Doin' Costa Rica: Working in Costa Rica- Can you? Legally?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Working in Costa Rica- Can you? Legally?

So, you think you're just going to come down to Costa Rica and find a job...? Really?
First watch this video about finding a job and working in Costa Rica, then we'll talk.

Here's the problem. You need a work permit to legally work in Costa Rica and you can't work at a job a Tico could do AND they just don't give out work permits AND Tico's can do ANYTHING you can do. See the conundrum?

Obviously, like most rules, there's exceptions to these rules as well and honestly, there's a few loop holes too. But what this basically means to you is that it's very difficult to come down to Costa Rica, find a job and work your way up the ladder of success- matter of fact, it's not going to happen. Don't do it and especially if you have to have a job to survive. Now if you just looking to experience Costa Rica for a few months, that's a different story.

*I want to make it CLEAR. Many, many people work under the table here and there's many jobs where you could pretty much live under the radar,,, internet work, maintenance and odd jobs, arts and crafts and of course, the perennial favorites- yoga instructor, massage therapist, bartender, surf instructor but from what I've seen and experienced it's usually the instability of these types of jobs that inevitably send you packing.

Stay where you are until you have enough money to start your own business in Costa Rica because like I mentioned in the video, starting a business is much more feasible and doable option.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

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Tobias · 713 weeks ago

Great video thank you..we quite often get the same questions ..

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michael alan · 713 weeks ago

THANX. You just explained why we do these types of videos.... we get the same questions A LOT, so we decide to answer them in video....

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expatcostarica 44p · 713 weeks ago

Consider that also to really manage or work at your own business it is necessary to be a PERMANENT legal resident, which is a status only available after living in Costa Rica for three years as a TEMPORARY legal resident under one of the programs offered to retirees with guaranteed income. Factor in another year or two for paperwork processing delays.

You can try to get permission to manage your own business, but those requirements are complex and require minimum levels of investment certified every step of the way by a local accountant.

The bottom line is that if your business idea requires a public presence or labor relations, then it will be necessary to hire a Tico manager if you want to get setup quickly.

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michael alan · 713 weeks ago

Yes, you are right, That is the law. But I'm thinking that's why there's room for me in the Costa Rica Information highway,,,you and others report on the nitty-gritty, the legalities.... but let's be real, a vast majority of gringos that run businesses here are NOT residents and they do work the business... and for the most part they are ignored as long as they're hiring Tico's and doing everything else above board.

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Jon Rowe · 712 weeks ago

Thanks for this. I have a keen interest in this, and plan on in a few years coming down and starting a dive shop and adventure outfit/ hostel. I know theres a ton of them out there already but it is just what I want to do. Does the type of business you want to start and the competition already in the market place affect whether you can get the go ahead or not?