Costa Rica citizenship for Americans: how naturalisation works

Costa Rican citizenship is the last step for people who have settled permanently. Nobody needs it to live in Costa Rica, since permanent residency has no end date. What citizenship adds is a passport, the vote, and a status that doesn’t depend on a card.

The ways to qualify

Route	Requirement
Residency	Seven years of legal residency in Costa Rica
Residency, for citizens of other Central American countries, Spain and Latin America	Five years
Marriage to a Costa Rican	Two years of marriage and two years living in Costa Rica
Birth	Born in Costa Rica, or born abroad to a Costa Rican parent

For Americans the relevant routes are the seven years or marriage.

There is no citizenship by investment. An investment can qualify you for residency, and the years of residency then count toward citizenship in the normal way.

What counts as residency

The seven years are years of legal residency, shown with immigration records. Time spent as a tourist doesn’t count, and time on the digital nomad visa generally doesn’t either. Ask an attorney to confirm how your years are counted before you apply, especially if you had gaps between cards or long periods abroad.

Requirements

• Proof of the required years of residency.
• A clean criminal record in Costa Rica and, usually, from your country of origin.
• Proof of how you support yourself.
• Two witnesses who know you.
• A Spanish test and a test on Costa Rican history and civics. Applicants aged 65 and over have been exempt.
• Your birth certificate, apostilled and translated.

How to apply

Citizenship is not handled by the immigration department. Applications go to the civil registry (Registro Civil), which is part of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

1. Pass the two tests, which are run through the education ministry, unless you are exempt.
2. Gather your documents, including the certificate of your residency history from immigration.
3. File the application at the civil registry.
4. Wait for the decision. A year or more is common.
5. Take the oath, and apply for your national ID card (cédula) and passport.

Dual citizenship with the US

Costa Rica allows dual nationality, and so does the United States. Becoming Costa Rican does not end your US citizenship unless you formally renounce it.

It also doesn’t end your US tax obligations. US citizens file a US return every year wherever they live and whatever other passports they hold. See taxes for Americans in Costa Rica.

Is it worth it

Citizenship suits people who are sure they are staying and whose Spanish is good enough for the tests. If that isn’t you yet, permanent residency gives you nearly everything else.

The path for most Americans looks like this:

1. Temporary residency as a pensionado, rentista or investor.
2. Permanent residency after three years.
3. Citizenship after seven years of residency in total.

Common questions

How long does it take to get Costa Rican citizenship?

Most Americans can apply after seven years of legal residency in Costa Rica. The spouse of a Costa Rican can apply after two years of marriage and two years living in the country. The application itself often takes a year or more.

Does Costa Rica allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Costa Rica doesn't require you to give up another nationality, and the United States doesn't require you to give up US citizenship when you naturalise elsewhere.

Do I have to pass a Spanish test for Costa Rican citizenship?

Yes. Applicants take a Spanish test and a test on Costa Rican history and civics. Applicants aged 65 and over have been exempt from the tests.

Is a child born in Costa Rica a citizen?

Yes. A child born in Costa Rica is entitled to Costa Rican nationality, and the parents can then apply for permanent residency through the child.