Understanding Professional Regulations in Costa Rica

Hello everyone,

Working in Costa Rica sometimes means navigating through the various professional regulations and can pose a real challenge for expats. It is essential to grasp the current standards to avoid unpleasant surprises and make the most of your experience in Costa Rica.

Let's explore the local specifics together:

Is it possible to work in all business sectors in Costa Rica? Are there sectors reserved for locals or regulated activities?

What administrative steps need to be taken to practice in regulated professions in Costa Rica? (required documents, language tests, certifications, accreditations, diploma equivalences, etc.)

How to stay informed about legal developments and new professional regulations in Costa Rica?

Which organizations or agencies can provide support to expats regarding their professional activities abroad?

By sharing your experiences, you contribute to easing the professional integration of future expats, helping them understand the specific regulations related to professions in Costa Rica.

Thanks to everyone for your contributions.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

The single most important thing to know is that, if you are a tourist or a temporary legal resident (typically a pensionado or an invertista(sp?)), it is illegal for you to work at any job that could be done by a Costa Rican citizen. If you do work in such a capacity, your employer is required to obtain a work permit from the government which is not a sure thing.