To facilitate the legal hiring of foreign workers, the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) has created a registration mechanism for companies that wish to benefit from easier foreign hiring. Below are the reasons and benefits of this registration, as well as the classification of companies that can apply.
Benefits of Registration
- Easier Foreign Hiring: Registered companies that include migration flow in their operational plan can hire foreign personnel more easily. Residency and work permits are approved by Migration without the need for prior authorization from the Ministry of Labor, significantly streamlining the process.
- Shorter Approval Times: Registered companies receive a response within 2 to 3 months, compared to the 12 to 15 months of ordinary procedures, allowing for more efficient planning.
- Personalized Service at Migration: Registered companies have access to a dedicated service at Migration, avoiding long queues and accelerating procedures.
- Fewer Residency Requirements: For registered companies, fewer documents are required when applying for residencies. Academic titles or apostilled diplomas are no longer mandatory; only a sworn declaration from the legal representative about the employees’ qualifications is needed.
- Immediate Start of Work: Workers, executives, or managers can begin working legally from the start of the residency or work permit application. This accelerates company operations and eliminates the risk of fines for illegal work.
Expansion of the List of Registered Companies
According to the Regulations for Company Registration with DGME and the Migration Regulations of Personnel, companies that can register with Migration to process their immigration-related applications are classified as follows:
- Class A Companies: Companies operating or starting operations under special export promotion regimes managed by COMEX and PROCOMER.
- Class B Companies: Companies that export goods or services outside the special export promotion regimes or engage in research and development activities.
- Class C Companies: Tourism sector companies in Costa Rica, specifically in tourist accommodation with a Tourist Declaration and a four-star rating or higher. Also includes airlines registered with the Association of Airlines for passenger and cargo transport.
- Class D Companies: Financial sector companies in Costa Rica, supervised or registered with SUGEF, SUPEN, SUGEVAL, or SUGESE.
- Class E Companies: Companies in the process of installation or operating in the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica, supervised or registered with SUTEL.
- Class F Companies: Multinationals whose headquarters decide to establish a subsidiary in Costa Rica, engaged in the production and marketing of goods and services.
- Class G Companies: National or foreign companies operating or starting operations in Costa Rica, awarded contracts with public entities lasting over a year, and those contractually linked with public entities.
Conclusion
Company registration with the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners is a strategic step for organizations handling significant migration flows. This registration not only facilitates the hiring and regularization of foreign personnel but also offers shorter approval times, personalized service, and fewer documentary requirements. Additionally, it allows workers to start their duties immediately, benefiting the company’s operations and competitiveness in the global market. Companies should view this process as an investment in their ability to attract and retain international talent efficiently and legally.
