COSTA RICA: Changes to the Post-Arrival Temporary Residence Application Process

September 12, 2017


Effective 16th August 2017, changes have been made to the application procedure for temporary residence for employees of registered companies who are applying post-arrival in Costa Rica.

Fingerprinting and Consular Registration

The main applicant must now register with their home country consulate in Costa Rica and attend an appointment at the Public Security for fingerprinting before submitting their temporary residence application.

Previously these steps could be completed after obtaining temporary residence approval. Fingerprinting is required for all temporary residence applicants and their dependents over the age of 12, and consular registration for all foreign nationals and all dependents regardless of age.

Social Security Registration

The main applicant and all dependents over the age of 18 must now register with Costa Rican Social Security Office once temporary residence is approved and before applying for a residence card.

Previously, only the principal applicant needed to complete social security registration.

Our Advice

Registered companies hiring foreign nationals should ensure their employees and their dependents complete the fingerprinting, consular registration and social security registration steps according to the new process, and should allow more time before the principal applicant can start work.

For advice and information on Costa Rican immigration in general, please email us at [email protected].

This information was provided by our sister company, Peregrine Immigration Management.