Naturalization for people married to Costa Ricans !

You can obtain naturalization by complying with the following requirements: You need to be married for a minimum of 2 years. The Costa Rican spouse can be either through birth or by naturalization. You also need to have resided in the country for a minimum period of two years, if you have left the country, you should complete that time limit by remaining the number of days required to reach the two year minimum days. You will be still be able to acquire naturalization if you have been divorced, but must have met the time required for marriage and of residence in the country. You also need a valid passport and your residence bond in effect.

A birth or naturalization certificate of the Costa Rican spouse, issued by the Civil Registry is also required. You will need a certificate from the Computer Department of Immigration showing you exits and entries into Costa Rica from your first entry into Costa Rica until the date you make your request. You need to have your birth certificate properly legalized by the Costa Rican consul (If you presented one to obtain your residency it will also be valid for this.) OR you may get a certificate form Immigration or from the ICT showing date and place of birth, parents’ names and a sworn statement of your birth.

The naturalization process takes over a year and a formal request must be made and be approved by the Civil Registry. Once the naturalization request has been approved the applicant should come to our office in Casa Canada to do the respective oath. You will then be able to request your identification card and Costa Rican passport and you will be able to exercise the right to vote. Besides obtaining Costa Rican citizenship, you will be able to retain the citizenship of your country, since in Costa Rica it is possible to have double citizenship.

© El Residente ARCR Administración S.A. San José, Costa Rica N.B. Like all information on the internet, this article may currently be incorrect or out of date.