Refugees are not required to apply for a work permit to be able to work.  Their can access employment without restriction as to the type of employment, within the limits set by law for all persons, including nationals. Refugee's identity document carries a statement of "free status".  This grant them the right to work. 

Resolution D. JUR-0204-12-2022-ABM establishes the procedure for granting work permits to asylum seekers in Costa Rica : Asylum seekers must apply to obtain a work permit at the Refugee Unit of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, only three months after the formalization of their asylum application. This work permit does not give them the right to access self-employment. Permit holders are only able to work for the employer who supported their application and in the specified tasks mentioned in the permit. The work permit may be granted for up to one year and can be renewed for identical periods. 

According to article 7 clause 7) of the General Law of Migration and Foreigners No. 8764, Asylum seekers that obtained a work permit prior to the law reform must demonstrate in each renewal of permit that they have enroled to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, in an uninterrupted manner.  In case they are not able to prove it, they will be given a card that identifies them as asylum seekers, but will not be authorised to work.