Temporary Residence Permit - Employer Sponsored
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-8 months, potentially longer
- Fee
- Varies
- Validity
- Duration of employment contract
- Entry
- Single entry
Initiate well in advance of intended employment start date. All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must be sponsored by a Costa Rican employer. Employer must demonstrate that position cannot be filled by a Costa Rican citizen, providing evidence of recruitment efforts and lack of qualified local candidates. Work permit required for all foreign nationals engaging in employment activities, all job sectors and positions.
Required status: Employer sponsorship required with labor market test
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer initiates work permit application process with job offer letter, employment contract, labor market test documentation, and company registration documents.
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Processing wait
Work permit and residence permit processed by immigration authorities. Processing typically takes 3-8 months, sometimes longer.
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Visa collection
Receive work permit and temporary residence permit if approved.