Visas & Customs Requirements

Employment:

If you want to work in Costa Rica for a short period you must enter Costa Rica with a tourist visa without getting a temporary residence permit because Consulates of Costa Rica do not issue business visas.

Employment Situation:

With a high level of education available in Costa Rica, it is hard for a foreigner to find a job and obtain a work permit unless you are a specialist in a certain field. However, in certain fields foreigners can find a job. These fields include: English (or other foreign language teachers); tourism; and, environmental work. Working without a work permit also takes place, mainly in the tourism sector.

Teaching Positions:

The most common job for foreigners is teaching English. The majority of schools in Costa Rica do not require certification, but it is a plus, and might result in a slightly higher starting salary. It is also important to look for a job at the appropriate time of the year. In Costa Rica, the school year begins at the end of January and ends in early December.

The best time to be looking for work is at the beginning of January. Teachers are often hired at the last minute, because schools do not wish to offer jobs until they know how many students are actually enrolling for the new year. Most paid teaching jobs in Costa Rica are located in the Central Valley. Costa Rica is a great place to teach. The students are laid back and friendly.

Obtaining the Ministry of Labor's Authorization to Work:

An American who finds a prospective employer in Costa Rica depends on the employer for the initial and essential step of obtaining the authorization of the Ministry of Labor to work. They should have a contract with the company. The company must be accredited by the Immigration Department of Costa Rica. The company will be 100% responsible for your stay as well as for your departure. It takes between 90 and 180 days to process your temporary resident permit request. If you are a professional, you will be required to register with the proper professional association in Costa Rica.