Costa Rica•North AmericaSpecial Humanitarian Category (Categoría Migratoria Humanitaria Especial)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $52
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work authorization for Colombian, Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan asylum seekers in Costa Rica, renewable 2-year grants with no family work rights.
Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela nationals who filed for asylum in Costa Rica between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026 qualify for a 2-year Special Humanitarian grant under Resolution DG-0064-05-2026. Applicants must apply in-person at DGME headquarters (La Uruca, San José) during the window September 1, 2026–September 1, 2027 with a complete documentation package.
The grant authorizes work and runs 2 years, renewable indefinitely for successive periods. Spouses cannot work. Applicants submit identity documents, apostilled criminal certificates from country of origin or last 3 years' residence, MSP fingerprinting proof, and proof of continuous Costa Rican residency. Incomplete applications face automatic rejection with no opportunity to correct.
This visa is ideal for asylum seekers from Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela continuously resident in Costa Rica since June 2014 seeking legal status and work authorization.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Eligible Nationalities (4)
Colombia
Cuba
Nicaragua
VenezuelaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must demonstrate a situation of extreme vulnerability (e.g., age, gender, disability, or extraordinary humanitarian circumstances).
Must be in the country and unable to return to the country of origin due to the specific humanitarian risk.
May apply to specific groups defined by executive decrees (e.g., certain nationalities with pending or denied refugee claims under specific timeframes).
Must not have another approved immigration category.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photos
Criminal background check
Health insurance
Birth certificate
Fingerprints
Educational credentials
Resume/CV
Dependent documents
Employment contract (sponsor)
Company registration (sponsor)
Employer documentation (sponsor)
Proof of unique skills (sponsor)
Job description (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Work authorization granted — holders may legally seek employment in Costa Rica
- 2-year renewable grants allow indefinite legal residency through successive renewals
- Asylum applicants from Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela (filed June 2014–May 7, 2026) qualifying
- Structured application window (Sept 1, 2026–Sept 1, 2027) at DGME headquarters provides certainty
- DIMEX identity document issued upon approval enables banking, healthcare, and services access
- Legal status recognized by CCSS for mandatory social security registration and benefits
- No job offer or income requirement — qualification based solely on nationality and asylum history
Worth Knowing
- Restricted to nationals of four countries: Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela only
- Asylum filing must have occurred between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026 — later filers non-qualifying
- Incomplete applications rejected outright with no opportunity to correct or resubmit documents
- Spouse and dependents not included — separate visa applications required for family members
- Proof of continuous Costa Rican residence required since filing date; gaps may jeopardize approval
- Application window closes September 1, 2027 — after this date no new applications accepted
- Must have filed for asylum in Costa Rica between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026 — non-negotiable qualification window
- Criminal background checks at national and international level may result in immediate rejection
Application Process
Confirm qualification
Verify you are a national of Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela and filed for asylum in Costa Rica between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026
Book appointment
Schedule an in-person appointment at DGME headquarters (La Uruca, San José) during the application window September 1, 2026 – September 1, 2027
Gather required documents
Valid identity document (passport, national ID, or consular certification with photo), birth certificate, criminal background certificate from country of origin or last 3-year country of residence (apostilled), proof of fingerprinting from Ministry of Public Security (MSP), and proof of continuous Costa Rican residence
Attend DGME appointment
Submit complete application package in person; incomplete applications are rejected outright with no opportunity to correct
Background screening
DGME conducts national and international criminal record checks
Receive approval and DIMEX
Upon approval, obtain DIMEX identity document and register with CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security) within 90 days
Application Forms
| Special Category Work Permit Application | — |
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