Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the world (almost 95%), in part due to the country's decision to abolish its army in 1949.
Based on that idea you can imagine why many foreigners decide to study in Costa Rica. Students are considered in the Immigration Law as a Special Category.
Please take a look at how the current Immigration Law defines the migratory situation for students in Costa Rica.
Article 102.-
Foreigners who wish to enter Costa Rica with the only desire to study or conduct research as a volunteer
in private or public educational institutions, recognized by the MEP (Ministry of Public Education), must
request the authorization before the immigration agent in the country of origin or residency, in a third country
or before the local offices of the General Direction of Immigration.
of their studies or of the volunteer program in a regular way, for a maximum period that can not exceed the total duration of the career or program.
They will be obligated to leave the country once the career or program is finished. In cases in which college careers might require social service or
professional practice, the Direction can authorize the stay in order to comply with such activities in a lucrative or non profit way.
The following are the current specific requirements:
1. Application of Student Permit
2. Certified copy of passport of the applicant student
3. Fingerprints
4. Consular Registration of the student
5. 2 passport size pictures
6. Birth Certificate properly legalized.
7. Police Record properly legalized.
8. Marriage License properly legalized if applicable.
9. Registration in the Social Security System.
10. Official translations to Spanish.
11. Completed Filiation Form.
Please contact our team to obtain an exact legal criteria of your specific situation and to determine applicable legal fees and expenses.
Article 103.
The General Direction may authorize the corresponding residency, to the foreign student who complies
with the requirements established for students in the Rules(not yet available so the applicable rules are similar to the ones of the previous law described later in this segment)
Also, in a separate petition the nuclear family of the student could be authorized to enter the country, which members will only be allowed to conduct lucrative and academic activities upon specific authorization
of the General Direction and its respective payment.
Article 104.
Foreign students will not be allowed to conduct lucrative activities, and will not be allowed to participate in them, unless specifically authorized by the General Direction.
Article 105.
Students and volunteers will receive a residency for up to 2 years, extendable for equal periods, as long as they demonstrate continuation
