By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is actively strengthening its position as a global hub for medical technology by launching a new specialized employment training initiative. Designed under a “Pay-for-Results” model for the 2026-2027 period, this program specifically targets unemployed individuals, offering them a direct pathway into the nation’s highly lucrative medical device manufacturing sector.
The initiative currently provides 140 fully funded training slots, divided into two distinct tracks to accommodate different educational backgrounds. Specifically, 60 slots are designated for assembly and manufacturing operators, while the remaining 80 slots are allocated for advanced technical roles. This targeted structure aims to quickly bridge the gap between human talent and the specialized labor demands of international medical corporations operating within the country.
To better understand the legal frameworks and compliance standards driving the expansion of the life sciences sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who analyzed the regulatory environment surrounding medical device training in the country.
As Costa Rica solidifies its position as a global hub for the medical device industry, maintaining a highly trained workforce requires strict adherence to both local Ministry of Health regulations and international standards like ISO 13485. Structuring comprehensive training programs that are legally compliant not only protects intellectual property and mitigates operational liability for multinational corporations, but also reinforces Costa Rica’s reputation as a secure, top-tier destination for high-tech medical manufacturing.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, aligning rigorous educational frameworks with strict legal and international compliance is not just a regulatory necessity, but a vital strategic cornerstone that secures Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global life sciences arena. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective on how robust training programs safeguard intellectual property and fortify our nation’s reputation as a secure, high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.
Led by the Caricaco Foundation and Instiglio, the project represents a powerful public-private alliance, working in close coordination with the Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica (PROCOMER). By aligning educational curricula directly with the practical needs of the private sector, the organizers hope to maximize post-training employment rates and foster sustainable economic mobility for those currently excluded from the formal job market.
The medical device industry has quietly evolved into the undisputed engine of Costa Rican exports. During the first half of 2026, precision and medical equipment accounted for an astonishing 46% of the country’s total goods exported, marking a solid 6% year-over-year growth and reaching approximately 90 international markets. This unprecedented growth has turned talent acquisition into an urgent national priority.
Medical devices are now Costa Rica’s main goods export sector. In the first half of 2026, precision and medical equipment represented 46% of our goods exports and grew by 6%, with products reaching nearly 90 international markets. This leadership presents us with an immediate priority: to accelerate talent training in the technical and specialized skills demanded by the industry. Preparing more people not only strengthens our competitiveness to attract new investments and support corporate growth, but also allows us to convert these opportunities into more quality employment for Costa Rica.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
To ensure the program reaches those who need it most, all applicants must be fully unemployed and without any active labor contract at the time of registration. For the 60 operator positions, candidates must hold a high school diploma, with no prior English proficiency required. Conversely, the 80 technical slots seek candidates who also hold a high school diploma but ideally possess a B2 English level and have completed at least one year of a university degree related to the industry.
Academic execution is supported by local institutions like the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT), which emphasizes the strategic value of linking curriculum directly to real-world career pipelines. Training modules will focus not only on technical manufacturing skills but also on the rigorous quality control and regulatory standards that define the life sciences industry.
This program connects training with concrete development opportunities and seeks to prepare talent for a strategic industry for Costa Rica, bringing more people closer to new opportunities for labor insertion.
Adriana Brizuela, Director of Continuing Education of ULACIT
Beyond mere technical instruction, the training program offers comprehensive professional orientation and guides candidates through the onboarding process. For Costa Rica, which has faced shifting dynamics in its domestic employment market, transitioning unemployed workers into high-tech manufacturing represents a highly effective mechanism for poverty reduction and economic resilience.
Interested individuals who meet the rigorous requirements can submit their applications online through the official program registration portals for either the technical or operator track. By removing financial barriers to high-quality technical education, Costa Rica is not only solving an immediate labor shortage for multinational companies but is also building a sustainable, highly skilled workforce ready for the future of global healthcare technology.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public pillar responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. Operating as a non-state public entity, PROCOMER works alongside global businesses to integrate local talent and suppliers into the international value chain.
For further information, visit ulacit.ac.cr
About ULACIT:
The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) is a leading private higher education institution in Costa Rica. Renowned for its focus on bilingual education, technology, and continuous professional development, ULACIT prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the global workforce.
For further information, visit caricaco.org
About Fundación Caricaco:
Fundación Caricaco is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social and economic development. Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, and community-driven initiatives, the foundation focuses on enhancing employability and empowering vulnerable populations.
For further information, visit instiglio.org
About Instiglio:
Instiglio is a global advisory firm pioneering the use of Results-Based Financing (RBF) and performance management in the public and non-profit sectors. By tying financial incentives to measurable social outcomes, Instiglio helps organizations design and scale highly effective social programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted devotion to ethical standards and exceptional advocacy. Throughout its rich history of guiding diverse clients, the firm has consistently pioneered modern legal solutions while remaining deeply connected to civic responsibility. By actively working to democratize complex legal insights, it strives to cultivate a legally literate and empowered public, reinforcing its belief that justice thrives when knowledge is shared.
