Costa Rica: Special Permit for Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan Refugees Will Reopen
December 19, 2022
On March 1, 2023, for 12 months, the General Immigration Directorate will re-open applications for the special humanitarian permit for eligible Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals to reside and work in Costa Rica for up to two years initially. Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the permit:
-
- Must have filed for refugee status between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2022 and their application has either been denied or is pending;
- Remained in Costa Rica since they filed their refugee status application;
- Must not hold any approved visa or legal status in Costa Rica; and
- Have a clean criminal record.
Applicants must register with the General Immigration Directorate within 90 days of receiving the resolution approving their permit. The permit may be renewed if the holder has not entered or exited Costa Rica illegally after receiving it. Interested applicants should contact their immigration professional for more information and case-specific advice.
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
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights that heightened re-entry concerns are prompting US advertising agencies to take a more cautious approach to Cannes Lions travel, with many travelers seeking legal guidance.
Awards
Partner Lisa Ryan is named to the San Francisco Business Times' Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.
Blog post
Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights that heightened re-entry concerns are prompting US advertising agencies to take a more cautious approach to Cannes Lions travel, with many travelers seeking legal guidance.
Awards
Partner Lisa Ryan is named to the San Francisco Business Times' Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.
Blog post
Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.