Costa Rica Employment - Finding a Job in Costa Rica
With tourism being Costa Rica's largest industry, hundreds of thousands of visitors get a taste of this beautiful country. Many of those that visit think about staying in Costa Rica on a more permanent basis.
A reoccurring question by mostly younger non-retirees considering Costa Rica extended stays or permanent relocations is; "What type of employment is available?" or "How do I find a job in Costa Rica?". Unfortunately I don't have good news for those seeking a move to Costa Rica that involves finding a job.
Costa Rica actively encourages tourism and investment as these are both in its best interest. Foreigners can visit and enjoy this beautiful country with a valid passport from most countries. The passport entry stamp grants visitors 90 days to remain in-country as a tourist. For those looking to invest, Costa Rica laws allow foreigners to purchase real estate, invest in industry and conversation, and even gain residency status if the person can prove they have independent sustainable income (ie: pension, social security, etc.).
However, tourist status does NOT allow the visitor to work or earn money ... and Costa Rica Migracion strictly enforces this policy. The steadfast view is that no foreigner should take a job that can be performed by a Costa Rica citizen. With Costa Rica having a highly educated, bilingual work force - this does not leave many jobs that can qualify for a foreign worker exemption.
That said; there are many, many foreign corporations that operate in Costa Rica. Persons considering a move to Costa Rica may benefit by seeking their employment via one of these established companies.
Some U.S. companies that have operations here in Costa Rica include:
- Microsoft
- General Electric
- Abbot Laboratories
- Continental Airways
- Intel
- Lucent Technologies
- Maersk Sealand
- Proctor & Gamble
- Cutler Hammer
- Eaton
- Sykes
- Merck
- Citigroup
- Dole
- Del Monte
- Century 21 Real Estate
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Manpower International
- CISCO Systems
- American Airlines
- Equifax Credit
- Wal-Mart
- etc., etc.,
There are also many work abroad, study abroad and missionary opportunities in various industries such as tourism, travel and education that may allow for extended, income earning stays here in Costa Rica in order to determine if a more permanent move is desired.
NOTE: The company or program should have all necessary immigration and
work permit paperwork lined-up prior to your Costa Rica departure.
Resources:
- Costa Rica Immigration (Migracion): http://migracion.go.cr
- Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM):
http://www.amcham.co.cr
- AMCHAM Job Bank: http://www.amcham.co.cr/job_bank.php
- U.S. Companies in Costa Rica (as of Oct. 2005)
Hopefully this information is useful.
Categories: Money in Costa Rica,Hiring Employees in Costa Rica,Study Abroad in Costa Rica,Residency in Costa Rica,Cost of Living in Costa Rica,Laws in Costa Rica,Employment in Costa Rica,Vacation Homes in Costa Rica,Real Estate in Costa Rica,Legal Matters in Costa Rica,Retiring in Costa Rica,Government of Costa Rica,News from Costa Rica,Investing in Costa Rica,Vacation in Costa Rica,Working in Costa Rica,Business in Costa Rica,Retirement Homes in Costa Rica,Immigration in Costa Rica,Non-Residency Issues in Costa Rica,Life in Costa Rica,Corporations in Costa Rica,Moving To Costa Rica,Tourism in Costa Rica,Second Homes in Costa Rica,Living in Costa Rica,Travel to Costa Rica,Passport Topics
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11/26/2008 3:47 PM
Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Today is a special day here at Costa Rica Blogger.
One year ago today on November 26, 2007 was the first entry on www.CostaRicaBlogger.com.
My daughter is in CR and had a job lost that one and is told she needs to get a work permit and that one of the Ticos there can get her one for $150. She is in Dominical--what are your thoughts.
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Fairye,
It is my understanding that unless your daughter has the proper residency status or is employed by a company that has acquired such permit, she cannot be legally employed in Costa Rica.
I would be wary of such a "$150 permit" ... but please let me know if and under what circumstances such an permit may be available - if such a legal item exists I would of course update my blog to reflect the new information for the benefit of all.
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What advice do you have for someone moving to Costa Rica from the US?
Note: I want the opinions of people who have actually experienced that.
Please bear these things in mind too:
1. I do speak some Spanish already and am actively working to become fluent BEFORE the move.
2. I do have a book on moving to Costa Rica
3. I have been there many times.
Any genuine insight, opinions, concerns or other information would be most appreciated.
Thanks!
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Buenas WhiskeyMan,
Congratulations on your sense of adventure!
I too had visited Costa Rica many times for extended stays and finally made the move ... but there is no amount of time you can spend in Costa Rica that will completely prepare you for an actual relocation.
Reality is its own animal.
In my time living in Costa Rica I can share three realized truths:
1. Urban Costa Rica is best enjoyed when somebody else does the driving.
2. Personal security is an issue even in the "Switzerland of Central America" (who keeps saying that anyway?! ;o)
3. Learn to enjoy the differences instead of getting frustrated by them (this requires constant self-reminders).
It took me approximately 6 months to realize this really was my home and I am more comfortable by the day.
Having moved here as an non-Spanish (English) speaking, full-time single parent with an non-Spanish speaking 9 year old, ... I like to think of myself as being proof positive anybody can do it!
Costa Rica Blogger chronicles many of my experiences for the benefit of others. You are cordially invited to review the entire content of this site for all sorts of REAL, Honest, Unbiased information on moving to and living in Costa Rica.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have specific questions.
¡Pura Reubicación!
-Bill
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Thank you for the information. I've been surfing around for Costa Rica job information and working regulations. I appreciate the post.
Cheers and more power!
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i was told that once you have your papers submitted for residency into immigration you get a file number and can work.now im being told you cant work until your residency is complete and you have your card which could take months can you make this more clear to me
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Robert,
At this point, your submission to Costa Rica Migracion for Residency is only a request. Even after you receive a notification of Residency approval, there will be a period of time before you are granted an appointment to receive your Cedula or ID card.
It was my experience and my current understanding that no employer or government body is interested in any documentation other than your official Cedula as proof positive you can remain in Costa Rica and are employable.
Bottom Line: Those in application like yourself are not allowed to work.
Be sure to consult with your Residency attorney for more specifics as these laws change constantly and employment within certain industries, companies or with certain preferred skills may have different policies.
-Bill
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It is my understanding that the only work permits being given out are for: Maids, Construction workers, Coffee Bean pickers.
My question is : Can I use one of MY Costrician Corporations to apply for a work permit for my wife ( non resident Hondurian ) who would be doing work for the Corporation.....and her permit would be for administrative/secretarial work ??? would appreciate any feedback from someone that has actually accomplished & received this type of work permit.
Thanks
John
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Hey John,
I was just talking to a regional manager of a large (and well known) U.S. based security firm that is expanding its major contracts here in Costa Rica ... he stated work visas for non-essential management or semi-skilled employees are hard to come by.
The corporation must be active, file Costa Rica tax forms via certified CR accountants and be able to demonstrate within the work visa application that the employee has adequate and indispensable experience (ie: college degrees, certified training, years of specialized employment) required by the company.
The company I mentioned brings in its upper-level managers on visas for operational overview - but ends-up having to hire local lower level managers, trainers/instructors and employees to complete their business ... with the only exception being certain executive protection accounts where they can demonstrate a need for highly trained personnel (ie: former foreign military and/or police employees).
But then again - this is Costa Rica. Talk to the right person and it might be as easy as walking across a four-lane calle at rush hour ;o)
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That was a snap to get around.... I just formed a corporation and the employer wrote her paycheck to the S.A. Corp. This is an acceptable procedure at the sports books as many gringos work in the important customer service area.
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Wow it really sounds like getting a work visa is hard. I recently returned from a 2 year mission in Costa Rica for my church, so I luckily know alot more than the average person about the craziness of Costa Rica. I am planning to live and work there this summer. I have heard that it is possible to work at a sports book call center without a work visa (illegaly i suppose), is that true?
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Mike,
I am personally aware of several non-residents that had in the past over-stayed their Costa Rica tourist visas while working for Costa Rica sport books.
So the answer to your question is YES, such illegal jobs are available.
However, increasing government crackdowns and higher penalties for employers are being rolled out to fight such activities.
And keep in mind, if you are caught violating Costa Rica migracion policies ... your personal penalty can include being banned from re-entry into Costa Rica for many years.
¡Pura Empleo!
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Without residency or a work permit your best bet would be to come down, open a Costa Rica corporation which is as easy as walking into a Lawyers office, paying between $250-$500 to do so,and state the nature of the business that the corporation engages in as General Consulting.
Then bill your employer consulting fees each week, or Bi-weekly and and have them issue your Company a check or pay you in cash off of an invoice created by your corporation.
Even with this Corparoatiion, you will have to leave Costa Rica every 90 days and be gone at least 72hours, before re-entering. No big deal as it's a guaranteed vacation every 3 months.
Best of luck to you.
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Hey Bill, checked out your blog...and I want to give you an award...for MOST NUMBER OF INTERESTING BLOG HEADLINES per mouse scroll...
Great job!
Stuart
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Dear Bill:
Your information in your web site was very helpful and I would like to ask you some more questions.
I am currently living in WA state and considering moving to CR. I had taught Communication in colleges and Universities, but I became real estate agent about 2 years ago.
I would like to know if you think I can be a realtor or English teacher at CR with my experience. I am also wondering which location would be good for such vocation.
Ethnically I am a Korean and I am wondering if you have seen any Koreans there. Some of my family cannot speak English or Spanish and it would be nice for them to have people who speak the same language.
I would appreciate your answers.
Grace
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What research I have done shows it is pretty hard to get citizenship in CR without basically marrying a CR citizen. Is this true? I am not an investor or retiree. Just a 34 year old guy who wants to make a jump to a new life. Can you help me with some info please. Christian
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Christian,
Your information is for the most part, correct.
Prior to applying for and being eligible for Costa Rica citizenship you must be granted residency status. The classifications for residency are not friendly to younger, non-pensioners due to the fact that Costa Rica wants your vacation money - not your need to take up Costa Rica's own resources.
As stated in my blog post, earning an income to support yourself is also an issue should you need the money ... only Permanent Residents and Citizens are allowed to be employed (unless you have your own business or are granted a work visa due to specialized employment like an English speaking physics teacher).
Others like yourself go the 'perpetual tourist' route where they leave Costa Rica every 90 days for the required 72 hours. These same people either have their own income, own a business employing others to complete the work or skirt the law by acting as an independent contractor (ie: billing their employer for services rendered as a Costa Rica corporation for which they are the principle owner).
FYI: The minimum income standards for Pensionado and Rentista residency status are currently in legislation for possible increases from $600/mo. to $2,000/mo. and $1,000/mo. to $5,000/mo. respectively. So as you can see, Costa Rica is attempting to make it even tougher for those seeking to reside in country full-time.
-Bill
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Thanks Bill, Its looks like this is going to be a tough road. One last question and I"ll leave you alone. Lol. Is it true that if you marry a Costa Rican citizen you can then get your citizenship? Thanks
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If you marry a Costa Rica citizen you are eligible to apply for Costa Rica Permanent Residency status.
This application process can be lengthy and is not an automatic as it does include; proof of marriage, proof of actual relation to fight ever increasing fraudulent marriages for purposes of residency, criminal background checks from both your current place of residence and in Costa Rica via INTERPOL, etc., etc.
Once Permanent Residency is granted you will have to reside in Costa Rica for a total of 2 years prior to being able to apply for Costa Rica Citizenship.
Hope this helps clarify the process!
-Bill
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Hello,
I checked out your blog from seeing a link from yahoo answers. Thanks for all the information.
I was wondering if you had any advice you could share about trying to get residency. I am 29, and will qualify for the 1k a month requirement due to my service in the military. I get a monthly check.
I don't know a lot about the best way to start the residency process. Any information you could share would be appreciated. Currently, I work in Iraq as a civilian contractor, so I am not sure what is the best route to go.
Thanks,
Ian
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Ian,
The Costa Rica laws regarding Residency are under seemingly constant review and interpretation.
As mentioned in the above response; the minimum income standards for Pensionado and Rentista residency status are currently in legislation for possible increases from $600/mo. to $2,000/mo. and $1,000/mo. to $5,000/mo. respectively.
If passed into law, these new minimum guaranteed income levels may prohibit you from applying for Costa Residency - which is apparently Costa Rica's goal.
Given your current location and short time in which the new Costa Rica residency requirements will more than likely be enacted ... I would wait and see if you will even qualify before applying. Costa Rica Blogger will of course post an up-to-date blog entry outlining the new residency requirements once they are law.
Once you think you can qualify under the new laws, I would advise that you consult with a reputable/recommended Costa Rica attorney specializing in residency issues and applications.
I will be happy to recommend such an attorney upon request.
-Bill
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We are an American family of five, my husband and I and our three young children. We want to move to C.R. I have a college degree and was reading about how I can be an English teacher there. We are planning on saving about 10,000 dollars before moving. But what do you think the chances of me being able to get a job there are. We are a simple family and dont want anything more than a two bedroom apartment. The U.S. economy is not doing well and everything here is so expensive. We have been looking into moving there for awhile but of coarse I want to take my family's best interest in mind. I am glad you have this website and have enjoyed all your posts. I wish the best to you and your son! Thank you!
Gina
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Hi Gina,
You are obviously being very prudent to do allot of research and planning prior to committing to a Costa Rica move.
You don't mention if you have prior teaching experience ... then again, this is certainly not my area of expertise so I am not familiar if experience would be a requirement for all employers.
I do know that earning enough to support a family of 5 will be difficult as wages in Costa Rica are lower than comparable employment in the U.S. ... and of course this assumes both you and your husband will be eligible to work based on work permits and/or residency status.
I suggest following-up on your Costa Rica employment options first to see what is required of you to secure a job and of course at what income. Then a more educated decision can be made with your expected income-to-expense ratio.
I love living in Costa Rica and am sure you and your children would benefit from the experience as well ... so I'm certainly an advocate of going for it as long as you can make it work.
Best of Luck!
-Bill
P.S.: In addition to your housing expenses, food, etc. ... you will more than likely have private school expenses for your children at $200 - $800 a month / per child (depending on the school). See blog posts: Costa Rica's Cost of Living - can I really live on $700 a month?! and Costa Rica Bilingual Education for Grade School Students for more information.
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My wife and I live in Pennsylvania and last month we bought a house in Atenas. We love it there. We are trying to find a way to move to Costa Rica and make some money there before we retire (5 years from now). Is there any way that I could work at home as an artist and sell my work online to clients outside of Costa Rica?
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Robert,
You should have no problem with this business model. I would also think you could sell the artwork in-country utilizing a Costa Rica corporation you own.
A reputable CR attorney should be able to get you legally up and running in short-order for less than $400.00.
-Bill
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I am a U.S. citizen looking to move to C.R. for a year or two. I own a mobile airbrush tattooing(non-permanent)and airbrush tanning buis. Could I use this as a source of income, I providing the equipment needed, as long as I hire a C.R. citizen "to perform the actual art"? Cool blog and look forward to your opinion. Thanks.
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Jeremy,
I personally know a couple non-residents running successful store-front businesses ... they own the shop and supervise the work within their legal Costa Rica corporations.
Costa Rica Migracion can stop in at any time, so be careful to keep your passport entry/exit stamps current (leave every 90 days for 72 complete hours) and restrict your activities to supervision.
Don't get caught performing the hands-on work and you should be fine.
-Bill
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