Immigration authority

Germany: Work permit application processing significantly delayed

Work and residence permit applicants and those seeking related appointments are experiencing delays of up to several weeks due to a case backlog at the immigration authority.

The delays will especially affect local hires, whose applications are processed by the Federal Employment Agency.

Costa Rica: Local identification card issuance subject to delays

Due to technical issues, foreign nationals seeking initial or renewed local identification cards (cédulas) should expect processing to take over a month after their cédula appointment, instead of the usual two weeks.

Foreign nationals should therefore carry their passport and processing receipt to use local services, and the approval notice of their respective category (e.g. Temporary or Permanent Residence, Stay Visa) if they travel. There is currently no estimate for the resolution of system issues.