In Costa Rica a work permit is renewed by renewing your DIMEX, the residency card tied to your work category. You can renew up to three months before it expires, booking through Migración’s 1311 call center or through Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), and on the day you bring the documents Migración lists for your category: usually your DIMEX, a valid passport, proof of Caja (CCSS) affiliation, the renewal payment receipt, and proof that the work behind your permit continues. Here are the lists for the main worker categories, as Migración publishes them.
When to renew
- Up to three months before expiry is the earliest you can renew.
- Each month of delay adds a late charge.
- More than three months expired: bring a letter explaining why, with your signature authenticated by a lawyer.
- Temporary residency and special categories can be cancelled if they are not renewed within three months after expiry, unless there are proven reasons that made it impossible.
- Away from Costa Rica for more than a year: bring a written explanation and a legalized or apostilled criminal record certificate from the country where you were.
Specific-occupation worker employed by a person
For a Trabajador de Ocupación Específica hired by an individual employer (persona física), Migración asks for:
- A letter from the employer stating that the conditions under which you were hired continue.
- Your DIMEX in good condition.
- Proof of Caja (CCSS) affiliation through the employer (orden patronal).
- The receipt for the renewal payment, with your name as depositor. The amount varies by case and is confirmed when you book.
- A valid passport in good condition.
Self-employed specific-occupation worker
For a Trabajador de Ocupación Específica working on your own account (por cuenta propia):
- Your DIMEX, proof of Caja (CCSS) affiliation, the renewal payment receipt in your name and a valid passport.
- If you run a business: proof of tax payment or the exemption form filed with the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda), your municipal licence (patente) and municipal taxes up to date, and a current health operating permit.
- If you work in a specific sector such as agriculture, construction or services: a work certificate (constancia de trabajo) and a certified copy of the identity document of the person who signs it.
Temporary residency as an employee of a registered company
When your residency is as a worker of a company registered with Migración, the company drives the renewal:
- An application to Migración’s Director General, signed by the company’s legal representative or attorney-in-fact, giving the reasons for renewing your temporary residency and your family’s, and confirming that you are still an active employee, with a contact for notifications.
- A special power of attorney if someone other than the legal representative files it.
- The payment receipt in your name, made in colones at the official exchange rate.
Where to renew
Book through 1311 or BCR. At a BCR office or a special Correos de Costa Rica window there is an additional service amount, paid in cash on the day and confirmed when you book. The renewed card is delivered to the Correos branch you choose; our BCR DIMEX guide explains booking and pickup, and the residency renewal guide covers the other categories.
Changing jobs before you renew
If you have moved to a new employer, the change has to be approved separately; see changing employer on a Costa Rica work permit.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I renew my Costa Rica work permit?
Up to three months before your DIMEX expires.
What does my employer need to give me?
If you were hired by an individual, a letter confirming that the conditions of your hiring continue. If you work for a registered company, the company files a signed application confirming you are still an active employee.
What happens if I renew late?
Each month late adds a charge. After three months you need a letter explaining why, signed and authenticated by a lawyer, and temporary or special categories can be cancelled.
How much does it cost?
The amount depends on the case and is confirmed when you book the appointment.
Requirements from Migración’s DIMEX page (migracion.go.cr/dimex), checked 13 October 2026.
Need help renewing? CRIE is an immigration law firm in Costa Rica with over 20 years of experience. WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr.