How to work in Costa Rica: Opportunities and requirements

This country’s strong focus on well-being, growth, and social development draws thousands of foreigners looking for job opportunities. If that’s your case and you’d like to know what it’s like to work in Costa Rica, this guide will walk you through the requirements for 2025. Costa Rica’s modern business policies are another advantage of its system, perfect for foreigners who value cultures that promote social progress.

We’ll also share some tips for working in this country, explain how to make it easier to find job opportunities, and give you some advice to help with the process. Let’s get started.

Advantages of working in Costa Rica

Working in Costa Rica offers multiple benefits that have made the country an attractive destination for international talent:

• Quality of life and natural environment: Costa Rica is known worldwide for its incredible biodiversity and strong commitment to sustainability. For nature lovers, the chance to live and work in a country surrounded by beaches, mountains, and national parks is one of its biggest draws.
• Political and economic stability: This destination has a well-established democracy and a growing economy, which gives newcomers confidence to settle down and build their careers there.
• Large international community: Every year, professionals from all over the world settle in cities like San José, Heredia, and Escazú, building a multicultural community that makes it easier to connect and feel at home.
• Expanding job market: Costa Rica has fostered the growth of sectors like technology, shared services, sustainable tourism, and international education, creating plenty of opportunities for foreign professionals.
• Employee benefits: The country offers social security, paid vacation, and a labor system that protects the rights of all workers.
• Opportunities for digital nomads: With the introduction of a special visa, remote workers can now legally settle in the country and enjoy both stability and a relaxed tropical lifestyle.

Requirements for working in Costa Rica

To enter the job market in Costa Rica, you’ll need to meet certain requirements that vary depending on the type of job and your nationality. Some of the most common ones include:

• Visas and work permits: There are several visa options depending on the type of activity you plan to do. Some of the most common include the temporary work visa, investor residency, and the visa for digital nomads.
• Authorization from the Ministry of Labor: In most cases, the employer needs to obtain authorization from local authorities to hire foreign staff.
• Language proficiency: Although Spanish is the official language, English is highly valued and sometimes essential in fields like technology, tourism, and international services.
• Official documentation: You need to have a valid passport, proof of education or work experience, and in some cases, a criminal background check.
• Health insurance: For both temporary workers and residents, having health insurance is mandatory, either through a private provider or the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS).

Please note that these requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, the type of employment, and the length of your stay. Regulations are subject to change.

Tips for starting work in Costa Rica

Moving to a new country always requires planning and preparation. If you’re planning to work in Costa Rica, these tips will help make your experience smoother from the start.

• Secure your internet connection upon arrival. Holafly’s monthly plans are a convenient way to have mobile data from your first day in Costa Rica. This lets you stay connected with employers, search for housing, and handle administrative tasks without any hassle.
• Research the job market in advance. Before moving, check local and international job platforms as well as expat groups on social media to get a clear idea of the available opportunities.
• Prepare your translated and legalized documents. Having your academic degrees, work experience certificates, and criminal background check ready can speed up the hiring process.
• Adapt your resume to the local style. In Costa Rica, brief and clear resumes are valued, with an emphasis on achievements and relevant experience.
• Take advantage of personal contacts. Networking is essential in Costa Rica, both professionally and socially. Attending events, conferences, and coworking spaces can open up job opportunities.
• Learn local expressions in Spanish. Even though English is helpful in certain industries, being comfortable with Spanish and understanding local expressions will make settling into daily life and work much smoother.

Types of jobs in Costa Rica for foreigners

The Costa Rican job market offers several opportunities for international professionals. Among the most common are:

• Technology and shared services: Multinational companies in software, technical support, and data analysis have set up operations in San José and other cities, creating job opportunities for skilled professionals.
• Tourism and hospitality: Costa Rica is a well-established tourist destination. Foreigners with experience in hospitality, restaurants, tour guiding, and sustainable experience management can find opportunities in this sector.
• Education and language teaching: Teaching English, French, or other languages is a common option, especially in language schools, international schools, and private universities.
• Health and wellness sector: The growing demand for alternative medicine, wellness therapies, and specialized services creates opportunities for certified foreign professionals.
• Agriculture and sustainable projects: Although less common for international professionals, there are opportunities in projects focused on organic farming, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.
• Remote work: Thanks to the digital nomad visa, foreigners can live in Costa Rica while working remotely for companies abroad.

The jobs with the highest demand in Costa Rica for foreigners

Within this employment context, there are sectors that stand out for their high demand for foreign talent:

• Information technology (IT) specialists: Software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and technical support professionals are in demand by multinational companies.
• Language teachers: Mostly in English, French, and German, driven by the demand from schools and companies looking for bilingual staff.
• Sustainable tourism professionals: Bilingual tour guides, coordinators for eco-friendly experiences, and staff for boutique hotels in tourist areas.
• Call center and shared services jobs: Many international companies hire foreign staff for customer service, process management, and multilingual support.
• Environmental consultants and specialists: Costa Rica is promoting projects in clean energy and conservation, where international talent can contribute valuable technical expertise.

Salaries and cost of living in Costa Rica

Average salaries in Costa Rica vary depending on the industry, experience, and education level. For foreigners, earnings typically range from $900 to $1,500 per month in fields like tourism, call centers, and language teaching. In specialized areas such as technology or environmental consulting, monthly salaries can exceed $2,000.

When it comes to the cost of living, Costa Rica is more affordable than many European or North American countries, but it can be high compared to other Central American destinations. For a single person, basic monthly expenses typically range from $900 to $1,200, including:

• Rent in a central area: Between $400 and $700
• Food and basic shopping: Between $250 and $350
• Transportation and services: Between $100 and $200
• Leisure and activities: Between $150 and $250

This means that while salaries generally cover living costs, it’s important to plan your budget to maintain a healthy financial balance during your stay.

For anyone moving to Costa Rica for work, staying connected from the start is crucial. Holafly’s monthly plans provide unlimited data without a local contract, helping you find jobs and get settled more smoothly.

Holafly monthly plans for Costa Rica

• Unlimited data from the first day of arrival
• Stable connection for working, making video calls, and using job apps
• No complications or paperwork with local operators

With Holafly, you can rest assured that you will stay connected while you begin your work experience in Costa Rica.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Where can you find job opportunities in Costa Rica?

There are several ways to look for work in Costa Rica, both for in-person positions and remote work. Some of the most effective are:

• Online job platforms: Websites like Computrabajo, Indeed, and LinkedIn list job openings across various industries. There are also platforms specifically geared toward international professionals.
• Employment and recruitment agencies: Several local and international agencies operate in Costa Rica, helping connect foreign professionals with multinational companies based in the country.
• Job offers from multinational companies: Tech, pharmaceutical, and financial companies with operations in Costa Rica often post job openings directly on their official websites.
• Government job openings: At certain times, the government posts job opportunities in tourism, education, and environmental projects, which can be of interest to foreigners with legal residency.
• Networking and international communities: Attending digital nomad events, job fairs, or expat groups on social media in Costa Rica can help you discover new job opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about working in Costa Rica

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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