Costa Rica: New Law Eliminates Certain Driver’s License Restrictions for Foreign Nationals
May 14, 2024
The government of Costa Rica has approved a law effective immediately that eliminates restrictions for foreign nationals to obtain driver’s licenses during their first three months of stay in the country and without a Costa Rican Resident Identity Card (DIMEX). Previously, foreign nationals could only obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license if they both held a valid DIMEX and had resided in Costa Rica beyond three months. With the new law, foreign nationals can apply for a local driver’s license in Costa Rica if they can prove they either hold an immigration status approved in Costa Rica (i.e., temporary residence, short-stay visa), or have applied for such immigration status, and without having to wait three months in Costa Rica. Furthermore, under the new law, foreign nationals can drive in Costa Rica with a driver’s license issued by another country for the entire period of stay that was authorized to them at the port of entry (up to 30, 90, or 180 days depending on nationality). Previously, foreign nationals could drive in Costa Rica with a driver’s license issued by another country for up to three months at a time. Beyond three months, they needed to secure a local driver’s license to drive in the country.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.
Media mentions
San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.
Media mentions
San Diego Managing Partner Karine Wenger discussed the upcoming Olympic immigration landscape and potential challenges for international participants.