Special Categories
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Special Categories (volunteers, student, work)

Special categories permits are those established by Costa Rica legislation to work or study in Costa Rica.

Depending of the activity that the foreigner is going to perform, legislation establishes a series of groups under this special category.

In the case of working permits, the General Direction of Immigration of Costa Rica, takes into account the opinion of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security regarding those occupations, about which is not recommended to give working permits.  Prior to presenting your request for a working permit in Costa Rica, verify the recommendations issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

You will find below details about each group, with a complete list of corresponding requirements to fulfill during the process of requesting the permit in Costa Rica at the General Direction of Immigration.

1.     Special category for students, researchers, professors and volunteers (in Spanish)

2.     Specific occupation self-employed worker (in Spanish)

3.     Specific occupation to work for a legal entity (in Spanish)

4.     Specific occupation to work for a natural -person (in Spanish)

5.     Temporary workers (in Spanish)

6.     Transboundary workers (in Spanish)