Your Guide to Working and Job Hunting in Costa Rica as a Foreigner in 2024
The process of finding a job in Costa Rica might not be as straightforward as it seems, as the Costa Rican law prioritizes the local employment pool over foreign workers. However, if you can secure a permanent residency status, this will greatly improve your chances of securing a job in Costa Rica.
Are you interested in the prospect of working in Costa Rica? Do you wish to know more about the legal requirements associated with landing a job as an expat in Costa Rica?
Fret not, this Pacific Prime Latin America article will give you a low down on the process of searching for a job in Costa Rica, the high-demand jobs, and how much a foreigner can earn while working there.
Is it Easy to Look for a Job in Costa Rica as an expat?
Should you be offered a job in Costa Rica, but not a work permit; it is advisable to not accept the job due to the protective nature of the Costa Rican Ministry of Labor. More often than not, they will not offer you a work permit if you are unable to prove that your work cannot be performed by a local.
This means that finding a job in Costa Rica will require you to prove yourself as a highly skilled worker, and you should have, as a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree is strongly preferred to make your case as a highly skilled worker. Please also keep in mind that the Costa Rican population is highly educated, so this will be a difficult process.
Lastly, as a foreigner, you will need to remember that you can only take up employment once you have a permanent residency.
How to Apply for a Visa in Costa Rica
When it comes to temporary visas, the main categories are Rentista (rentier) visas, Inversionista (investor) visas, Pensionado (pensioner) visas, Retiree visas, and Estudiante (student) and Intern visas.
Below is a more detailed explanation of each of the different types of temporary visas available in Costa Rica:
Rentista Visa
The Rentista Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable source of income from foreign sources, such as investments or pensions. This visa allows them to reside in Costa Rica without the need to engage in any employment activities within the country.
Inversionista Visa
The Inversionista Visa is designed for individuals who wish to make a financial investment in Costa Rica by either owning a business or holding shares in a company. It requires a minimum investment in specific sectors of the Costa Rican economy, such as tourism or real estate.
Do note that, to qualify for an Inversionista temporary visa, you are required to invest more than USD 150,000 into a Costa Rican business or property.
Pensionado Visa
The Pensionado Visa is available to retirees who receive a pension or retirement income from a government or private institution. It provides the opportunity to retire in Costa Rica.
Rentista-retiree Visa
This visa is a combination of the Rentista and Pensionado Visa. It is designed for individuals who have a stable income from foreign sources and are retired.
Estudiante Visa
The Estudiante Visa is intended for individuals who wish to pursue studies or enroll in an accredited educational institution in Costa Rica. This type of visa grants temporary residency for the duration of the academic program.
For more detailed information on Costa Rican work visas and permits, check out our comprehensive guide here.
How Much Can I Earn Working in Costa Rica?
As we’ve mentioned before, it’s not as easy to find a job in Costa Rica as a foreigner, as the Costa Rican law favors locals and residents over expats. Foreigners can only be employed in Costa Rica once they take up permanent residency.
Self-employment is a popular choice in Costa Rica, and entrepreneurial expats can set up their businesses there. However, you can only set up a business in Costa Rica with a temporary residence visa, so you can only hire locals or expats with a permanent residency status.
Should you find a job in Costa Rica, you’ll enjoy the relaxed working culture and a welcoming business environment. The average salary in Costa Rica is about CRC 283,000 – 565,900 (USD 500-1,000) per month. While this may be relatively low, the cost of living in Costa Rica is also relatively low.
What Jobs Are in High Demand in Costa Rica?
As of today, the information technology sector in Costa Rica is on an upward trajectory. This is due to the rising level of education among the population, resulting in a higher demand for tech-savvy employees.
Among others, are customer support, tourism, renewable energy, and healthcare. To elaborate in detail, we’ve listed the industries that are most active when it comes to hiring:
Information Technology
As a result of Costa Rica’s reputation as a politically stable country, their information technology (IT) industry has flourished, turning San Jose into an operation center for software development, particularly in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector.
Therefore, if you are a highly skilled software developer with a lengthy track record, you may be able to find a job in this rapidly expanding industry. Popular jobs include; data analysts, software developers, and cybersecurity specialists.
Shared Services
Shared services, including call centers, technical support, and financial services have grown in popularity. The nation’s highly educated and bilingual workforce has attracted several multinational corporations to establish their shared services facilities within the country.
Cities like San José and Heredia have emerged as the preferred locations for these operations, adding to an escalating demand for customer service representatives, accountants, and financial analysts.
Tourism
Tourism is a crucial part of Costa Rica’s economy, with a constant increase in international visitors. The hotel and hospitality industry has created a growing demand for workers in areas such as reception, food services, tour guides, and event management.
Additionally, sustainable tourism has become more relevant, opening up opportunities in ecotourism and environmental conservation.
Renewable Energy
Costa Rica has dedicated itself to becoming a fossil-free country and has invested heavily in renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power.
This commitment has created a substantial demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy engineering, facility maintenance technicians, and environmental management experts.
Healthcare
The healthcare and life science industry in Costa Rica has seen remarkable growth. The country has distinguished itself through its high-quality medical care and capability to conduct clinical research.
The Costa Rican healthcare sector offers employment opportunities such as doctors, nurses, medical researchers, and laboratory staff.
The Most Popular Job Hunting Sites in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, several job-hunting websites are popular among job seekers. These include LinkedIn, GoAbroad, UN Jobs, and Indeed. These platforms assist in identifying job demands that may require non-local candidates.
However, before accepting any offers, it is crucial to communicate with employers to understand their legal hiring procedures and whether they prefer expatriates for certain roles.
- LinkedIn serves as a widely recognized professional networking platform, allowing individuals to create professional profiles, connect with professionals, and explore job opportunities within Costa Rica.
- UN Jobs is the official job portal for employment opportunities within the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated organizations. The platform offers a diverse range of job positions in the non-profit sector that typically do not compete directly with Costa Rican job seekers.
- GoAbroad specializes in providing job search options for individuals seeking international work opportunities. It covers areas like teaching English abroad, volunteering, internships, and job placements in various countries.
- Indeed is a widely used job search engine that consolidates job listings from multiple sources, including company websites, job boards, and staffing agencies specific to Costa Rica.
4 Tips for Finding a Job in Costa Rica
Job-hunting here as a foreigner can be a challenging task. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can enhance your job prospects.
Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the job market and find more employment opportunities in Costa Rica.
Have a Customized Resume and Cover Letter Ready
A Costa Rican-style resume is similar to a North American equivalent. Begin with your contact information up top, including international communication apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
Present your education and work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or job position. If you have extensive work experience, highlight the most relevant aspects of the specific job you are applying for.
Additional Tips for CV/Resume
- It is uncommon to include a photograph in a Costa Rican CV.
- If you’re looking for a job in the hospitality or tourism sector, emphasize any language skills you possess.
- It is advisable to have a Spanish translation of your resume available.
Cover Letter Tips
The cover letter is your chance to elaborate on your relevant work experience that’s relevant to the specific job you are applying for. Keep the letter concise, limiting it to one page. Ideally, address it to the job recruiter, hiring manager, or HR manager.
Similar to your resume, having a Spanish version of your cover letter is recommended.
Network with Expats and Locals
Having a strong network of connections can be crucial in landing job opportunities in Costa Rica. The established expats and locals can offer valuable insights, advice, and potential leads in employment opportunities.
Participate in networking events, join professional organizations, and engage with online communities to grow your network and gain access to the hidden job market.
Make Use of Available Job Search Resources
Job search resources specifically designed for foreign job seekers are readily accessible. Job portals like Costa Rica Jobs and Indeed Costa Rica combine job postings from various industries, enabling you to search for positions that align with your skills and expertise.
Additionally, there are recruitment agencies specializing in helping expats in Costa Rica discover job opportunities that match your qualifications, along with the aforementioned job hunting sites listed above.
Make the Effort to Learn Spanish
Most Costa Ricans can speak English without much fuzz, but learning the local lingua can go a long way if you want to live in the country. So make an effort to learn some Spanish, as this will help you bond with the locals, making your life much easier.
Moreover, having proficiency in Spanish can open many doors to job prospects, and it shows your dedication to assimilating into the local culture and community.
Get in Touch with Pacific Prime Latin America for Expat Health Insurance in Costa Rica
The best approach for expats looking to work in Costa Rica is to initially take on temporary visas until gaining permanent residence. Then you’ll be allowed to apply for special category work in the Costa Rican job market without obstacles.
Nonetheless, moving to a new country requires thorough research and understanding of the requirements. This article aims to provide the necessary information to make important decisions, emphasizing the importance of health insurance.
With over 20 years of reputation as a world-renowned international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime Latin America can assist you in finding suitable insurance coverage that aligns with your situation and budget, whether you need health insurance for retirees or expats.
For further insights on topics like the 15 best places for expats to live in Costa Rica in 2024, please explore the blog section.
Contact us now to get free and impartial guidance or to compare insurance plans and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely and live in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica just introduced a new visa type that allows foreigners to work remotely from their company while living in the country for up to two years.
However, there is a list of requirements that you need to meet to be considered for this visa type, so you should do research before considering this remote working option.
How can I move to Costa Rica permanently?
If you wish to move permanently to Costa Rica full-time, you will be required to apply for a work or residence visa with the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. We recommend that you seek professional help for your application.
Do expats pay taxes in Costa Rica?
Generally, residents are taxed on their worldwide income. This means that as a resident, your income from both Costa Rican and international sources is taxable in Costa Rica. In contrast, non-residents are taxed only on their Costa Rican source income.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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