IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Costa Rica’s immigration offices will be closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Offices will reopen Jan. 8.

What does the change mean? Work permit, residency card and visa applications that are pending during the holidays may be delayed. Employers and foreign nationals should submit applications as soon as possible and account for potential delays in processing.

  • Implementation time frame: Dec. 21 through Jan. 7.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits, DIMEX residency cards and all other immigration-related services.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times will be longer and a backlog of cases may develop when offices reopen in January.
  • Business impact: Businesses may need to make minor adjustments to account for the holiday closures.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and employees should plan to submit any time-sensitive applications ahead of the holiday closure. Employees who have applied and not yet received resolution on their residency status, and who intend to travel during the holiday season, should note that they will be processed as tourists upon re-entry to Costa Rica and will therefore need to carry the same documentation that was required during their initial entry. Please contact your immigration representative with additional questions.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.