Embracing a New National Identity: The Process of Citizenship (Naturalization) in Costa Rica
Who is the Citizenship (Naturalization) in Costa Rica for?
For many expats and immigrants, the final step in their journey to Costa Rica is acquiring citizenship through naturalization. However, before applying for citizenship, you must first go through the processes of obtaining Temporary Residency and Permanent Residency.
It’s worth noting that if you have a Costa Rican parent or child, you can bypass the Temporary Residency requirement.
Why choose the Citizenship Residency– What are the Benefits?
One of the advantages of obtaining citizenship is that you no longer need to renew it like Temporary or Permanent Residency. Additionally, as a citizen, you will receive a Costa Rican passport, have your guarantee deposit refunded, and enjoy the freedom to enter and exit the country without restrictions. Importantly, Costa Rica allows dual citizenship, enabling you to maintain your current citizenship while embracing your new Costa Rican identity. This also will enable you to handle all local processes, like the banking system, as a Tico /Tica and receive beneficial loans, credits, insurances and so on.
To learn more about the benefits of citizenship, please click HERE.
Requirements for Citizenship by Residence in Costa Rica
To qualify for citizenship by residence, the following criteria must be met:
- Seven years of legal residency in Costa Rica (five years if you are a citizen of a Central American country, certain Latin American countries, or a Spanish citizen by birth).
- Proof of accumulated time spent in Costa Rica through immigration entry and exit records.
- Two character witness declarations.
- Proof of financial means of living, such as income certification from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Birth certificate from your home country, apostilled or legalized (in most cases, this requirement can be omitted if it is in your immigration file).
- Criminal Record Check from your home country, apostilled or legalized, issued within the last three months.
- Completion of the citizenship test, which includes Spanish and social studies (applicants aged 65 and over are exempt from this test).
Requirements for Citizenship by Marriage in Costa Rica
To qualify for citizenship by marriage, the following criteria must be met:
- Two years of residence in Costa Rica as the spouse of a Costa Rican citizen.
- Proof of accumulated time spent in Costa Rica through immigration entry and exit records.
- Birth certificate from your home country, apostilled or legalized.
- Criminal Record Check from your home country, apostilled or legalized, issued within the last three months.
Do I Have to Leave Every 180 Days Once I Start My Residency?
No, once you have initiated the residency process in Costa Rica, you will receive a certificate called the “Hoja trámite” from immigration, commonly referred to as “the golden ticket.” This certificate allows you to stay in Costa Rica legally while your residency application is being processed, eliminating the need to leave the country every 180 days.
However, it’s important to note that if you plan to drive in Costa Rica, you will still need to leave the country every 90 days to get your passport stamped to drive legally in Costa Rica. This requirement is in place because your license is only valid as long as your visa is valid. Therefore, even though you can remain in Costa Rica during the residency process, you will still need to periodically exit the country to ensure the continued validity of your driver’s license. The institution that handles driving related issues is not related to the government department of immigration.
Often times people already have a temporary residency prior to applying for a permanent one. In this case most likely the driver’s license already had been homologized and there is no need to take further action in that regard, nor is it necessary to leave the country every 180 days.
Fees & Expenses
Available by email or call
The cost is influenced by a variety of factors that vary on a case-by-case basis. For more detailed information:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +506 8500 2085
However, it’s important to note that these prices do not include government fees and other expenses associated with the residency process.
In addition to the service fees, please consider the government fees and additional expenses, including translations into Spanish, immigration appointments, local fingerprints appointments, ID card issuance (DIMEX), a refundable guarantee deposit, and Caja registration. For a detailed breakdown of these fees and expenses, please refer to our website.
Please be aware that taxes are not included in the price, and all prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Timeframe and possible Extension for Document Submission
Once your application case file is opened, you have 180 days to submit all the required documents to the Immigration Department (DGME). If you encounter difficulties obtaining the necessary documents within this timeframe, CRIE can request a one-time extension at an additional cost of $100 USD per extension.
It is crucial to promptly pay for any time extension requests. Failure to do so may result in your case file being discarded by the Immigration Department (DGME).
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining citizenship in Costa Rica through naturalization signifies a significant milestone for expats and immigrants. By fulfilling the residency requirements and providing the necessary documents, you can embrace a new national identity and enjoy the privileges that come with being a citizen. With the assistance of CRIE and careful consideration of the fees and expenses involved, you can navigate the path to Costa Rican citizenship with confidence and ease.