Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in Costa Rica

Jump right in:

• How to get a job in Costa Rica as a foreigner
• Minimum wage and average salary
• Self-employment
• Business culture
• Social security and benefits
• Maternity and paternity leave

If you’re lucky enough to find a job in this tropical country, you’ll find yourself enjoying relaxed working days and a welcoming business culture. While the average salary is low, so is the cost of living. Expats interested in Costa Rican work opportunities should look into the tourism, hospitality, conservationism, and tech industries. Read on to learn more about how to apply for jobs in this country, whether or not foreigners pay into social security, and how maternity leave works.

Interested? Read our Working section to learn more about how to apply for a job in this country, whether or not foreigners pay into social security, and how long is maternity leave.

How to get a job in Costa Rica as a foreigner

How can you get a job in Costa Rica as a foreigner? While the process is straightforward, actually landing a position is tough. This is because Costa Rican law dictates that local residents must be considered for jobs before foreigners. If a company makes an offer to an expat, they will have to prove that the foreigner was more qualified than any local candidate.

If you are offered a job in Costa Rica, but not a work permit, it is advisable to not accept the position. While working illegally does happen in Costa Rica, you risk considerable fines, deportation, and blacklisting if you are caught. Although the road to getting a job in this country is difficult, it is worth it.

Requirements and eligibility for working in Costa Rica

In order to work in Costa Rica for a local employer, you need to have permanent resident status or a work permit / work visa. It is possible to take up employment with a temporary permit, but this is on a case-by-case basis and up to the discretion of the Department of Immigration.

One way to get a job and a work permit in Costa Rica is by being a highly skilled worker. You should ideally have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; a master’s or higher is preferred for specialized roles. You should also have multiple years’ experience in your profession. This is because you and your employer will need to prove that you are more qualified than a local candidate. And since Costa Rica has a highly educated population, this will be a hard task.

Costa Rican CV/resume

A Costa Rican-style resume is similar to a North American one. The top of the CV should include your contact information, including an international app such as WhatsApp or a professional network like LinkedIn. You should list your education and work history in descending order, starting with your most recent degree/position. If you have a lot of work experience, be sure to only highlight the most relevant experience for the job to which you are applying.

Other CV/resume tips

• It is not common to include a photo with a Costa Rican CV.
• If you are applying for a job within the hospitality or tourism sector, it is important to mention any language skills you may have.
• It is a good idea to have a Spanish translation copy of your resume ready.

Cover letter tips

The cover letter is your chance to speak in detail about your relevant work history as it pertains to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to keep the letter to one page and try to address it to the job recruiter, hiring manager, or HR manager, if possible.

Like your resume, it is a good idea to have a Spanish version of your cover letter.

References and qualifications

As the job market is so competitive for expats in Costa Rica, it is a good idea to have a list of references for every job that you apply for. This should be a list of three or four former employers, colleagues, or professors; people who can speak to your competency and work ethic. Be sure to give your references notice when you apply for a job, so that they can be prepared to speak about your qualifications.

How to look for a job in Costa Rica

What is the best way to get a job in Costa Rica as a foreigner? There are several job search avenues that expats can take. For starters, you have the option to search for a job from abroad as looking for employment while on a tourist visa is not legally permitted. Keep in mind that it is not possible to convert a tourist visa directly into a residency visa and work permit from within Costa Rica; the process must be started from abroad or through a valid immigration category. You can read more about this in our Visa and Work Permits section.

Speculative applications

It may surprise you that speculative applications are a common practice in Costa Rica, especially with foreigners. These are unsolicited resumes and cover letters sent to prospective employers. In your cover letter you should highlight the type of job you are looking for, rather than talking about one specific position.

Speculative applications can be sent to any type of company in Costa Rica, but some of the best places are:

• schools (both traditional schools and language schools);
• tourism industries, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants;
• adventure and theme parks.

It is also worth contacting the local Chamber of Commerce and asking for a list of companies in the area where you would like to live.

Online

There are plenty of online job sites that expats can peruse for vacancies. In addition to global sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, job seekers should also look at the following:

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• BuscoJobs
• Computrabajo
• ticojobs.com
• ESL Café
• Opcionempleo.co.cr

Expats should also check out the classifieds section of the online magazine: The Tico Times.

Job agencies

Both local and international recruitment agencies are great places to start your Costa Rican job search. A skilled agent can take a look at your qualifications and job requirements, and help you find a position that best fits your needs.

Networking tips

A great way to look for jobs is to network with other expats. They will share your experience of the difficulties of securing employment and a work permit. Before you arrive in the country, look into expat networking groups on sites like Facebook and InterNations. And when you arrive in the country, check out the social events, where you can meet other expats either for business networking or pure socialization.

Job opportunities for foreigners in Costa Rica

One of the most popular ways of working in Costa Rica as a foreigner is through an inter-company transfer. Many international companies have offices here, and this type of transfer allows for easy access to a work permit and residency visa. If an inter-company transfer is not an option for you, here are some other careers where foreigners will find the most opportunities in Costa Rica:

• English teacher
• call center agent
• IT specialist
• seasonal worker at a hotel or adventure park

Popular industries include tourism, hospitality, conservation work, and real estate.

Minimum wage and average salary

The average salary in Costa Rica is low: about 943,500 CRC (1,850 USD) per month. The cost of living in this country is also low, but, thanks to housing costs, expats will find that anything below 510,000 CRC (1,000 USD) per month will require living paycheck to paycheck.

What is the minimum wage in Costa Rica?

Instead of a minimum hourly wage, Costa Rica has minimum salaries for professions. This rate accounts for 8-hour workdays and differs based on whether the job is for a skilled or unskilled worker.

In general, the lowest minimum wage in Costa Rica is about 14,790 CRC (29 USD) per 8-hour workday.

For a closer look at the minimum wage per profession in Costa Rica, see the Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social’s website (the Ministry of Labor and Social Security).

What is the average annual salary in Costa Rica?

The average annual salary in Costa Rica ranges between 11,322,000 CRC (22,200 USD).

What is a good salary in Costa Rica?

The salary you require in Costa Rica depends on your individual living situation. Are you a single expat happy to have a room in a shared house? Are you a family relocating for work? The type of housing and luxuries you want will greatly affect what is considered a good salary for you.

If you're planning to live in Costa Rica, earning between 403,983 CRC (790 USD) and 1,600,000 CRC (3,140 USD) a month generally puts you in the middle-class range. That said, what counts as a “good” salary really depends on your lifestyle and what kind of comfort you’re looking for. If you want to be part of the top 10%, you’ll need to earn more than 1,600,000 CRC (3,140 USD) per month. In the end, it all comes down to how you want to live — whether you’re happy in a shared apartment or aiming for a more upscale setup.

The careers with the greatest job opportunities in the short term

Self-employment

As with any type of work in Costa Rica, the hardest part about being self-employed will be obtaining a visa. Because of the country’s strict hiring laws favoring locals over foreigners, only expats with permanent residency may take up self-employment. However, there are a few avenues expats can explore if they are determined to work for themselves in this country.

How to be self-employed in Costa Rica

Expats considering self-employment in Costa Rica should know that having some savings can make the process much smoother, as you must show that you have financial stability. If you plan to freelance, be aware that the authorities want to make sure you won’t require local support. Depending on the visa type you apply for, you may instead need to present a business plan or provide specific supporting documents. This is one reason why Costa Rica is particularly popular with retirees, whose income from pensions, savings, or retirement funds is treated as unearned income and generally easier to prove.

Self-employed and digital nomad visas

If you dream of running your own business or working online while enjoying Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle, different visas make it possible. The Rentista visa is a favorite among freelancers and independent professionals. To qualify, you need to show a steady foreign income of about 2,500 USD per month for at least two years or place around 60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank. With this visa, you can live here comfortably, work with international clients, and after three years apply for permanent residency.

The Digital Nomad visa is perfect if your work is fully online and your income comes from outside Costa Rica (so it’s ideal for self-employed people and freelancers, but also remote workers). You’ll need to prove a monthly income of about 3,000 USD, or 4,000 USD if you’re bringing your family, along with health insurance. This visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for another. A big plus is that foreign income isn’t taxed locally, and you can even bring essential work equipment without paying import duties.

Both visas give you the freedom to work independently while taking advantage of Costa Rica’s territorial tax system and relaxed way of life. After a few years, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship, making your stay more than just an extended getaway.

Top self-employed jobs in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an ideal country to be a freelancer. The cost of living is low, and the temperature is always beach-ready. Below are some of the most popular freelance jobs for expats living in the tropical country:

• translation
• writing and editing
• software developer
• graphic designer
• teacher (online or in-person such as a surf instructor or ESL tutor)
• career coach
• business consultant

Freelance jobs involved in the wedding industry are also especially popular in this country famed for destination nuptials. Such professions in this industry include:

• photographer
• videographer
• hair stylist
• makeup artist
• DJ
• event planner

Self-employed benefits Costa Rica

One benefit to being self-employed in Costa Rica is the amount of taxes that you will pay. As our Banks and Taxes section explains, income tax in the country is low and any income made from abroad is not taxed. Therefore, if you live in Costa Rica, but work remotely for a company in your home country, you will not be taxed on that income.

Self-employed income made from a Costa Rican source is taxed at 10-25% depending on the amount you earn.

Other benefits

Other benefits to being self-employed in this country include high-speed internet throughout the country, a variety of coworking spaces (largely located in San José, but also in some beach communities), and a network of other international freelancers to build a community with.

How to start a business in Costa Rica

Another way to be self-employed in Costa Rica is by starting your own business. This will allow you to apply for an Investor visa. An important criterion to keep in mind is that you will need to prove how/why this business is a benefit to the Costa Rican economy. You do need to demonstrate an investment of at least 150,000 USD and show how your business contributes to economic activity in the country. As the business owner/investor, you cannot work for the business.

Steps to starting a business in Costa Rica

1. Choose your business type: Once you have decided to start a business in Costa Rica, you will need to choose the right legal structure. Most expats opt for a corporate entity such as a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) or a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), which limit personal liability and offer a clearer separation between business and personal assets.
2. Open a bank account: It is mandatory that all Costa Rican business owners have a local bank account. See our Bank and Taxes  section for more details on how to open an account.
3. Obtain a license: You will need an operator’s license in Costa Rica. This is called a Patente Comercial. You will also need to request a zoning certificate (Certificado de Uso de Suelo) as well as any other licenses relevant to your business. For example, if you choose to open a bar or a spa, you will need a license from the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud).

While opening a business in Costa Rica may be easier than trying to find traditional employment, it is still a complicated ordeal full of bureaucracy and paperwork. Keep in mind that all documents will need to be translated into Spanish. We advise all entrepreneurial expats to employ the expert relocation services to help you get started.

Local business culture

It is important to familiarize yourself with the business culture in Costa Rica if you are moving there for work. In general, workplaces are relaxed. English is widely spoken, but you will want to learn Spanish in order to communicate more easily with your colleagues and business partners.

Things to know about Costa Rican working culture

• Although the workplace attitude is relaxed, Costa Ricans value punctuality when it comes to business. However, do not be surprised if meetings are delayed up to 30 minutes sometimes.
• You should greet people with a handshake, rather than an embrace or kiss on the cheek, which is common in other Latin American countries.
• Do not greet someone by their first name unless you are invited to do so.
• Business cards are exchanged often.
• Business negotiations may be slow until a mutual decision is agreed upon. If you come from a country where meetings are quick and to-the-point, you may feel frustrated.
• Costa Ricans value honesty and directness when working with others.
• If you are invited to a business dinner, it is polite to bring a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolate. It is also customary to invite your spouse or partner along.

Costa Rica dress code

Although Costa Rica is a hot, humid country, workplace culture dictates a certain level of modesty. Women should wear nice dresses, skirt, or pant suits. Tops should not be too low cut. Men should only wear full business suits for formal occasions. In the workplace, they should lean towards button-up shirts, nice slacks, and dress shoes.

Social security and benefits

Obtaining a social security number in Costa Rica is required of all citizens and residents (both temporary and permanent). The three main categories expats can register under are

• employed (Trabajador);
• self-employed (Trabajador Independiente);
• voluntary (Asegurado Voluntario).

To renew a residency permit, you will be required to show proof that you are registered within the social security system.

What is a social security number in Costa Rica? Social security is the responsibility of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Costa Rican Social Security), or CCSS/Caja. This number is used to register residents within the national healthcare and pension system. Funds gathered from social security go into pensions for retirees, the public health system, and other government sponsored needs.

Foreigners can get a social security number and it is mandatory for all residents.

How to get a social security number in Costa Rica

Applying for a social security number in Costa Rica depends on whether you are employed traditionally, self-employed, or if you voluntarily sign up as a temporary resident.

Employees

If you come to Costa Rica as an employee, your employer should enroll you in the social security system. Both you and your employer will have to pay into the social security fund (your employer will typically pay the most). The amount taken out of your paycheck will depend on your salary.

Self-employed

If you are self-employed or a business owner in Costa Rica, it is your responsibility to register with the social security system. You will do this in-person at your nearest CCSS office. To apply, you will need to bring the following documents:

• valid ID
• proof of residency status
• utility bill
• proof of business expenses and costs

Voluntary Enrollment

Expats who voluntarily enroll in social security are those who do not work in the country such as retirees, students, and those following a spouse to the country. Like self-employed individuals, volunteer enrollees will need to visit a CCSS office in-person and submit the following items:

• valid ID
• proof of residency
• utility bill
• evidence of your reason for being in the country (i.e. university enrollment document, spouse’s work contract, pension certificate, etc.)

Social security card in Costa Rica

The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) issues a physical insurance card (carné de asegurado) to all registered members, which is used to access healthcare services and other CCSS benefits. You can read more about this in our Visas and Work Permits  section.

Social security benefits in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, run by the CCSS, offers quite a wide range of benefits — not just medical services, but also financial support and social programs.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Healthcare coverage

You’ll have access to general and specialized medical care, hospital services, dental checkups, and pharmacy benefits. Everything is included under the country's Health and Maternity Insurance (SEM).

Financial support

Need to take time off for health reasons or maternity? The system offers disability subsidies and maternity leave payments. There’s also death assistance and long-term protection through the Disability, Old Age, and Death Insurance (IVM).

Support for different groups

Domestic workers are fully covered with access to healthcare, maternity leave, and future pensions. Kids of insured residents can also be covered until age 25, depending on the situation.

Extra perks for seniors

The Ci�no de Oro program gives seniors 65+ discounts on public services, health care, and more — all aimed at improving quality of life and independence.

Maternity and paternity leave

Maternity leave is a mandatory right in Costa Rica. If you work in the country and pay into social security, you are entitled to it.

How long is maternity leave in Costa Rica?

Maternity leave in Costa Rica lasts for a period of four months: one month before the birth and three months after. If a mother gives birth to multiple children, the post-natal period of maternity leave is extended by one month per child.

If you adopt a child, you are allowed a total of three months of maternity leave.

Maternity benefits in Costa Rica

Mothers will still receive their full salary during their maternity leave. Half of their salary will be paid through social security and the other half will be paid by their employer. Self-employed mothers are also entitled to maternity benefits as long as they have paid into the social scheme. These women will need to contact the Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social  (Ministry of Labor and Social Security) for more details on the amount of money they can receive.

In addition to this, when mothers return to work in Costa Rica, they are allotted time for breast-feeding throughout the day. They are allowed either

• 15 minutes every three hours;
• half an hour twice a day; or
• one hour at the beginning or end of the day.

Paternity leave and benefits in Costa Rica

Paternity leave is only mandatory in Costa Rica in the public sector. All fathers in the public sector are allowed two days per week for four weeks of paternity leave (a total of eight days) upon the birth of their child. A longer amount is only granted in special circumstances, such as the death of the mother during childbirth.

Paternity leave within the private sector is also mandatory.