Eligibility quiz
Was at least one of your parents a Costa Rican citizen by birth when you were born?
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 a TSE central or regional office where you can hand in the request.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Opción de nacionalidad in Costa Rica near your city?”
Get the request example
Get the example of the initial written request from the TSE services page, under “Naturalizaciones / Ejemplos de Escritos Iniciales”.
Get the request exampleSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the initial written request example for Opción de nacionalidad in Costa Rica?”
Fill in the request
If you are applying for your child, the Costa Rican parent by birth fills in and signs the request; if you are applying for yourself, fill it in and sign it. Include your email address, or a precise physical address if you do not have an active email.
See how to complete itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the written request for Opción de nacionalidad in Costa Rica?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the TSE office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Take the completed request and required documents to a TSE central or regional office; someone else may also submit them for you. Your birth, or your child’s birth, must already be registered in Costa Rica for the request to be approved.
Find filing instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I hand in an Opción de nacionalidad request at a TSE office in Costa Rica?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your request or your child’s request, and respond if the office asks for more information. You can ask about the request at a TSE office or by emailing consultasoyn@tse.go.cr.
Ask about your requestSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I ask about an Opción de nacionalidad request in Costa Rica?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Application form
Submit the completed written request, including your email address or, if you have no active email, your exact address. If someone else files it for you, have a lawyer certify your signature; if a lawyer files it, include the formally recorded special power of attorney. Your birth must already be registered in Costa Rica.
Considerations
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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