Nationality of Costa Rica: all obtaining pathways
Costa Rica requires five years of residence for Ibero-Americans and seven for the remaining nationalities, with a reduced two-year period after marriage to a Costa Rican citizen. Nationality by descent is acquired from origin and requires no prior residence in the country.
1Naturalization by residence (Ibero-Americans)
Naturalization by residence (Ibero-Americans)
Requirements
- 5 years of continuous residence in Costa Rica for Ibero-Americans and Central Americans
- Being of legal age
- Proven good conduct
- A profession or trade enabling them to subsist
- Knowing the Spanish language and Costa Rican values
- Law of Options and Naturalizations No. 1155
Documentation
- Application to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal
- Residence certification from the Directorate General of Migration
- Legalised and translated birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate for Costa Rica and the country of origin
- Valid passport
- Proof of work or profession
- Sworn declaration of good conduct
- Certificate of knowledge of the Spanish language and Costa Rican values
2Naturalization by residence (nationals of other countries)
Naturalization by residence (nationals of other countries)
Requirements
- 7 years of continuous residence in Costa Rica
- Being of legal age
- Proven good conduct
- A profession or trade enabling them to subsist
- Knowing the Spanish language and Costa Rican values
- Law of Options and Naturalizations No. 1155
Documentation
- Application to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal
- Residence certification from the Directorate General of Migration
- Legalised and translated birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate for Costa Rica and the country of origin
- Valid passport
- Proof of work or profession
- Sworn declaration of good conduct
- Certificate of knowledge of the Spanish language and Costa Rican values
3Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- 2 years of continuous residence in Costa Rica after the marriage
- Being married to a Costa Rican by origin
- Being of legal age
- Good conduct
- Law of Options and Naturalizations No. 1155, art. 12
Documentation
- Application to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal
- Marriage certificate
- Costa Rican spouse's birth certificate
- Residence certificate (2 years after the marriage)
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
- Sworn declaration of good conduct
4Nationality by descent (origin-based)
Nationality by descent (origin-based)
Requirements
- Children of Costa Ricans born abroad
- Constitutional right under ius sanguinis (Constitution art. 14)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Costa Rican parent's birth certificate
- Identity documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Costa Rica
How many years of residence does Costa Rica require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Costa Rica (Naturalization by residence (Ibero-Americans)), the term is 5 years of official residence for nationals of other Central American countries, Spaniards and Ibero-Americans by birth (Constitution, art. 14). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Costa Rica be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (2 years married to a Costa Rican AND 2 years of residence in the country during that same period (Constitution, art. 14)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Costa Rica require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal; Residence certification from the Directorate General of Migration; Legalised and translated birth certificate; Criminal record certificate for Costa Rica and the country of origin; Valid passport; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage, Nationality by descent.
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