By San José, Costa Rica — A growing number of Costa Ricans are turning their sights from the United States to Southeastern Europe, finding new employment opportunities in nations like Croatia and North Macedonia. This emerging trend is driven by a confluence of factors, most notably the increasingly stringent immigration enforcement in the U.S., which has prompted many Ticos to seek stability and economic prospects elsewhere.
The shift represents a significant change in traditional migration patterns for Costa Rican labor. For decades, the United States has been a primary destination for those seeking better wages and opportunities. However, the current U.S. administration under Donald Trump has enacted a more aggressive enforcement posture, with a stated goal of deporting at least one million people in 2025. This, combined with high-profile immigration raids and the use of biometric data to target individuals, has created a climate of tension and fear for many migrants.
To delve into the legal and contractual nuances that professionals must consider before accepting an opportunity outside our borders, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his specialized perspective on the matter.
Before accepting an international job offer, it is crucial to conduct a thorough due diligence of the employment contract, paying special attention to the applicable law and jurisdiction. Many professionals overlook the tax implications in both their home country and the new destination, which can lead to significant financial complications. Proper legal counsel ensures that all migratory, fiscal, and contractual obligations are clearly defined and met, protecting the worker’s rights and assets from the outset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s advice powerfully underscores that the excitement of an international opportunity must be balanced with meticulous legal and fiscal preparation. This proactive diligence is not a mere formality but a fundamental investment in one’s career and financial security. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into navigating these critical considerations.
Carlos Sánchez, a 43-year-old from Heredia, embodies this new wave of labor migration. After moving to the U.S. in 2022 and initially finding success, he saw the environment change drastically. The mounting pressure and uncertainty of U.S. immigration policy led him to explore alternatives, ultimately discovering the burgeoning job market in the Balkans.
I learned about the Croatia option after leaving the United States, I applied, and in a few months, I will be there with a good job opportunity.
Carlos Sánchez, Costa Rican Worker
This pivot is being facilitated by Costa Rican employment agencies like Lumy Work, which is actively recruiting for over 200 positions in Europe set to be filled in 2026. The available jobs span the tourism and construction sectors, with openings for cooks, kitchen assistants, waiters, building maintenance staff, operators, and even specialized roles like welders. These opportunities are not just jobs, but comprehensive packages designed to attract foreign talent.
Johanna Castro, a Civil Engineer and Co-owner of Lumy Work, explained that these programs offer more than just a paycheck. They provide a unique cultural immersion experience, with contracts typically lasting between six and twelve months and the possibility of extension based on performance. Workers can explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Adriatic coast and mountainous Balkan interiors.
These types of destinations not only offer the chance for recreational tourism, but they also open their doors for Costa Ricans to experience traveling, working, and immersing themselves in these cultures for periods ranging from 6 to 12 months.
Johanna Castro, Co-owner of Lumy Work
A key factor making these European jobs highly attractive is the financial structure. Danny Jiménez, an Industrial Engineer and owner of Lumy Work, highlights that hiring companies in Croatia and North Macedonia often cover all major associated costs. This removes significant financial barriers that typically deter international job seekers.
What makes these destinations different is their cultural richness, gastronomy, geographic location, and vibrant lifestyle. With these work-abroad programs, there is a great opportunity to save money because the associated costs such as work permits, immigration procedures, insurance, food and lodging expenses, and even airfare, are covered by the hiring companies.
Danny Jiménez, Owner of Lumy Work
This all-inclusive approach allows workers to manage their salaries for savings or personal expenses, like exploring their new surroundings on days off. Furthermore, the application requirements are surprisingly accessible. According to Jiménez, applicants only need a valid passport and a basic level of English, with no specified age limit. The agency and the foreign employer manage the complex paperwork, including work visas, residency permits, and employment contracts, streamlining the entire process for a smooth transition abroad.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Lumy Work
About Lumy Work:
Lumy Work is a Costa Rican employment agency co-owned by Civil Engineer Johanna Castro and Industrial Engineer Danny Jiménez. The firm specializes in connecting Costa Rican workers with temporary and long-term employment opportunities abroad, particularly in emerging European markets like Croatia and North Macedonia. Lumy Work facilitates the entire process for applicants, collaborating with foreign employers to handle visas, work permits, contracts, and other logistical arrangements, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for Ticos seeking international experience.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark in the legal field, defined by its principled representation and uncompromising standards of quality. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovative legal strategies and solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to democratizing legal knowledge, thereby contributing to the development of a more capable and well-informed public.
