1. What does the Embassy do?

2. In what cases is the Embassy not authorized to act?

3. What does the Consulate do?

4. What should I do in case of an emergency?

5. I am traveling with my pet. What do I need to do?

6. Is the yellow fever vaccine a requirement to visit Costa Rica?

7. What can I bring to Costa Rica?

8. What kind of documents do I need to authenticate in order to apply for residency in Costa Rica?

9. Can I receive maps and tourist material from the Embassy of Costa Rica?

10. What are some requirements for buying property in Costa Rica?

11. How can I import automotive vehicles for non lucrative aims?

12. How can I practice medicine in Costa Rica?

13. How can I apply for an internship at the Embassy of Costa Rica?

14. Tax matter in Costa Rica

15. Doing Businnes in Costa Rica

1. What does the Embassy do?

The Embassy of Costa Rica in the United States of America is part of Costa Rica's Foreign Service and is under the regime of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica. The Embassy coordinates and manages political affairs, trade, tourism, education, health and international relations between both countries and concurrent Embassies.

2. In what cases is the Embassy not authorized to act?

• Charging for a service, except for the established consular fees
• Acting as or recommending lawyers, translators, interpreters or tour operators
• Interfering with Judicial Affairs
• Finding employment and residence in the United States
• Discussing Costa Rican visa cases which already have been settled
• Providing information about entry, visas or residence in the Unites States
• Obtaining birth certificates
• Requesting drivers licenses
• Providing financial support (including tickets and transportation)
• Finding U.S. citizens in Costa Rica

3. What does the Consulate do?

The consulate processes applications for authentications, visas, passports, residence permits, birth records and assists Rican citizens who live in the United States.

4. What should I do in case of an emergency?

If you are a Costa Rican and have an emergency situation in the United States, please call the corresponding consulate to the place where you are located. For a list of consulates and jurisdictions in the United States, please search for your respective Consulate in www.rree.go.cr.

5. I am traveling with my pet. What do I need to do? Click here.

To verify entry pets requirements to Costa Rica please check the following link: http://www.senasa.go.cr/informacion/centro-de-informacion/informacion/sgc/dca/dca-pg-02-requisitos-sanitarios-para-importacion/dca-pg-02-rs-01-animales-vivos .

For additional information visit Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and "Travel with my pet"

6. Is the yellow fever vaccine a requirement to visit Costa Rica?

If you will be traveling to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa, you will need theYELLOW FEVER VACCINE. The countries considered at risk are indicated on the following link: #mce_temp_url#. You can travel to Costa Rica ten days after the shot. Any individual traveling to Costa Rica that has been in transit, whether in airports, sea ports, or land borders, in the following countries, will require a vaccination: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru  and Venezuela. Exceptions

7. What can I bring to Costa Rica? Click here

8. What kind of documents do I need to authenticate in order to apply for residency in Costa Rica?

Some of the documents the Department of Immigration requests are: a birth certificate, a certificate of civil status, a criminal record, and financial statements certified by a public accountant. These documents must have the seal of the Secretary of State, State Department and the corresponding Consulate of Costa Rica, before taking them to Costa Rica. Once in Costa Rica, they must be also legalized by the Foreign Ministry and translated by an official translator.

9. Can I receive maps and tourist material from the Embassy of Costa Rica?

You may request such information to embassy@costarica-embassy.org. Since the financial resources at this Embassy are very limited, we recommend you send a pre-paid envelope with your address to send you more information. You can also set up an appointment to pick up information at the Embassy.

10. What are some requirements for buying property in Costa Rica?

There are no nationality restrictions for buying property in Costa Rica. However, it is important to corroborate in the Public Registry: Who is the owner or owners of the property? • Who are the persons entitled to sell? • Status and legal nature of the property. If under normal or condominial regime or under a protected area. • If the lot area coincides with the cadastre or land register. • If property weighs on some kind of restriction or right, encumbrances or easements. • If there is any construction, find out measurements, age and condition. • Is the property sold alone or whether it includes furniture, farm livestock in the event or other rights. If sold with furniture, ask for an inventory. • If the property is consistent with the destination to which you intend to use it for. • Estimated value of the property and if it is consistent with the price being asked. It is advisable to seek a notary public to assist with the formalities.
 

11. How can I import automotive vehicles for non lucrative aims? Click here

12. How can I practice medicine in Costa Rica?

To practice medicine in Costa Rica, you need to authenticate all obtained diplomas and certificates, and must follow the authentication process so they will be ready for use in Costa Rica (link). Once authenticated, you should refer to the Platform Services in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica (www.medicos.sa.cr). In January and August there is a raffle of social service, for which only a valid passport is required. Once incorporated into the College of Physicians and Surgeons and after passing an exam in Spanish, you can practice in Costa Rica.

13. How can I apply for an internship at the Embassy of Costa Rica?

The Costa Rican Embassy in Washington, DC offers voluntary internships. To apply, please complete the attached form and send to the email address: embassy@costarica-embassy.org. (form)

14. Tax Matter in Costa Rica.

Please click here

15. Doing Businnes in Costa Rica.

Please click here