How to legally relocate foreign employees to Costa Rica

Hiring international talent and relocating your team to Costa Rica can offer great advantages — but the legal process must be done properly.

Before sponsoring any work permit, your company must be registered with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Immigration Authority). Only then can you begin the application process for temporary residency under dependent employment.

To submit a valid application, you’ll need:

  1. A signed employment contract
  2. A valid corporate Tax ID
  3. Registration with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (social security)

The foreign worker must wait for approval before entering the country or starting any activities. Hiring without prior authorization can result in legal consequences for both the employer and the employee.

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    Written by: Erp Lawyers

    September 1, 2025

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