Foreigners must do one of two things to be able to work here: get a work permit through the employer or apply for residency, preferably through a lawyer. The work permit must be renewed every year. The most common jobs for young foreigners are: teaching English, at $300- $500 a month, being tourist guides or working as receptionists in hotels. However, some people with a larger resume might be able to find jobs through multinational companies that operate here, such as Standard Fruit, Intel, Motorola, etc. Upper management positions usually demand good or excellent knowledge of Spanish and offer salaries starting at $2000, which is good for Costa Rica. Other jobs might be found simply by looking in the local English-language newspaper, The Tico Times, the main Spanish-language newspapers, or even while browsing through the yellow pages. Apart from salaried jobs, foreigners might prefer to settle down and open up a business of their own. If the business proves to be relatively successful, the earnings will probably be much greater than normal salaries. Business opportunities include: real estate, the hotel and tourist sector, the food franchise business, etc…
After considering possible jobs and salaries, it's important to consider the cost of living in Costa Rica. Rent for one person at an average tico apartment might cost $250 to $400. Groceries might cost from $150 to $200 a month, while entertainment might end up costing $140 a month. Some expenses are much more reasonable than in other countries, like utility bills; water, electricity and local phone bills for one person might be as cheap as $ 25 a month.
There are also legal and cultural considerations involved in working in Costa Rica It's important to have a realistic view of the whole picture, before making a commitment. Unless you acquire a job with a multinational company, which can guide you through the excitement and confusion of moving to another country, it's probably a good idea to visit Costa Rica on a scouting mission before deciding to get a job here. Look through newspaper ads, ask other foreigners, visit some companies, and you'll see that when moving here later, things will be much easier and more enjoyable.
After considering possible jobs and salaries, it's important to consider the cost of living in Costa Rica. Rent for one person at an average tico apartment might cost $250 to $400. Groceries might cost from $150 to $200 a month, while entertainment might end up costing $140 a month. Some expenses are much more reasonable than in other countries, like utility bills; water, electricity and local phone bills for one person might be as cheap as $ 25 a month.
There are also legal and cultural considerations involved in working in Costa Rica It's important to have a realistic view of the whole picture, before making a commitment. Unless you acquire a job with a multinational company, which can guide you through the excitement and confusion of moving to another country, it's probably a good idea to visit Costa Rica on a scouting mission before deciding to get a job here. Look through newspaper ads, ask other foreigners, visit some companies, and you'll see that when moving here later, things will be much easier and more enjoyable.
