Hello everyone,
Were your professional qualifications recognised in Costa Rica? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in?
Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications recognised, such as to have them translated?
If your qualifications weren't recognised, were there any additional tests or exams you had to complete before you were able to practice your profession in Costa Rica or continue with your studies?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Priscilla
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Costa Rica
Priscilla
20 June 2017 11:43:10
42358
kohlerias
20 June 2017 14:41:36
1572
One cannot legally work here unless they have a work visa or have gained Permanent residency which can take 4-5 years.
In the medical professions, rectification must be done ... in Spanish. Other 'professionals' are required to join the various professional groups, as required.
Spanish is the language of the country, so be prepared to learn it.
CahuitaInfo
23 June 2017 22:24:34
1
When I arrived in 2000 as an IB teacher, I could work on temporary residency without having my professional qualifications authenticated. Generally, rules are now stricter although this depends on your professional field. If your employer sponsors your temporary residency, then you can work in the country, but it must be established that you are doing a job that no Costa Rican can do.
Of course, you should learn Spanish to live in Costa Rica but this may not be essential for your job. Many international companies are operating here with multicultural teams.
Christopher Howard
24 June 2017 11:49:25
17
In order to work here legally you have to have a type of residency called "Residencia Libre de Condiciones." If you are a profesional like a doctor,for example, you will have to take some exams in Spanish and do a year of social service in order to work here.
Many foreigners work remotely over the Internet and are not subject to the rules above.
I know some expats who work under the table but it is very risky. If they get caught working here illegally, they can be deported. The government does not want foreigners taking jobs away from Costa Ricans.
Bottom line: It is best to obey the labor laws here to avoid problems.
I hope this helps.
Christopher Howard
Subscribe to this topic
Articles to help you in your expat project in Costa Rica
Retiring in Costa Rica
Many retirees are attracted by Costa Rica's stable democracy, excellent healthcare, enjoyable climate, natural ...
Travelling to Costa Rica
Located between Nicaragua and Panama, millions of foreigners travel to the 'Switzerland of Central ...
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 ...
Banking in Costa Rica
As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, it is likely that you will at some point wish to open a local bank account ...
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 ...
The health care system in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has received international praise for its modern healthcare system, and both citizens and legal ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"