Menu
Expat.com

Temporary Residency for Sef-Employed Workers

Post new topic

Noelslager

Hello everyone! I have recently decided to escape the United States and have chosen to go for Costa Rica. My goal is to become a permanent resident and I was looking to apply for a self employed temporary residency until then. So my question is, will I need to hire Costa Rican employees or can I run my business by myself with a partner also from the states? I'm also looking to begin this business in Costa Rica, is that allowed? I need some advice. Thank you

MauroN

Hi. I am not sure if the "self employee" figure is accepted here. You must either have a retirement check be an investor, marry a local or have a kid born here to become a resident. Check the Immigration page for more info. I say, come, check it out, stay for a while. Here's nice but is not like it's shown on brochures. Check this link from the US embassy: https://costarica.usembassy.gov/living.html

Noelslager

Thank you for your response!
It's called "Temporary Residency for Sef-Employed Workers"

Source: http://www.costaricaembassy.com/tempora … dences.php

I'm moving to Costa Rica for the environment, stable government, and wildlife. I am not the one for brochures and tourism.

kohlerias

I would advise you to consult a lawyer for information on applying for this residency.
By law, you cannot physically do the work.
Have you visited Costa Rica?
Suggest you read the labor laws...

Getting a temporary special permit and which needs to be re-applied for and renewed every, year will not eventually get you Permanent residency.

GuestPoster0987

My understanding is that you must hire Costa Ricans to perform physical work, unless the work requires special skills that are not locally available.

gjpn

My advice would be to come here for a year and see if you like it before you even think about permanent residency.   If you don't end up staying (like so many others), the money spent will be a complete waste.  Most people around here end up "volunteering" in their own businesses on a tourist visa.  I would also advise you to rent a home and not buy anything for at least a year.

samramon

thewizz has it right. Never buy here or move here without renting here for awhile first in the area you plan to live - as close to the actual spot you will live as possible, because of micro-climates. One climate can be very different than another climate 1km or less away. Yes, really. The difference can be unbelievable.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Costa Rica

  • Work in Costa Rica
    Work in Costa Rica

    A low unemployment rate and a strong economy set Costa Rica apart from its neighbours. If you have fallen in love ...

  • Setting up a business in Costa Rica
    Setting up a business in Costa Rica

    The government's positive attitude towards foreign investment, as well as the country's developed ...

  • Internship in Costa Rica
    Internship in Costa Rica

    Doing an internship in Costa Rica is a fantastic way to gain international experience in your chosen field, while ...

  • Work in San Jose
    Work in San Jose

    As the country's capital, San José is home to almost half of Costa Rica's population. Read this ...

  • Work in Heredia
    Work in Heredia

    Heredia is reputed to be the safest city in Costa Rica, and the region is often referred to as the Silicone Valley ...

  • Work in Santa Ana
    Work in Santa Ana

    How to proceed to find a job in Santa Ana? What are the most promising fields? Find out in this article.

  • The health care system in Costa Rica
    The health care system in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica has received international praise for its modern healthcare system, and both citizens and legal ...

  • Key facts for international students in Costa Rica
    Key facts for international students in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is an attractive and affordable country in which to study, with one of the highest literacy rates in ...

All of Costa Rica's guide articles