I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table lists only the principal types covered in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Visitor visa requirements, visa-free eligibility and the authorized period of stay are determined according to the traveller's nationality group and the entry decision. Ordinary tourism and business visits cannot replace local employment status. Visa validity and the authorized period of stay should be confirmed separately.

Whether an activity qualifies as a visit depends on the actual work performed, not merely the itinerary label or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training and on-site client services should be checked carefully to determine whether a work permit or a specific exemption is required.

2. Temporary Residence for Executives, Managers, Representatives and Technical Personnel

This pathway applies to executives, managers, representatives and technical personnel genuinely employed by an entity established in Costa Rica, as well as professional, scientific or technical personnel specified by law.

The applicant must meet the relevant subcategory under Article 79 of the General Immigration and Aliens Act. Costa Rica's General Directorate of Immigration and Aliens (DGME) authorizes the specific activity, and a technical opinion from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MTSS) may be required. Salary must meet the 2026 minimum wage for the relevant occupation or qualification; there is no single visa salary figure applicable to every foreign worker.

Temporary residence under the law generally exceeds 90 days and may initially be granted for up to two years, renewable for the same period. The actual duration depends on the approved subcategory and the DIMEX. The holder may perform only the authorized activities.

Before changing employer, position, scope of activities or salary grade, confirm with DGME or MTSS whether an amendment or new application is required. After employment ends, the original approval cannot be used to continue working. The person should change status, cancel the status or depart, with the specific residence arrangements governed by the applicable law and individual permit.

3. Status for Workers in Specific Occupations

This status applies to foreign salaried workers hired by a Costa Rican employer for a specific occupation who do not fall under another specialized category.

Before applying, check the MTSS list of occupations not recommended or the applicable technical opinion, employer and regional demand, the occupational minimum wage and the applicant's qualifications. DGME gives final approval for the specific employer, occupation, activity and period.

The initial duration is determined by the DGME approval or DIMEX. The maximum two-year period for Article 79 temporary residence should not automatically be applied to this pathway. Renewal requires continued compliance with the approved occupation, employer and salary, as well as MTSS and DGME conditions.

A change of employer, occupation or region requires an amendment or new approval. After employment ends, the original permission cannot be used to continue working; the person should change status, cancel the status or depart.

4. Status for Seasonal or Temporary-Industry Workers

This pathway applies to specific seasonal or temporary activities recognized by MTSS, with workers employed by an authorized employer within the prescribed region and period.

MTSS determines which activities may use this pathway and the permitted workforce numbers or demand. DGME restricts the employer, region, activity and duration. The employer must demonstrate a genuine temporary need and provide the contract, salary information and any applicable accommodation or safety evidence.

DGME approves the initial duration based on the season or activity; the two-year limit for temporary residents does not apply. Any extension or change of employer, region or activity requires prior DGME approval. Work must stop when the season or contract ends, followed by termination, change of status or departure procedures.

II. Entry, Dependants and Other Arrangements

The visa, work approval and residence document should correspond to the actual activities and to one another's validity periods. Dependant status for holders of temporary residence as executives, managers, representatives or technical personnel does not automatically provide unrestricted work rights. A dependant who intends to work must be assessed under the applicable DGME category in their own right.

Dependants of workers in specific occupations must apply according to the principal holder's approved status; work rights do not arise automatically through the principal applicant. The seasonal or temporary-industry worker pathway is generally unsuitable as a stable basis for accompanying dependants and does not automatically grant them work rights. Study, transit and other personal statuses must separately meet their corresponding conditions.

III. Renewals, Changes, Termination and Status Maintenance

A card that has not yet expired does not mean its holder may work for any new employer. If a statutory job-search or transition period exists, its applicability should be assessed against the actual approval and remaining period of stay.

IV. Support sailglobal Can Provide

If a company plans to send personnel to Costa Rica for business visits, local employment or seasonal projects, or to arrange accompanying family members, it can contact sailglobal to understand the applicable pathway and application requirements based on the individual's status, job duties, work location and itinerary.

Visa, work-permit and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.