Costa Rica•North AmericaTemporary Residence for Work (Residencia Temporal por Trabajo)
At a Glance
3-12 months
USD $50
2 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work residence for foreign professionals; 2 years renewable with a pathway to permanent residency in Costa Rica.
The Temporary Residence for Work is Costa Rica's employment-based visa for foreign nationals sponsored by Costa Rican employers. Applicants must have a formal job offer demonstrating specialized skills, hold a valid passport (6+ months), and possess a bachelor's degree with 1+ years of experience. A criminal background check is required.
The visa grants 2 years (renewable with employer confirmation). USD 50 government application fee applies; additional costs include fiscal stamps, DIMEX card, apostilles, translations, and legal fees. Processing takes 3-12 months. Spouses have restricted work rights; dependent children under 18 are qualifying. Permanent residency is available after 3 years of continuous status.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals in technology, engineering, and specialized services seeking employer-sponsored residency and permanent residency pathway.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Costa RicaPermanent Residency by Prior Temporary Status (Residencia Permanente - Libre Condición)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid passport with at least six months validity
Formal job offer from a Costa Rican employer
Apostilled police clearance certificate from country of origin
Proof of registration with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)
Employment contract demonstrating the need for foreign expertise
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Signed employment contract or job offer letter.
Certification of the legal status of the hiring company.
Proof of registration with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) by the employer.
Valid passport and copies of all pages.
Apostilled police clearance certificate.
Apostilled birth certificate.
Proof of sufficient financial means.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Receipt of fingerprint registration from the Ministry of Public Security.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Two-year renewable grants allow extended legal work status with employer sponsorship
- Pathway to permanent residency available after 3 years of continuous employment
- Spouse and dependent children under 18 can be included as beneficiaries
- Modest USD 50 government application fee for the initial visa grant
- Access to Costa Rican social security and healthcare system via CCSS registration
- Employer sponsorship requirement ensures job security and formal employment contract
- Clear regulatory framework under Article 118 of the Immigration Regulations
Worth Knowing
- Work authorization strictly limited to employer named in visa; cannot change employers freely
- Processing timeline varies from 3-12 months; requires substantial documentation and apostilles
- Employer must demonstrate no suitable local candidate available for the position
- Additional costs beyond USD 50 application fee include DIMEX card, translations, and legal assistance
- Bachelor's degree and 1+ year experience typically required depending on position needs
- Requires valid job offer from Costa Rican employer with registered legal status
- Criminal background check required—disqualifying record prevents approval
Application Process
Secure a job offer from a Costa Rican employer
Gather and apostille required personal and professional documents
Submit application to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
Register with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)
Receive DIMEX residence card upon final approval
Related visas
More visas in Costa Rica
- Free Trade Zone Personnel Permit (Residencia Temporal - Personal de Empresas COMEX/Zona Franca)
Work
- Cross-Border Worker Permit (Categoría Especial - Trabajador Transfronterizo)
Work
- Executive & Transfer Personnel Permit (Residencia Temporal - Ejecutivos, Representantes, Gerentes y Personal Técnico)
Work
Work visas in other countries
- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
Ireland
- EU Blue Card
Netherlands
- Religious Worker Permit
Belize
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