Sanitary Operating Permits

Essential Documents

Confirm the following information on the party interested in obtaining the sanitary permit:

• Full name
• Copy of ID
• Civil status
• Domicile
• Fax
• Email

If a company, Confirm:

• Corporate name
• Corporate ID
• Domicile
• Fax
• Email
• Power under which the representative acts (legal representative with full and unlimited power of attorney, general proxy, special proxy)

Immovable property owner’s information:

• Full name
• Copy of ID
• Civil status
• Domicile
• Fax
• Email

If a company, Confirm:

• Corporate name
• Corporate ID number
• Domicile
• Fax
• Email
• Power under which the representative acts (legal representative with full and unlimited power of attorney, general proxy, special proxy)
• Confirm if it is the first time or a renewal of the Sanitary Operating Permit.
• Confirm exact address of the place that needs the Sanitary Operating Permit.
• Number of employees
• Number of men
• Number of women
• P.O. Box
• Number of clients or occupants
• Customer service schedule
• Working schedule (opening and closing times)
• Work area in square meters
• Description of services offered
• Confirm if it generates dangerous waste

Please consider that each Regional Health Department has the authority to vary the requirements; therefore, additional information may be requested.

1. What are Sanitary Operating Permits?

A Sanitary Operating Permit is a document issued by the Ministry of Health authorizing the operation of a commercial, industrial or service establishment.

2. What are the requirements to obtain a Sanitary Operating Permit in Costa Rica?

The requirements to obtain a sanitary permit may vary depending on the type of product or service. However, in general, it is required to present a land use that authorizes the execution of the activity in the place where a commercial, industrial and service activity is developed, the legal documentation of the applicant, the corresponding payment according to the type of risk, among others.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Sanitary Operating Permit in Costa Rica?

The time needed to obtain a sanitary permit may vary depending on the preparation of the documentation required by the Ministry of Health, depending on the commercial, industrial and service activity. However, the health authorities have a term of ten calendar days to resolve the authorization request. The result of the process must be recorded in a resolution signed by the director of the Health Governing Area or the Regional Director, as the case may be, where the application was processed.

4. What happens if a Sanitary Operating Permit is not obtained in Costa Rica?

If a company or business does not have the corresponding Sanitary Operating Permit, it may face legal sanctions, such as fines or even the temporary or definitive closing of the establishment.

5. Is it possible to renew a Sanitary Operating Permit in Costa Rica?

Yes, Sanitary Operating Permits must be renewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with hygiene and safety standards. The renewal time may vary depending on the type of product or service, but generally it is required to present updated documentation and comply with the requirements established by the Ministry of Health. The permit granted to activities classified in risk groups A, B and C is generally valid for 5 years. However, the General Health Law establishes exceptions with specific durations for certain activities.

6. How are industrial, commercial and service activities classified in terms of their health and environmental risk?
Industrial, commercial and service activities are classified into three groups (Group A, Group B and Group C) according to their health and environmental risk. This classification is based on criteria such as the nature of the activity, the Industrial Hygiene Regulation classification, the potential for air, soil and water pollution, the type of waste generated and the complexity and specialization, especially in the case of health services.