Work Permit for Foreigners (Migración)

A foreign person who wants to work formally in Costa Rica (for example as an employee of a restaurant, or as an active partner in a business) needs a work permit processed with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.

General requirements:

• Valid passport and certified copies.
• Employment contract, registered with Migración.
• Proof of economic solvency.
• Apostilled criminal background check (from the country of origin).
• Payment of the applicable migration fees.

Process: 1. Initial application with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. 2. Submission of documents and payment of fees. 3. Evaluation of the case and verification of requirements by Migración. 4. Approval and issuance of the permit.

Estimated time: between 3 and 6 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Update 2025-2026: the minimum passport validity requirements have changed according to nationality (1 day, 90 days or 180 days depending on the case), and additional controls have been reinforced for travelers from certain nationalities (Nicaragua, Honduras, Venezuela, China and Colombia were specifically mentioned). Confirm whether these rules apply based on the person's nationality.

Note for a business that wants to hire foreign staff: the employment contract must be registered with Migración as part of the process — this is distinct and additional to the employer registration with the CCSS (see the corresponding record), which applies regardless of the employee's nationality.