Costa Rica: New Accreditation Path and Expanded Immigration Categories for Educational Institutions

Expanded accreditation pathway.

• • Effective June 21, 2025, institutions that provide specialized or technical higher education will be able to seek accreditation with the General Immigration Directorate (DGME) not only as educational entities but also as companies (Category B), if their activities fall within national priority sectors, as defined by the Ministry of Commerce (COMEX).
  • To qualify for Category B accreditation, institutions must meet specific requirements, including legal documentation, proof of tax and social security compliance, and, most importantly, a letter of recommendation from COMEX.
  • Once accredited, the institution may apply for special immigration permits for foreign faculty and students, valid for one year and renewable.

• • Though the specific conditions COMEX may impose for issuing recommendation letters are not yet known, this reform could be particularly valuable for institutions that currently do not meet existing accreditation requirements (such as registration with the National Council of Private Higher Education or other requirements).
  • The new pathway provides greater flexibility for institutions to obtain accreditation status. Entities that are accredited by immigration authorities in Costa Rica receive benefits such as a special processing desk for immigration applications with shorter processing times ​and the ability to work during the processing of their immigration applications.

Expanded special immigration categories.

• • Effective immediately, the special immigration categories have been expanded to include interns and individuals invited for short-stay educational or cultural activities.
  • Accredited institutions may now submit an official list of participants (students, faculty, researchers, or volunteers) to the DGME, facilitating a streamlined procedure for processing their short-stay permit. These individuals can be granted short-stay permits for up to 140 days, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of 280 days.

• • Previously, students, teachers, interns, researchers, and volunteers entering Costa Rica for educational, work, or cultural purposes had to apply for temporary residency; a process that is often lengthy and, in many cases, unavailable to those who do not meet the stricter eligibility requirements.
  • The reforms enhance Costa Rica’s attractiveness as a hub for international academic exchange, research collaboration, and cultural learning.