Employment in Costa Rica
Working legally in Costa Rica as a foreigner requires understanding the relationship between your immigration status and your right to earn income. The rules vary significantly depending on your visa category, who you work for, and whether you are employed or self-employed.
Can tourists work in Costa Rica?
No. Tourist visa holders (including visa-free entry) are explicitly prohibited from working for Costa Rican employers or receiving payment from Costa Rican sources. To work legally you need either residency with work authorization or a specific work permit. Working on a tourist visa puts both the employee and employer at legal risk.
Working Illegally Has Serious Consequences
Working without the proper authorization can result in deportation, a ban from re-entering Costa Rica, and fines for the employer. "Informal arrangements" common in the tourism and hospitality industry do not protect you legally. If you are caught working without authorization, DGME (immigration) can revoke your ability to re-enter Costa Rica. Always confirm your work authorization before accepting any paid work.
Work Authorization by Visa Type
Work Permit (Permiso de Trabajo)
Employer-sponsored authorization for a specific job
The standard work permit is tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs, your employer must apply for a new permit. Processing time is typically 2–4 months and the employer bears most of the administrative burden.
- Employer must demonstrate a Costa Rican national was not available for the position
- Not portable — valid only with the sponsoring employer
- Special categories exist for artists, athletes, religious workers, and volunteers
Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista Digital)
Remote work for foreign employers — no Costa Rican work permit required
If you work entirely for employers or clients based outside Costa Rica and your income originates abroad, you are not working in the Costa Rican economy and do not need a work permit. The Digital Nomad visa formalizes this arrangement and provides a legal immigration status for up to 2 years.
- Requires proof of consistent income of at least $3,000/month (or $4,000 for families)
- Cannot work for Costa Rican companies or clients under this visa
- Foreign-sourced income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax
Residency with Automatic Work Rights
Certain residency categories include the right to work without a separate permit
- Vinculo (spouse or child of citizen): full work authorization included automatically
- Permanente (permanent residency): full work authorization
- Pensionado / Rentista: cannot work for Costa Rican employers; passive income and investment are permitted
The Job Market for Foreigners
Foreigners with work authorization find the most opportunity in sectors where bilingual skills, technical expertise, or specific certifications set them apart. The tech industry and tourism are the largest sectors employing foreign nationals.
Technology & Multinationals
San Jose's western suburbs — Rohrmoser, Escazu, and Santa Ana — form Costa Rica's tech corridor. Multinationals including Amazon, Intel, Baxter, and Sykes have major operations. Local tech companies and startups also cluster here. Bilingual software engineers and IT professionals are consistently in demand.
Tourism & Hospitality
Surf instructors, dive masters, hotel managers, and tour guides are commonly hired. Many arrangements in this sector are informal, but legal work authorization is still required. ICT (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) licenses are needed for official tour guide work.
Teaching English
There is consistent demand for English teachers at language institutes, private schools, and corporate training programs. A TEFL or CELTA certification significantly improves both your job prospects and your starting salary. Most schools prefer teachers with recognized certifications over those without.
Remote Work
Costa Rica's infrastructure, time zone (CST/CDT alignment), and quality of life make it a popular base for remote workers serving US and European clients. The Digital Nomad visa was created specifically for this category. Fast fiber internet is available in most urban and many rural areas.
Salary Ranges by Sector
| Sector / Role | Typical Monthly Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage (all sectors) | ~$600 | Set quarterly by MTSS; varies by occupation category |
| English teacher | $500 – $1,500 | Higher with TEFL/CELTA; corporate contracts pay more |
| Hospitality / hotel staff | $600 – $1,200 | Management roles higher; tips supplement income |
| Tour guide / surf instructor | $800 – $1,800 | Highly seasonal; certification required for licensed guiding |
| Software engineer / IT | $2,000 – $5,000 | Multinationals at the higher end; local companies lower |
| Marketing / business professional | $1,500 – $3,500 | Bilingual roles command a premium |
| Remote worker (foreign employer) | Varies widely | Foreign salary, taxed abroad; Digital Nomad visa applicable |
Costa Rican Labor Law Basics
Costa Rica has strong worker protections codified in the Código de Trabajo. Both employers and employees are required to contribute to the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) — the national social security and healthcare system.
Key Employee Rights
- Aguinaldo: mandatory 13th month salary, paid in December
- Vacation: 2 weeks (10 working days) after 50 weeks of employment
- Severance (cesantia): mandatory payment on termination without cause, calculated on years of service
- Work hours: maximum 48 hours/week for daytime work, 36 hours/week for night shifts
CCSS Contributions
Both employer and employee must contribute to CCSS (Caja). This covers public healthcare, disability insurance, and retirement.
- Employee contribution: approximately 10.67% of gross salary
- Employer contribution: approximately 26.33% of gross salary
- CCSS enrollment grants access to public hospitals and clinics (Ebais)
Finding a Job
Professional jobs in Costa Rica are increasingly listed online. Networking remains important, especially in the tech community and tourism sector.
Online Job Platforms
LinkedIn is the primary platform for professional and tech roles. CompuTrabajo and OCC Mundial cover a broad range of industries. TecnoEmpleo specializes in IT and tech positions. La Nacion's classifieds (La Nacion Empleos) list a mix of local roles.
Networking & Community
The San Jose tech community holds regular meetups and events. Expat Facebook groups are active and often surface job leads in hospitality and tourism. LinkedIn networking with professionals already working at target companies is effective for multinational roles.
Income Tax on Employment
Territorial Tax System
Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system — only income earned from sources within Costa Rica is subject to Costa Rican income tax. Income from foreign employers paid from abroad (as in the Digital Nomad visa arrangement) is not taxed by Costa Rica. Employment income from Costa Rican employers is taxed under progressive rates starting at 0% for income below approximately 929,000 CRC/month (~$1,800) and rising to 25% for the highest bracket.