Temporary Work Permits

The work permit is usually given for six months, expandable for other six months.  It is given specially for foreign professionals and highly qualified technicians working for local companies (private or public).  It requires the approval of the Work Department and the Immigration Department in terms of certifying that no national worker is able to do the job.

Application

a) Written application from interested party requesting temporary permit issuance, addressed to the Department of Temporary Permits and Extensions from the General Direction of Immigration and Alien Status, indicating personal description, name of Organization or Institute (state or international) where individual will work, length of stay in country. Individual signature must be authenticated by an attorney or signed by the clerk receiving application. Must indicate place or means to receive notifications (fax numbers, home or office address). Application missing this will not be processed, and if address or means are untrue or false, notifications of the administrative act shall be concluded 24 hours after performed.

b) Written application by legal representative of the International Organization or State Institution where individual will work, indicating time of service and length of stay in Costa Rica. An attorney must authenticate signature. If document was issued abroad, it must be submitted duly legalized by the Consul of Costa Rica of the country of origin or where legally residing and by the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Costa Rica. If said document is language other than Spanish, it must be officially translated.

c) Organization Corporate Entity Permit.

d) Organization Corporate Identification certified photocopy.

e) Costa Rican Social Security Bureau Certification, indicating that company or employer is registered and up to date on state responsibilities payment.

f) Completed temporary permit request form, given by the Department of Information of this General Direction.

g) Submit four frontal recent passport size photographs.

h) Finger print register certificate for applicant over 10 years of age.

i) Certified photocopy or approved by clerk processing documents, with all passport pages. When certified by public notary, each photocopy must be signed and stamped. If document is in language other than Spanish, it must be officially translated.

After temporary permit approval is granted, individual must deposit a One hundred US dollar ($100) warranty bond in account No. 99268-2, or Costa Rican currency equivalent at current exchange rate fixed daily by the Central Bank of Costa Rica in account No. 2800-2. Both accounts are from the Bank of Costa Rica.

Renewal

Foreigners who have been granted a temporary permits can request a renewal, only if previously authorized by the General Direction, which can be processed as follows:

a) Written request from applicant requesting temporary permit renewal, addressed to the Department of Temporary Permit and Extension of the General Direction of Immigration and Alien Status, indicating personal description, name of company or employer where individual will work, length of stay in country, and salary paid. Individual signature must be authenticated by an attorney or signed by the clerk receiving application. An attorney must authenticate signature, or authenticated by clerk processing documentation.

b) Legal company representative letter indicating employee continuance, salary paid and length of stay in the country. An attorney must authenticate the signature.

c) Costa Rican Social Security Bureau Employee rights certified photocopy by a public notary or certified by clerk processing documentation.