica's Free Trade Zone regime. This permit streamlines immigration for essential workers in the FTZ sector, which focuses on export-oriented manufacturing, services, and research.

The permit grants 2-year renewable residency (renewable for equal periods upon company request). The USD 50 application fee is modest. Dependents are allowed, and holders can convert to permanent residency after three years of legal residence. Employment linkage is strict—applicants must maintain FTZ company sponsorship and CCSS social security registration throughout.

This visa is ideal for specialized professionals—engineers, scientists, technical experts—deployed by Free Trade Zone companies who need streamlined work authorization in Costa Rica's competitive export sectors.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente - Libre Condición)
Costa Rica flagCosta Rica

Permanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente - Libre Condición)

Validity5 years
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must be employed by a company operating under the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime in Costa Rica.

The company must be authorized by PROCOMER and the relevant government authorities.

The applicant must hold a position as an executive, scientist, professional, or technical expert.

Must comply with all immigration regulations regarding legal entry and stay in Costa Rica.

Must be registered with the CCSS for social security coverage.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application form signed by the company's legal representative.

Certification of the company's registration and status within the Free Trade Zone regime.

Employment contract or letter from the company detailing the specific duties and duration of the assignment.

Criminal background check (apostilled or legalized).

Birth certificate (apostilled or legalized).

Copy of all pages of a valid passport.

Proof of fingerprinting from the Ministry of Public Security.

Receipts for government application fees.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work authorization for executives, scientists, and technical professionals in free trade zones
  • Low USD 50 application fee; renewable for equal 2-year periods upon company request
  • Pathway to permanent residency after three years of legal residence
  • Dependents allowed; spouse can work under certain restrictions
  • 2-year initial permit with indefinite renewal potential for FTZ employment continuity
  • Streamlined processing for companies already accredited with COMEX and PROCOMER
  • Remote work permitted within the role's scope of authorization

Worth Knowing

  • Requires employment offer from company with official Free Trade Zone status (PROCOMER certified)
  • Applicant must hold bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualification
  • Work authorization strictly limited to the sponsoring FTZ company; no external employment
  • Spouse work rights are restricted; dependent children support capped at age 18
  • Termination of FTZ employment immediately terminates residency status; visa is employment-dependent

Application Process

1

Company registers with COMEX and DGME

2

Submit application

3

Receive approval

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