Get Your Costa Rica Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in Costa Rica is automatically a citizen unless born to foreign diplomats.
- By Descent : Individuals born abroad to a Costa Rican parent can acquire citizenship by descent if registered with a consulate.
- By Marriage : Spouses of Costa Rican citizens may apply for naturalization after 2 years of marriage and residency.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply after 7 years of legal residence. Nationals from Latin American countries and Spain need only 5 years.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed: Costa Rica permits dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your other nationality when becoming a Costa Rican citizen.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose your path: descent, marriage, or naturalization.
- Apply through the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) or a Costa Rican consulate.
- Meet residency, marriage, or ancestry requirements, and provide supporting documents.
- Complete an interview and submit a background check.
- Receive your citizenship certificate and apply for a Costa Rican cédula and passport.
Benefits of Costa Rican Citizenship
- Live, vote, and work freely in Costa Rica
- Keep your original nationality — dual citizenship is fully recognized
- Access national healthcare and education systems
- Visa-free travel to over 150 countries
Frequently asked questions.
Does Costa Rica allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Costa Rica allows dual citizenship. You are not required to give up your original nationality when becoming a Costa Rican citizen.
Can I get Costa Rican citizenship through my parents?
Yes. If one of your parents is Costa Rican, you may acquire citizenship by descent through consular registration.
Can I become a citizen by marrying a Costa Rican?
Yes. Spouses may apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage and residency in Costa Rica.
Is there a faster path for certain nationalities?
Yes. Nationals of Latin American countries and Spain can apply after 5 years of residence, instead of the standard 7 years.
Do I have to pay taxes in Costa Rica as a dual citizen?
Costa Rica taxes residents on income earned within the country. If you live abroad, you’re not taxed on foreign income.
Is same-sex marriage recognized for citizenship?
Yes. Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020. Same-sex spouses are fully eligible for citizenship through marriage and residency.