Eligibility quiz
When you were born, were both of your parents citizens of another country and neither a Costa Rican citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Costa Rican passport and ID
Costa Rican citizens can have an identity card and a Costa Rican passport.
Live in Costa Rica for life
Costa Rican citizens can enter and live in Costa Rica indefinitely, including after living abroad, without a residence permit.
Study in Costa Rica
Costa Rican citizens can study in Costa Rica without immigration permission.
Work in Costa Rica
Costa Rican citizens can work in Costa Rica without immigration permission and have the right to choose their work freely.
Get help abroad
If detained abroad, Costa Rican citizens can ask to contact a consulate.
In a hospital emergency, a consulate can contact relatives and help coordinate documents or a possible return.
Rent or buy property
Costa Rican citizens can rent or buy property and make contracts without immigration permission.
Vote and run for office
Costa Rican citizens can vote from age 18 and stand for public office, with some limits.
Abroad, they can vote at a polling centre if registered to vote there and holding a valid identity card.
Use public healthcare
Costa Rican citizens can use public clinics and hospitals under the same insurance and contribution rules as other people living in Costa Rica.
Access social support
Costa Rican citizens may qualify for social security support, including pensions and disability, maternity or unemployment-related support, depending on the programme and their contributions.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find an office
Find an election office where you can apply for yourself or your child. You can use the central office or a regional office of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where is the Costa Rica TSE office for Opción de Nacionalidad near your city?”
Download the application form
Download the official sample application for Opción de Nacionalidad.
Download the formFill in the form
If you are under 18, either parent fills in and signs the application for you; otherwise, you fill it in and sign it yourself. Include the birth registration details and an email address for notices, or an exact physical address if you do not have an active email address.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Costa Rica Opción de Nacionalidad application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the TSE office.
See required documentsHand in your application
You or your parent can bring the signed application and required documents to the central or a regional TSE office; another person can also submit them with the required authorization. The service is free.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit an Opción de Nacionalidad application at a Costa Rica TSE office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the TSE to notify you or your parent, and respond to any requests for more information. You can ask about the application at consultasoyn@tse.go.cr; if approved, you or your child can then apply for a Costa Rican passport.
See how to follow upSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow up on a Costa Rica Opción de Nacionalidad application?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Birth certificate
Get your Costa Rican birth certificate. Your birth must already be registered in Costa Rica, and the Civil Registry uses the certificate to check your birth.
Application form
Use the official model for your signed application; if you are under 18, your parent makes the application. Include your Costa Rican birth registration details and an email address for notices, or your exact physical address if you do not have an active email address. If a third party submits the application, have the signature certified by a lawyer.
Power of attorney *
Provide the special power of attorney authorising your representative to act for you. It must be formally recorded by a notary.
* Only if a representative with a special power of attorney applies for you.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Limits on political rights
Naturalized citizens must wait 12 months after their naturalization certificate to vote.
Only citizens by birth can be president or vice-president.
Naturalized citizens need 10 years' residence for minister and some judicial jobs; a court can also suspend political rights by sentence or by declaring someone legally unable to act.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expatriates in Costa Rica
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican local life
Join on FacebookCosta Rica Resources for Expats & Tourists
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican local life
Request to joinMoving to Costa Rica - Questions, Answers, Help and More!
English Facebook group for people living in Costa Rica interested in Costa Rican local life
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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