Costa Rica Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Legally engage in commercial negotiations and contract signings.
- Valid for attending trade fairs, conferences, and board meetings.
- Available to travellers from countries requiring a consular visa (Visa Consular).
- Requires a formal invitation from a registered Costa Rican entity.
- In-person application process at the nearest Costa Rican consulate.
- Typically allows a stay of up to 30 or 90 days depending on the case.
- Necessary for activities that do not involve local remuneration.
Processing time
15-45 working days
Processing times depend on whether the consul can authorise the visa directly or if it must be referred to the General Directorate in San José.
Estimated cost
~$82.00 - $152.00
- Consular processing fee$52.00
- Mandatory security/authentication fees (vary by embassy)$30.00 - $100.00
Requirements
- Applicant must not intend to seek employment or residency.
- Passport must have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
- The inviter in Costa Rica must be a registered business (Personería Jurídica).
- Proof of economic solvency to cover all expenses during the stay.
- No criminal record in the country of residence for the last 10 years.
- Invitation letter must be signed before a Costa Rican notary in some cases.
- Evidence of professional qualifications or business ownership.
- All documents in languages other than Spanish must be officially translated.
- Compliance with the specific group requirements (Group 2, 3, or 4) based on nationality.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.
- Completed and signed application form (Formulario de Solicitud de Visa).
- Two recent passport-sized, colour photographs.
- Letter of invitation from the Costa Rican company or organization.
- Employer support letter stating salary, position, and business purpose.
- Bank statements or proof of financial means from the last 3 months.
- Copy of the return or onward flight itinerary.
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin, apostilled or legalised.
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Contact the Consulate
Contact the nearest Costa Rican consulate to confirm their specific document list and schedule an appointment.
- 2
Prepare Documentation
Collect all required documents, ensuring that certificates like criminal records are apostilled or legalised.
- 3
Complete Application Form
Complete the official visa application form accurately in Spanish.
- 4
Attend Consular Interview
Attend your scheduled interview at the consulate and submit your physical document package.
- 5
Pay Visa Fees密},{detail:
Pay the required visa and processing fees as instructed by the consular officer.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure the invitation letter specifically mentions the dates and purpose of your visit.
- Translate all supporting documents into Spanish using an official translator.
- Double-check that your passport is in good condition with no tears or marks.
- Provide clear evidence that you have strong ties to your home country.
- Apply well in advance of your flight bookings to account for delays.
- Be prepared to explain the exact nature of your business activities during the interview.
Frequently asked questions
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PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.