Work visas
Costa Rican Temporary Residence for Company Workers and Specialists
Temporary residence allowing foreign nationals to work as employees of authorised companies or in specialised, scientific, professional or technical occupations.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The US$50 application fee, professional-registration and CCSS conditions are drawn from secondary summaries of DGME/General Migration Law requirements, not confirmed directly on migracion.go.cr. Verify the fee, sub-categories and validity periods on the official Regularización pages.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Costa Rica government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Residencia temporal (trabajador / ocupación específica)
- Route type
- Temporary residence for work
- Application fee
- US$50 (or colón equivalent) to the Government
- Reported general residence application fee to Banco de Costa Rica account 242480-0; verify current amount on migracion.go.cr.
Who it is for
- Executives, managers, representatives and technical staff of companies registered with the DGME
- Scientists and professionals contracted for research, development, consulting or technical projects
- Specialised workers with skills not available in the Costa Rican labour market (e.g. IT, specialised trades, arts and techniques)
Requirements
- A written application stating identity, qualifications, purpose, address and means of notification, signed before an official or with a lawyer-authenticated signature
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Legalised or apostilled birth certificate and criminal-record certificate covering the last three years
- Evidence of the employment relationship or company authorisation, and professional registration where applicable
- Proof of payment of the government application fee
What you can do
- Live in Costa Rica and carry out the specific authorised work
- Renew while the qualifying employment continues
- Include dependants under the dependent temporary-residence category
How to apply
- Submit the application and documents to the DGME (Gestión de Extranjería) or a regional delegation, or from abroad via a Costa Rican consulate
- Once approved, register and obtain the DIMEX foreigner ID card
- Enrol with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) as required for the category
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.