#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_Article: Labor Considerations in Light of the National Elections
As February 1 approaches—the date on which the national elections for the offices of President and...
In recent months, the General Immigration Authority (DGME) has been experiencing significant delays in the issuance of the Immigration Identity Document for Foreign Individuals (DIMEX), a situation that has generated concern and ongoing inquiries from both foreign individuals and employers in Costa Rica.
Historically, once the photograph was taken and the documentation process completed—whether for a first-time application, renewal, or duplicate—the DIMEX delivery timeframe was approximately one month. However, processing times have now extended considerably, reaching up to four months for the handover of the physical document.
It should be clarified that this delay is not related to the approval of immigration applications, but rather specifically to the documentation and issuance phase of the DIMEX, which is managed in coordination with Correos de Costa Rica (Costa Rica’s Postal Service) or Banco de Costa Rica. This means that a foreign national may have already received a favorable immigration resolution but still be awaiting the handover of their identity document.
To provide greater transparency, the DGME publishes official information indicating the application dates of DIMEX cards currently being delivered to Correos de Costa Rica, differentiated by immigration category (stay, temporary residence, special category, and permanent residence).
This information allows users to have an objective reference regarding the actual progress in the issuance of these documents.
The application dates currently being processed are as follows:
- Permanent Residence: October 2025.
- Temporary Residence: September 2025.
- Special Category: October 2025.
- Stay: January 2026.
In light of this situation, it is essential to manage realistic expectations. Although the delay is evident, it is a generalized issue affecting first-time applications, renewals, and duplicates alike. In practice, the main recommendation is understanding and patience, as well as maintaining backup documentation evidencing valid immigration status (resolutions, filing receipts, appointment confirmations, and official records), particularly for labor, banking, or administrative purposes.
From a immigration law perspective, we will continue to closely monitor developments regarding these timeframes and communicate any relevant updates to properly guide foreign individuals and the companies that rely on these processes for their regular operations.
Johanna Gómez Frittella
Attorney-at-law, BDS Asesores
