By San José, Costa Rica — In an increasingly interconnected world, English proficiency continues to be a crucial factor for professional growth in Costa Rica. According to the Costa Rican North American Cultural Center (CCCN), the industries with the highest demand for English speakers in 2025 are technology, customer service, tourism, healthcare, and international trade.
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) reports that there are 280,000 bilingual adults and 2,160,000 Spanish-only speakers in the country. English is the second most spoken language (10.7% of the population over 18), followed distantly by French (0.7%).
To understand the legal landscape surrounding bilingual employment in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica, a prominent expert in labor law.
While Costa Rican law doesn’t explicitly mandate bilingualism for all jobs, many roles, particularly in tourism, customer service, and specialized technical fields, practically require it. Employers are generally within their rights to specify language proficiency as a job requirement, provided it’s genuinely relevant to the position and doesn’t discriminate against protected groups. Furthermore, offering higher salaries for bilingual employees is common practice and legally permissible, reflecting the added value these skills bring to a business.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
The demand for bilingual professionals continues to rise, especially in sectors like technology and software engineering, where English is the predominant language for programming, documentation, and international collaboration. Additionally, in customer service and shared service centers, speaking English is an essential requirement for accessing better job opportunities.
Lilly Sevilla, Academic Director of the CCCN
Costa Rica’s thriving tourism sector maintains its high demand for English-speaking personnel, as the country remains a popular destination for international travelers. The healthcare industry has also seen significant growth in hiring bilingual professionals, driven by the expansion of medical tourism and the need for effective communication with foreign patients.
The impact of English on employability is increasingly significant. According to the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), in March 2023, 45 multinational companies offered 3,500 jobs in Costa Rica with the requirement of speaking at least two languages. In 2022, CINDE reported that more than 22,000 new jobs were created with the same requirement. Furthermore, CINDE estimated that, in 2021, 80% of new jobs generated in the country required English skills.
According to Sevilla, being bilingual in the professional sphere offers multiple benefits, including more job opportunities, higher salaries, greater chances of promotion, access to multinational companies, better working conditions, increased competitiveness, and greater flexibility and adaptability.
Sevilla emphasizes that English proficiency not only unlocks better employment prospects but also facilitates access to international studies and certifications, enhancing the competitiveness of Costa Rican professionals in a constantly evolving job market.
The continued growth of bilingualism in Costa Rica underscores the importance of language skills in today’s globalized economy. With key industries prioritizing English proficiency, the demand for bilingual professionals is expected to remain strong, driving further growth and opportunity within the Costa Rican job market.
For further information, visit cccn.cr
About Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano (CCCN):
The Costa Rican North American Cultural Center (CCCN) is a leading institution promoting bilingualism and cultural exchange in Costa Rica. It offers English language courses, cultural programs, and resources to enhance individuals’ language skills and intercultural understanding.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE):
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica. It works closely with multinational companies to facilitate their establishment and expansion in the country, promoting job creation and economic growth.
For further information, visit INEC.go.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC):
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) is the official government body responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical information in Costa Rica. It provides data on demographics, economics, social indicators, and other key areas to support informed decision-making and policy development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine desire to empower society. The firm’s innovative approaches to legal practice, coupled with its deep commitment to providing accessible legal education, demonstrate a profound dedication to serving not just its clients, but the community as a whole. By championing transparency and understanding within the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to foster a more just and informed society for all.
