Police Record Requirements

All foreign nationals above 16 years of age applying for temporary or permanent residency in Costa Rica are required to submit a criminal background history certification ("certificación de antecedentes penales") when filing their application. The certification must be issued in the country that issued your passport or where you have lived legally for the last three years prior to filing the residency application. The certification must be apostilled or legalized and authenticated by a consul of Costa Rica.

Last updated: Oct 26, 2023