Costa Rica has long attracted foreigners, not only as a tourism destination but also as a place to work, live and settle down. The country is home to nearly half a million foreign residents.
It is no surprise that people are flocking to Costa Rica. The Central American country is relatively safe, politically stable and known for its beautiful scenery with lush rainforests, tropical beaches and breathtaking mountains.
Do you want to find a job that will allow you to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period of time and explore the country fully? Let's dig deeper into the information you need, covering everything from job types available to foreigners, visa and immigration law basics, and general considerations for job-hunting in Costa Rica.
Before you start scouting job opportunities in Costa Rica, familiarize yourself with some essential information, like local work options and general visa requirements.
Spanish is the official and predominantly used language in Costa Rica. Spanish language fluency can be advantageous in helping you secure a job — plus, it will simplify your day-to-day life in the country. Consider getting proof of official Spanish language proficiency, for example, by taking a test like the DELE.
The job market in Costa Rica can be challenging for foreigners. Employers must prioritize Costa Rican citizens when hiring, and if they choose candidates from abroad, they must prove that a local could not do the position in question. As a result, the competition for foreigner-suitable jobs is stiff. Still, it is possible to find a job in Costa Rica if you do your research and plan ahead.
Here are some of the possible job options available to you:
In general, the more advanced your education and specialized your niche, the better your odds of success as a foreigner in the Costa Rica job market. Finding a role that fits your unique profile will likewise be helpful.
Are you an IT professional with a strong tech-based background? Read on to learn more about potential opportunities for the right candidates through our partner platform Relocate.me.
Your job opportunities as a foreigner will also depend on where you want to live in Costa Rica. The Central Valley, including the capital of San Jose, is a favorite among expats, thanks to its global connectivity with an international airport. A hub for business, health care, education and entertainment, San Jose also offers many job options for skilled workers. However, if you opt for a smaller city like Heredia or Cartago, you can expect a lower cost of living.
Alternatively, if you dream of beach life, Costa Rica’s coastal areas might be preferable, offering tourism-focused jobs catering to the country’s foreign visitors. From the northwestern Pacific Guanacaste province to Costa Ballena, Limon and Jaco, you have many options. Mountain areas like the Talamanca Mountains also offer ecotourism jobs.
Costa Rica offers a few types of visa categories for persons wishing to reside and/or work in the country. Here are the highlights:
Stay tuned for more information regarding Costa Rica's new Digital Nomad visa.
Through Relocate, an independent marketplace for global migration, you can dig deeper and filter searches to find licensed Costa Rican Immigration Lawyers. Submit general inquiries and request in-depth consultations to get information regarding visa types and requirements tailored to your needs.
If you have reviewed the above considerations and decided you want to try to secure Costa Rican employment, the below resources can help.
Are you a tech-professional, software engineer or rising star in the IT world? Dig-deeper into our partner platform Relocate.me to land that next dream job.
Opcionempleo is the Spanish-language version of Careerjet.com. You can search both part-time and full-time jobs in Costa Rica, narrowing your search based on details like city (if you have a distinct location target in mind). You can also set job alerts.
CompuTrabajo is another Spanish-language job search engine that allows you to target your Costa Rica job search based on job title, location and similar details. You can also post your C.V. on the website and potentially let employers find you.
If you are interested in teaching English as a Second Language, you might consider looking at English teaching job sites. Options include ESL Employment, Total ESL, TESall and Transitions Abroad, which has a comprehensive Latin America database.
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Some simple best practices can improve your odds of landing your dream job in Costa Rica. Follow these tips to get started.
Before jumping into the job market, decide what approach makes the most sense for you in terms of obtaining a visa. If you have family in Costa Rica who can sponsor you for a residence visa, including work permission, for example, this might be easier than trying to get a company to sponsor you. Whatever visa option you choose, consult with a licensed Immigration Lawyer and make sure you have the necessary paperwork ready to go (passport photos, proof of yellow fever vaccination, etc.).
Since Costa Rica can be a tough market for foreign applicants, consider how open you are to living in diverse locations within the country. While you may have your heart set on working in a small beach town, for example, you may have more opportunities in a larger city like San José. The more flexible you are in terms of your home base, the more opportunities you open yourself up to.
Familiarizing yourself with local customs can make the business application process — such as interviewing — less stressful. Costa Rica has largely adopted traditional Western business etiquette.
Wear business formal attire, start and leave with a handshake, and make sure to address the person formally with their last name. If you are interviewing remotely, and even if you're looking for a job where you don't wear shoes, make sure to still dress for the part.
As you write your cover letter and resume, take your target location into account. For example, if you are bilingual in Spanish and English, make sure to mention this in your documents. You may also consider submitting your documentation in Spanish if you are applying to Spanish-language jobs.
Making the move to a foreign country can be daunting — especially when it comes to figuring out the complexities of visas and immigration. Relocate is here to help. Through our independent platform for global migration, qualified Advisors provide the expert insights you need to ensure you migrate safely and in line with the law. Have a question? Dig-deeper into related topics, browse licensed Advisors and send inquiries to Advisors in Costa Rica today.
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