#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_ImmigrationArticle: Delays in the Issuance of DIMEX Cards in Costa Rica: A Reality That Requires Patience
In recent months, the General Immigration Authority (DGME) has been experiencing significant...
The General Office of Immigration and Foreign Nationals of Costa Rica has a special service window to process applications submitted by companies registered with this authority. This process is governed by the “Regulations for the Registration of Companies before the General Office of Immigration and Foreign Nationals and the Immigration Regulation of their Personnel” (No. 36576-G-COMEX).
If a company in Costa Rica wishes to register with this authority, it must fall within one of the following seven categories:
- Category A: Companies operating or commencing operations under special export promotion regimes (Free Trade Zone).
- Category B: Primarily companies exporting goods or services outside of special regimes.
- Category C: Tourism sector.
- Category D: Financial sector.
- Category E: Telecommunications.
- Category F: Multinational corporations.
- Category G: Companies awarded contracts promoted by public administration entities or bodies.
It is important to note that this regulation has recently undergone significant amendments. For instance, companies classified under Category A (Free Trade Zone) are no longer required to complete the specific registration procedure. They need only remain current with their obligations before the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) in order to enjoy the benefits of being recognized by the General Office of Immigration and Foreign Nationals.
Another significant change affects Category F (multinational corporations), one of the most frequently requested categories. Previously, companies were required to submit three documents issued in countries other than Costa Rica, evidencing the operation of subsidiaries abroad—a requirement that was often difficult to meet. With the reform, it is now sufficient to submit a letter from the parent company certifying the authorization and operation of the foreign subsidiaries, in addition to other requirements still applicable to this category.
Additional improvements have been introduced in the procedures relating to applications for temporary residency for foreign employees of registered companies. The Immigration Authority now provides specific forms linked to the employment contract and to the professional experience affidavit, thereby simplifying the filing of applications.
For these updates, companies are strongly encouraged to remain informed about the ongoing regulatory changes issued by the General Office of Immigration and Foreign Nationals, both to avoid rejections of applications and to fully benefit from being properly registered with this authority.
Johanna Gómez Frittella
Attorney-at-law, BDS Asesores
