Foreign-born population – 2024 | 12.3% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.6 million, 49% women | Evolution since 2015: +53% | Nicaragua (67%), Venezuela (5%), Colombia (5%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑18%, to reach around 28 000. The majority of applicants came from Nicaragua (23 000), Cuba (1 700) and Venezuela (1 300). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Colombia (100) and the largest decrease nationals of Nicaragua (‑5 000). Of the 10 000 decisions taken in 2024, 19% were positive.
Emigration of Costa Rican citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑15% in 2023, to 4 100. Approximately 63% of this group migrated to the United States, 8% to Mexico and 7% to Germany.
Costa Rica continues to play a pivotal role as a transit and destination country for immigrants, exhibiting a marked increase in asylum applications in recent years. In response, the government has implemented a series of modifications to its asylum system in the past year. Most notably, in June 2024, Costa Rica introduced the Executive Decree No. 44501‑MGP, which constitutes a reform of the country’s refugee regulations. Among the changes introduced by the decree are the removal of the previously established deadline for claiming asylum and the extension of the same protection entitlements and safeguards granted to asylum-seekers as to recognised refugees while their applications are being processed. Furthermore, as of 1 July 2024, asylum seekers are eligible to receive an identification document and work permit, thus enabling them to participate in formal employment. These measures are designed to ensure the protection of the rights of asylum seekers in Costa Rica.
Additionally, foreign nationals are permitted to submit applications for temporary residence while abroad, provided that they have signed a specialised power of attorney (POA) authorising a third party to represent them. Moreover, the resolution enables individuals who have exceeded their authorised period of stay to submit immigration applications, conditional upon payment of a fine. Further regulations relate to birth certificates, biometric data and other documentation submitted in support of immigration applications. The objective of these amendments is to modernise Costa Rica’s immigration system by enhancing the efficiency and transparency of immigration processes.
In March 2025, Costa Rica introduced two reforms regarding higher education institutions. Firstly, the new provisions concern accreditation pathways for eligible higher education institutions, with the new regulations allowing said institutions to obtain company-style accreditation with the DGME. This amendment is intended to facilitate the immigration procedures for foreign faculty and students. Secondly, the DGME has expanded special immigration categories to include interns and short-term academic or cultural visitors, and processing times for these individuals. These reforms aim to strengthen Costa Rica’s standing as a destination for international academic collaboration.
In May 2025, Costa Rica and Guatemala signed a joint protocol to regulate labour migration flows between the two countries, promote fair recruitment practices, and provide employers with legal certainty when hiring migrant workers. The protocol clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each government agency to strengthen interinstitutional co‑ordination – including Public Employment Services – to effectively meet labour market needs in both countries.
For further information: www.migracion.go.cr.
