How to Become a Citizen of Costa Rica
Many persons are not aware that a few years ago the government of Costa Rica changed the rules to make it easier for expats to become citizens. The process is now fairly simple and is similar to obtaining residency (something that needs to be done first.) What are the advantages of becoming a citizen of Costa Rica Citizens?:
- Can obtain a Costa Rican passport.
- Can vote in Costa Rican elections
- No longer have to periodically renew their residency
- Can use the “Citizen” line at the immigration
Interested? Here are the requirements for becoming a citizen of Costa Rica:
- The cost is about $1500 (per person)
- Processing takes about 11 months
- Applicant needs to have valid Costa Rican residency
- Must have spent a minimum of seven years (2555 days) in the county (does not need to be consecutive)*
- There is NO minimum income requirement
- Must submit a NEW FBI (or equivalent) report
- Must submit a birth certificate (copy should be in Imigracion from the residency application)
- Have TWO Tico character witnesses
- Satisfactorily complete two written tests: 1) Grammar (Spanish) and, 2) Social Studies” (history of CR) (both tests are in Spanish) and must be able to sing the National Anthem.**
*If residency is by marriage, 2 years (730 days)
**Applicants over 65 years of age are not required to take the tests.
The citizenship application process can be accomplished by an applicant on their own, but they should be fluent in Spanish (to be able to deal with the bureaucracy.) The best and easiest way to become a citizen is to work through an attorney. ARCR’s attorneys are highly experienced in obtaining citizenship for our clients. A note of CAUTION: Be sure the attorney you choose is experienced – not every attorney can or will complete the process in a reasonable amount of time, or at a reasonable cost.
Courtesy of Romulo Pacheco
Attorney at Law, Notary Public
Pacheco, Marin, and Associates
(506) 2220-0055, (506) 2290-1074
romulo@residencycr.com
