Costa Rica Work Permit — Employer-Sponsored (1 year renewable)for 🇳🇿 New Zealand citizens travelling to 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

📋Required Documents6

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  Job offer or employment contract from a Costa Rican employer
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  Valid passport and passport photographs
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  Criminal-record certificate from the home country, apostilled
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  Company registration and proof the labour department authorises the hire
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  Work residence application to the Dirección General de Migración
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  Birth certificate, apostilled and translated into Spanish

ℹ️What to Expect

To apply for a Costa Rica Work Permit — Employer-Sponsored (1 year renewable), book an appointment at the nearest Costa Rica embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the required documents in person or via a designated courier service. Processing takes approximately 45 days. The government fee is USD 200.00. Plan well ahead of your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional document requests from the consulate. Always verify current requirements with the Costa Rica embassy or official government website before booking travel.

🌐Why New Zealand passport holders need a visa for Costa Rica

New Zealand citizens require a visa to enter Costa Rica based on the current immigration requirements set by Costa Rica's government. New Zealand passport holders must apply through the Costa Rica embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre before travelling. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify at the official government portal.

⚠️Common Reasons Costa Rica Work Permit — Employer-Sponsored (1 year renewable) Applications Are Refused6

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  No confirmed job offer from a registered Costa Rican employer, or a role the Ministerio de Trabajo (MTSS) finds can be filled by a Costa Rican national.
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  A contract or salary inconsistent with the company’s registration or with Costa Rican labour-law minimums for the sector.
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  Company documents (registration, labour-department authorisation of the hire) missing or not in order.
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  Qualifications or credentials for the role that cannot be verified, or are not apostilled and translated.
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  A criminal-record certificate that is missing, not apostilled, or that reveals a disqualifying offence; or failure to register with the Caja (CCSS).
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  A prior overstay or immigration breach in Costa Rica, or false statements / forged documents.

Refusal grounds are at the discretion of the deciding officer and can change. This list is informational — always verify current requirements at the official government portal.

🔗More Costa Rica Visa Options

• Costa Rica Pensionado Residency — Retirement Residency (USD 1,000 per month pension minimum) →
• Costa Rica Rentista Residency — Passive Income Residency (USD 2,500 per month minimum) →
• Costa Rica Tourist Visa on Arrival — 90 days, free for most nationalities →