Costa Rica: Technical Issues with Social Security Agency’s Online Systems Causing Delays

The Costa Rican Social Security Agency’s (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social - CCSS) electronic systems are temporarily offline due to a cybersecurity breach, preventing foreign nationals from obtaining social security receipts. Foreign nationals must show social security receipts, which prove that a foreign national is enrolled in Costa Rica's social security program, to register with the Federal Immigration Directorate and apply for their Resident Identity Card. However, until the Resident Identity Card is issued, foreign nationals must exit and enter the country as tourists and meet tourist entry requirements, including an entry visa for visa nationals.  Delays in securing a Resident Identity Card may also impact a foreign national's ability to conduct administrative tasks in Costa Rica, such as setting up a bank account or obtaining or renewing a driver's license, among others. It is not clear at this time if the CCSS is processing pending applications for social security enrollment filed before May 31, 2022. Applicants should expect delays until the systems are fully restored. Fragomen is actively monitoring the system and contacting affected clients and will report on relevant updates as they occur.