In order to be able to use the "regulation for visa requests of students and scientists", the educational institution must be duly registred with the foreigner authority. For the registration the following documents must be submitted:

1. Request to the Ministry, signed by an official representative of the educational institution or a deputy. The request should contain the following information:

a. Name of the legal entity

b. Detailed explanation of the reasons for the admission

c. Exact address of the company headquarter

d. Place within the legal district of San José or an electronic medium determined by the Ministry, which is specified in the Official Journal, in order to receive notifications.

2. Special power in form of a privately-written document, authenticated by an official notary. If demanded by the educational institution it must be issued

by a legal representative who designates an authorized person.

3. Proof of the legal capacity of the educational institution which places the request, specifying the registration data, the legal representation and the validity. The date of issue should not date back more than one month. The Ministry must be informed immediately about any changes. If the institution is registered with the State Department, the certificate of the Ministry must be submitted instead of the proof.

4. Certificate of the Social Security Insurance in Costa Rica that the educational institution pays the employer´s share.

5. Certificate of the National Insurance Office that the educational institution bears the insurance policy for accidents on the job.

6. Original and copy or by an official notary authenticated copy of the permission of the educational institution as a legal entity.

7. Original and copy or by an official

notary authenticated copy of the identity card of the official representative of the educational institution. If this person does not regularly reside in the country, a copy of the passport, authenticated by an official notary, must be submitted.

8. Proof of the fact that the educational institution is registered or certified with the Ministry of Education, the State Department, the rector council CONARE or the national council for higher education (CONESUP).

9. The registration of the institution is valid for five years. In order to extend the registration, the educational institution must submit the documents specified under points 1 to 8 (excluded point 3) three months before expiration of the period If changes arise the Ministry must be informed immediately, even if the period did not yet expire.