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What you need to know about working in Costa Rica
Pining to swap your office cubicle for a hammock on a beach in Costa Rica? You’re hardly alone. This gorgeous gem of Central America entices heaps of tourists with its tropical beauty and relaxed pura vida vibe. But before you start stuffing your suitcase, here are some fundamentals you need to know about working in this tropical paradise legally.
The Legal Basics
Costa Rica keeps its locals’ jobs secure, so there are strict laws regarding the employment of foreigners. You need to be a Costa Rican citizen, get permanent residence, or get a specific work permit if you want to work lawfully.
Permanent residence is not immediate – you typically must have temporary residence in Costa Rica for a minimum of three years first. Something to consider if you’re planning a move.
Different Types of Residence and What They Mean for Work
If you have permanent residence or citizenship, you can work wherever you want and accept any job without restrictions. But most expatriates start with temporary residence, which is restricted.
Under temporary residence (e.g., rentista or pensionado visas), you can own a business but cannot actually work in it on a daily basis. For Example: you can own a restaurant, but you cannot be the chef cooking food or the waiter serving customers. You can only oversee the business and hire locals to do the actual work.
Work permits exist for highly skilled professionals, but they’re hard to get. You’ll need to prove that you have skills that no Costa Rican worker can offer – a high hurdle in a country with an educated workforce.
What Most Expats Actually Do
Because of these restrictions, expats in Costa Rica typically do one of the following:
Remote Work
The most popular option is to work online while living in Costa Rica. Many expats work as freelance writers, web designers, consultants, or employees of foreign companies. The key is that your income comes from clients or employers outside of Costa Rica.
This choice gives you the liberty to enjoy the Costa Rican way of life without needing to suspend your professional life. You can work from home, a coffee shop, at the beach, or one of the many growing coworking spaces throughout the nation.
Starting a Business
The majority of expats open tourism, hospitality, or expat service businesses. Remember, however, with temporary residence, you will need to hire locals to run the day-to-day operations in order to focus on management.
The tourist industry offers many opportunities, ranging from small hotels, tour operators, to speciality shops. There are expats who earn a nice living offering niches that cater to English-speaking tourists or the growing expat community.
Teaching English
English teachers are generally in demand, particularly those who are well qualified. Language schools, international schools, and universities do sometimes hire foreign teachers, but competition can be stiff.
Working for International Companies
There are a few multinational corporations with offices in Costa Rica, primarily in the San José area. Being transferred by your own company is generally the most straightforward way to work legally in the country.
Finding Job Opportunities
If you’re set on working in Costa Rica, networking is essential. Connect with other expats on social media groups and at events around town. Word of mouth is also how most jobs are found, more so than through formal postings.
Online job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and local sites like CINDE JOBS can help you explore opportunities. The English-language newspaper the Tico Times publishes job advertisements in its classifieds as well.
It won’t hurt applying to companies you like, even though they may not have job openings posted. This strategy, referred to as “speculative applications,” is both popular and occasionally effective in Costa Rica.
Why People Love Working in Costa Rica Despite the Challenges
The legal obstacles may appear overwhelming, but to most expats, the reward is worth the hassle. Being based in Costa Rica and working from home or having a business provides one with a unique sense of freedom.
Picture finishing work and going directly to the beach to watch the sunset, or taking a Wednesday off to hike in a rainforest. The reduced cost of living means that your wages will go further than they would in Europe or North America.
Costa Rica’s good healthcare, secure government, and friendly people also make it popular as a place to call home. The rising numbers of foreign expats mean that there are lots of other people who will understand the unique challenges and rewards of expat life.
Final Reflections
It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer familiar with Costa Rican law before proceeding with anything. Laws can be complex and can sometimes change, and expert advice is extremely useful.
Most who have done so say it was worth the hassle of resolving the work problem for the quality of life they enjoy today. With some patience, creativity, and planning, you can find your own path to working and taking advantage of everything Costa Rica offers.