Costa Rica is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 14 December 2011). A U.S. public document bound for Costa Rica needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and Costa Rica's authorities cannot demand one.
Acceded 2011-04-06; in force 2011-12-14 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name Costa Rica as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in Costa Rica whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been a member since 2011. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería requires apostilled documents for residency categories (apostilled birth certificate, FBI or state check issued within six months, marriage certificate for spouse-based residency, proof of pension for pensionado status), and the Registro Civil requires apostilled birth certificates and single-status affidavits for marriage. Translations must be by an official translator (traductor oficial) registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Apostilled POAs for property and company matters are protocolized by a Costa Rican notary. Costa Rica accepts e-apostilles and runs an electronic register for its own.
Why U.S. documents are sent to Costa Rica
- residency (pensionado, rentista, inversionista)
- marriage
- registration of children
- property/power of attorney
- education
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Costa Rica?
An apostille. Costa Rica is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Costa Rica?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never Costa Rica’s embassy.
Does Costa Rica require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Costa Rica; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
