If your residency or work permit in Costa Rica is tied to a specific employer, you file a change of employer request (cambio de patrono) with Migración before you work for someone else. Under article 307 of the Reglamento de Extranjería, the request needs a written application explaining your reasons, with your signature authenticated by a lawyer or signed before a public official, the government fiscal stamps, and the requirements of your residency category or subcategory for the new job. This guide explains who needs it and what to prepare.
Who needs a change of employer?
Some immigration categories carry a work condition: the permission to work is granted for a particular employer and job. If that applies to you and you want to move to a new employer, the change has to be approved by Migración’s Foreigners Management office (Gestión de Extranjería), which resolves changes to a foreigner’s file when they are supported by reliable documents (article 306).
- Permanent residents can work without this step; see our permanent residency guide.
- Pensionado, Rentista and Investor residency do not allow work as an employee, so a change of employer does not apply to them. The residency options page explains each category.
What to file for a change of employer
Article 307 of the Reglamento de Extranjería lists three things:
- Government fiscal stamps (especies fiscales) for the application.
- Your written application, stating the reasons for the change, with your signature authenticated by a lawyer or signed in front of a public official.
- The requirements of your category or subcategory, as the Reglamento sets them for the new job.
Depending on the category, those requirements can include documents from the new employer. For several worker categories, the Reglamento asks for proof of the employer’s financial solvency, such as a certification from an authorized public accountant (contador público autorizado) or a salary statement.
Change of condition and release from condition
Two related requests follow the same pattern:
- Change of condition (cambio de condición, article 308): fiscal stamps, a signed application explaining the reasons, and the category requirements.
- Release from condition (liberación de condición, article 309), for a foreigner who asks to no longer be subject to a work condition: fiscal stamps and a signed application explaining the reasons.
Which of the three fits your case depends on the category you hold and what you want to change, so it is worth confirming before you file.
Before you start the new job
Until Migración resolves the change, your file still names your previous employer and job. Confirm where your request stands before you start working for the new employer, and keep the filing receipt with your documents. You can follow your file through Migración’s online services.
Renewing later
A change of employer does not replace the renewal of your residency card. When your DIMEX comes up for renewal, you will present the documents for your category at that time; our DIMEX guide explains appointments, pickup and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change employers on a Costa Rica work permit?
Yes, by filing a change of employer request with Migración under article 307 of the Reglamento de Extranjería: a signed application with your reasons, fiscal stamps and your category’s requirements.
Does my new employer have to provide documents?
It depends on your category. For several worker categories, the Reglamento asks for proof of the employer’s financial solvency, such as an authorized public accountant’s certification or a salary statement.
Do permanent residents need a change of employer?
No. Permanent residents can work without a work condition tied to one employer.
Can a Pensionado or Rentista take a job?
Not as an employee. Those categories are based on a pension or a fixed income, not on employment.
Based on the Reglamento de Extranjería (Decree 37112-G), articles 306 to 309, as published in SINALEVI and checked 13 October 2026.
Changing jobs in Costa Rica? CRIE is an immigration law firm with over 20 years of experience, and can prepare and file your request. WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr.