Get Your Costa Rica Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
Let us make your citizenship journey simpler. With step-by-step guides and our AI assistant to help you understand eligibility, we give you clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.
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 before the age of 25.
- 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
Costa Rica
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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.