Is the temporary stay immigration category in Costa Rica an option for you?
Costa Rica offers more than just a 90-day tourist visa for those wanting to stay longer without seeking permanent residency. Temporary stays provide the ideal solution for foreigners looking to engage in specific activities such as medical treatments or business endeavors.
Exploring temporary stays
These permits allow foreigners to enter and legally reside in Costa Rica for specific purposes, for example, to facilitate international trade, to attract highly skilled professionals, and to provide access to world-class medical services. Temporary stays in Costa Rica are granted for specific periods of time, and they do not have automatic renewals. Instead, individuals must submit new applications for extensions or subsequent stays. Throughout the validity of the stay permit, individuals are permitted to enter and exit the country as needed. It's advisable to begin the application process while legally present in Costa Rica.
Are you eligible?
- Specialized Professionals: Foreigners with experience in scientific, professional, economic, political, religious, cultural, or sports fields can apply for residency based on their specialization.
- Business and Media Professionals: Individuals entering as business agents, travel agents, commercial delegates, journalists, cameramen, or other media professionals representing foreign entities in Costa Rica without receiving local compensation.
- Medical Treatment: Foreigners seeking specialized medical treatment at recognized hospital facilities in Costa Rica.
Major stakeholders interested in temporary stays include transnational companies that bring foreign employees requiring work permits. When considering the employment of foreign personnel within a company, it's critical to comprehensively understand their specific job roles and functions. This understanding is pivotal in assessing the likelihood of approval and in mitigating potential risks of rejection by the Costa Rican Immigration Authority.
The application process
To begin the process of obtaining a temporary stay permit in Costa Rica, it's essential to consult with your attorney to understand the specific requirements for your situation, as each subcategory under the temporary stay permit has its own specifications. Along with legal advice, you should start gathering essential documents such as your birth certificate and criminal record. It's important to note that any documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized if your country has not signed the Hague Convention on Apostille. Furthermore, all documents must be in Spanish or translated into Spanish by an Official Translator endorsed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, or a Costa Rican notary who is proficient in the source language.
Opting for a Temporary Stay provides the legal authorization required to reside temporarily in Costa Rica while engaging in these specific activities. However, it is essential to seek qualified legal advice to handle the application process, so that the application is filed properly in order to ensure a positive outcome and approval of the application.
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