Consensual adult sex work is not itself prohibited in Costa Rica, but that does not make every surrounding activity lawful. Promoting another person’s prostitution, exploitation and sexual acts involving minors raise distinct criminal-law issues. The distinction matters more than a blanket claim that prostitution is either unrestricted or entirely illegal.
Adult sex work and the limits of a general answer
A published judicial decision distinguishes the exercise of prostitution from its promotion under article 169 of the Penal Code. It also explains that health visits or a business licence do not, by themselves, excuse conduct prohibited by criminal law.
This is a general explanation of that distinction, not confirmation that a particular venue, arrangement or commercial service is lawful. Legal advice about a specific activity must consider the facts and the current legislation.
What is proxenetismo?
The Poder Judicial’s legal dictionary describes proxenetismo as promoting prostitution, inducing someone to engage in it, maintaining them in it or recruiting them for that purpose. It should not be simplified to a rule that only physical force makes an arrangement criminal.
For the legislation, consult the official Penal Code record and select the current version. This guide does not reproduce sentencing tables from older amendments or compare unrelated offences as if their circumstances were identical.
Commercial sexual exploitation of minors
Adult sex work and commercial sexual exploitation of children must never be confused. The judicial interpretation of article 160 explains that paying, promising payment or offering a benefit for a minor to perform sexual or erotic acts is punishable; the offence does not depend on the act being completed. A payment to another person does not remove the protection.
Rules about noncommercial relationships do not create permission to buy sexual acts from anyone under eighteen. A venue’s admission policy is not a substitute for compliance with criminal law. Do not treat a person’s apparent willingness as making commercial exploitation lawful.
Tourism businesses and prevention
The ICT Code of Conduct addresses the protection of children and adolescents against commercial sexual exploitation associated with travel and tourism. In August 2026, ICT announced a new prevention, detection and reporting guide, developed with the International Organization for Migration.
The guide offers warning indicators and reporting procedures for tourism staff. Businesses should use the official materials for training and keep their internal reporting contacts current. A prevention programme supports responsible action; it does not replace the law.
Reporting concerns and seeking support
For an immediate emergency, call 9-1-1. PANI’s official assistance page lists that emergency number and provides information about child-protection services. Give the location and what you observed, and follow the responding authority’s instructions.
Protect the privacy of a person who may need help. Share relevant information with the appropriate authority rather than circulating names, photographs or allegations on social media. Tourism staff should follow the official reporting guidance instead of attempting their own investigation.
Where to check a specific legal question
Use the official legal and institutional sources linked above, and ask a Costa Rican lawyer to review a particular situation. For questions about health services, social security or immigration, consult the authority responsible for that subject; a general explanation of criminal law does not answer those separate questions.
For a broader practical reference, see our Costa Rica emergency contacts guide.
Reviewed September 7, 2026. General legal information; individual circumstances require current professional advice.