Costa Rica
At a Glance
| Capital | San José |
| Language | Spanish |
| Population | 5,094,000 |
| GDP Total | $60.1 billion |
| GDP Per Capita | $12,026.50 |
When traveling to Costa Rica, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.
What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?
As a business visitor to Costa Rica, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:
- » Attend business meetings
- » Visit a current project site for informational purposes
- » Conduct fact-finding missions
- » Attend seminars and administrative training as a participant or instructor
If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Nationals of the European Union, United States, Canada, and many other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Costa Rica. If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Consular or Restricted Entry Visa from a Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.
Additionally, select nationals who would otherwise require a visa may be eligible for a visa waiver if they hold a multiple-entry visa from the United States or Canada, or hold legal residence in the United States, European Union, or Canada. However, please check with your immigration counsel regarding specific visa waiver eligibility requirements and for the permitted period of stay on a visa waiver.
What types of activities require a work permit?
The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Costa Rican law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Costa Rica, even if conducted for a short duration.
- » Hands-on technical work
- » Repairs and maintenance
- » Negotiations
- » Auditing
If I am traveling to Costa Rica for work, what type of work permit do I need?
The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Costa Rica. The most common Costa Rican work permits are:
- » Temporary Residence Permit (long-term work authorization)
- » Estancia Permit (short-term work authorization)
Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?
There are no work authorization exemptions based on nationality or industry in Costa Rica.
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.
News and Events
At a Glance
| Capital | San José |
| Language | Spanish |
| Population | 5,094,000 |
| GDP Total | $60.1 billion |
| GDP Per Capita | $12,026.50 |
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