Prostitution in Costa Rica occupies a distinctive legal status: it is not illegal for an adult to sell or buy consensual sexual services, yet the surrounding framework imposes meaningful limits and risks. According to legal summaries, “prostitution is legal in Costa Rica, and soliciting the services of a consenting adult over the age of 18 is legal.”
However, it’s not a matter of carte-blanche: many activities connected to prostitution are expressly prohibited under Costa Rican law — including brothel operation, pimping (profit-taking by intermediaries), and other forms of exploitation.
As one traveler-oriented article puts it, if you’re curious about the scene it is worth reading this piece: here’s what to know about legal prostitution in Costa Rica.
How it works: registration and health checks
While prostitution is not regulated in the sense of a full industry licence, there is a voluntary registration program in place: sex workers over 18 may register with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), carry a health-card and submit to regular health screenings.
In practice, the registration remains optional and many practitioners operate outside of formal registration—meaning they may lack labour protections or formal access to social security.
What is legal vs illegal
Some of the legal-vs-illegal distinctions are critical to understand:
- Legal: A consenting adult (18+) engaging in paid sexual services.
- Illegal: Operating a brothel, running pimping or facilitating prostitution of others, profiting from another’s sex work.
- Illegal and very serious: Sexual activity with minors, human-trafficking and sex-tourism that exploits children or coerced persons.
Thus, while the core transaction may be permitted, many of the common practices seen in other jurisdictions (such as brothels or third-party management) carry significant legal risks in Costa Rica.
Tourism and practical realities
Because of its legal status, prostitution is visible in many tourist areas such as Jacó or in the capital San José. The red-light districts are subject to more informal rules, and the social and health risks can be elevated.
At the same time, sex workers often face vulnerabilities: they may lack formal labour protections, be exposed to violence, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions. NGOs and research highlight that while the work is legal, the nature of their employment remains precarious.
One article provides a sober overview of the economic and social context: “Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica for individuals over 18 years of age. However … other associated activities such as pimping are not.”
Why it matters: safety, consent and responsibility
For anyone visiting or doing business in Costa Rica it’s vital to recognise the nuances:
- Ensure consenting ages are respected (18+).
- Avoid any scenario involving third-party profit or brothel management, which may expose you to legal liability.
- Recognise that just because the transaction may appear permissible does not mean it is safe or socially benign. Health, consent, and exploitation risks remain real.
- Because formal protections for sex workers are limited, many operate in informal settings which may heighten risks.
In summary
The legal status of prostitution in Costa Rica is somewhat unique. Adults may legally exchange sexual services, but many of the structural supports and protections found elsewhere are missing or informal. The legal grey-zone around third-party facilitation and the social risks inherent in the setting mean caution is warranted.
For an on-the-ground account with practical details, the article linked above is a useful starting point.
