Job Opportunities in Costa Rica

Job Opportunities in Costa Rica

Even though we came to Grecia to retire and we had no inclinations to get into real estate, it evolved that way through requests, opportunities of listings, and our continued observations of Americans being taken advantage of by other Americans. Cheryl and I could find plenty to occupy ourselves with in full retirement, even at our youthful retirement ages of the mid 50s. There are many of you who feel the need to subsidize your retirement, or you just have the need to work. Remembering that you cannot just go to a company and apply for a job because of Costa Rican law, so what are your options and opportunities?

Finding jobs in Costa Rica for foreigners can be a little tricky, and foreigners must either get a work permit, which is granted on an occupational priority basis and must be renewed every year, through their employer or apply for residency through a lawyer if they want to start their own business. The paperwork can take months, but the process can be a lot easier if you visit our recommended specialist at http://www.residencycr.com/residency.html. On the other hand, scientists, artists, sports figures, clergymen of any religion, spouses of Costa Rican citizens (Ticos or Ticas), and those who own or hold stocks in registered Costa Rican companies can get their work permit quite easily. The Director of Immigration may also grant a few exceptions to doctors and nurses, especially those who come to Costa Rica for humanitarian service, as well as bilingual professors.

Obviously the tourist trade has the most opportunity, but that could represent my own closed mind. Opportunities exist everywhere if someone has the imagination and bold tenacity to pursue it. The most common jobs for Americans are the ones that are hard to fill by Costa Ricans: teaching English as a foreign language or working as English-speaking tour guides, receptionists or front desk agents in tourist hotels, or real estate agents. Most of these jobs require fluency in both English and Spanish. Remember that you should always search for a job while in Costa Rica, as not many schools and hotels will hire you from overseas. Some Americans might also be able to find jobs in multinational companies operating in Costa Rica like Intel, Motorola, etc. You can always find other jobs by simply looking in the local English-language newspaper The Tico Times, the main Spanish-language newspapers, or the yellow pages.

Foreigners may also choose to start their own business in Costa Rica, something which I strongly recommend since there are few restrictions on self-employed foreign residents. As self-employed, you don’t need any work permit, and all you have to do is apply for residency in Costa Rica. Foreigners do not face any restrictions on owning and operating a business in Costa Rica, and there are no restrictions on capital or profit repatriation and foreign currency management. Business taxation rates are very low, and forming a company or opening up a new business in Costa Rica is easy and very inexpensive. Forming a corporation generally costs between $300 and $600 and takes between two and three months. Plus, no Costa Rican partner is required for you to start your own business. Just remember that the name of the company should always be in Spanish. You will generally find that Costa Rica is an ideal environment for business, and business opportunities here are indeed endless, some of which are real estate, hotel and tourism, and the food franchise. You can open up your own dive shop, restaurant, or bed and breakfast inn. All of these are great business ideas, and the earnings they will generate are definitely much greater than the income of salaried jobs.

Many Americans visit Costa Rica once a year, and quite a few even decide to stay here for good. The investment-friendly nature of the land, the business opportunities, and the wealth of activities available encourage many to settle down in Costa Rica and start their own business or look for jobs.

You should always open your mind to the opportunities you see that avail themselves to you when you are here. I know a former executive who buys beautiful wood carvings from artisans and travels Costa Rica’s finest hotels Tuesday through Friday and resells these wood carvings, and he does quite well. I have another friend who imports all the touristy gadgets such as key rings, refrigerator magnets, shot glasses, and on and on from China and sells them all over Costa Rica, and she also does quite well. I know two different couples who own and operate B&Bs quite successfully.

We have pet relocation specialists, and we have transition specialists to help people, who don’t know whom to trust here, adjust and find the services they had in the States. You will need doctors, dentists, hairdressers, lawyers, TV repair guys, computer guys, and on and on. Hopefully you will also need a good real estate company in Grecia. May I shamelessly suggest CostaRicaLandToday.Com?

Remember that there are legal and cultural implications to be considered with regard to working in Costa Rica, so it’s always best to visit Costa Rica in person and connect with and learn from your fellow expats before you decide to settle down in Costa Rica and start your own business or look for a job. At CostaRicaLandToday, we are happy to help ease your transition to Costa Rica and address any concerns you might have. So if you have any questions about working in Costa Rica that we haven’t covered in this post, please let us know at CostaRicaLandToday, and we will do our best to answer your questions and bring you closer to the Costa Rican “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Till next post!