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Work-based residence allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Costa Rica within the scope of activities authorized by the immigration authority. Company executives and technical staff may obtain temporary residence for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal. After three consecutive years of temporary residence, they may apply for permanent residence.
Costa Rica
residency
- executives, managers and company representatives in Costa Rica
- IT specialists, technical experts and specialized staff who meet the requirements of the category
- employees of international companies transferred to a Costa Rican entity
- expatriates planning to work and live in the country long term
Category: Residencia temporal como ejecutivo, representante, gerente o personal técnico
Basis: confirmed employment with a company operating in Costa Rica and compliance with the requirements of the immigration category
Immigration authority: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería — DGME
Who it is for
- legal residence and employment
- the possibility of obtaining residence for family members, subject to the requirements of the relevant category
- the possibility of applying for permanent residence after three consecutive years of temporary residence
- the possibility of applying for citizenship once the naturalization requirements have been met
No investment contribution is required for this category
Benefits of employment-based residence
- birth certificate
- police clearance certificate
- valid passport
Documents for the main applicant
Process
STAGE
WHAT WE DO
ACTIONS
TIMELINE
01
Document preparation
LATAMMERCADO prepares the applications and the applicant’s and employer’s document package
- The applicant provides documents and information about their experience, qualifications and intended work.
30 calendar days, subject to extension
02
Application submission and review
- the applicant travels to Costa Rica
- the document package is submitted to DGME, with support throughout the review process and in responding to requests
- the applicant attends the required procedures in person
03
DIMEX card issuance
LM organizes the entire process
- the applicant visits DGME in person for document verification and biometrics
Registration and case review within 90 days
Path to Permanent Residence
First permit
temporary residence for up to 2 years
- the specific duration depends on the category and the DGME decision
After 3 consecutive years of temporary residence
application for permanent residence
Permanent residence
an indefinite status
- the DIMEX document must be renewed within the prescribed time limits
After 7 years of official residence
the possibility of applying for citizenship
- the remaining naturalization requirements must also be met
Frequently asked questions
Family members submit separate applications. The general procedure for this category covers the applicant’s spouse and minor children.
Yes. Certain procedures must be completed in person in the country, including fingerprint registration and issuance of the DIMEX foreign national identity card.
Yes, an application may be submitted in Costa Rica, provided the requirements for lawful entry are met. A government fee applies when changing immigration category.
Yes, through a separate naturalization procedure. For Russian citizens, the general requirement is at least seven years of official residence. For citizens by birth of Central American countries, Ibero-American countries and Spain, the period is five years. Spanish language skills and knowledge of Costa Rican history and values are required.
This work-based category does not require proof of personal savings or passive income as an independent basis for residence. Employment and remuneration terms must be confirmed, and the employer’s documents must also be provided.
You do not need to remain in the country continuously without traveling abroad. To maintain temporary residence, you must retain the basis for your residence and renew your documents on time. An absence of more than two consecutive years for temporary residents, or more than four consecutive years for permanent residents, is grounds for cancellation of the status.
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