Hiring workers in Costa Rica that do not have the proper immigration work permits is illegal. In the past enforcement and fines have been lax. However as of August 1, 2014 the fines established by the Immigrtaion Regulations No. 36769-G are in effect. Those regulations are currently in effect and prohibits Employers undocumented workers. The fines start at 800,000 Colones and can go up to 4.9 million Colones.
Article 177 of the Costa Rica Immigration Law provides that any person por entity that provides employment or work to foreigners that do not have the legal right to work in the country or that carry out activities or employment for which they are not authorized shall be subject to the fines which have been established int he regulations indicated above.
