An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of a U.S. document for use abroad. Costa Rica is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention and other Hague conventions, including the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The country officially joined the Hague Conference on Private International Law in 2011. This allows U.S. documents to be legalized for use in Costa Rica through the apostille process, eliminating the need for embassy legalization.
At Apostille Corp, we specialize in handling documents issued in the United States, helping individuals and businesses obtain an apostille for Costa Rica efficiently and accurately.
When U.S. Documents Are Needed in Costa Rica
Travelers and residents often need U.S. documents for legal, educational, or professional purposes in Costa Rica.
For Tourism
A valid U.S. passport is required for entry, along with proof of onward or return travel, usually within 90 days. Travelers arriving from certain South American countries must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for up to three months for driving in Costa Rica.
For Non-Tourism Purposes
For stays beyond tourism or for work, study, or residence, U.S. citizens may need to apply for a visa or provide proof of legal residence from the U.S., Canada, or EU countries. Departure from Costa Rica requires payment of a departure tax, which can be paid in U.S. dollars, Costa Rican colones, or by credit card.
For Legal and Official Use
U.S. citizens and businesses may need official documents for legal or professional matters. These documents can include:
- Birth, marriage, or death certificates
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Corporate records or incorporation documents
- Power of attorney and notarized forms
- Background checks
- Notarial documents
- Passports
- Affidavits
- Social security letters
Since Costa Rica accepts apostilles, these U.S. documents must receive an apostille to be officially recognized. The apostille process ensures that your documents are authentic and valid for use with Costa Rican authorities.
Get an Apostille for Costa Rica
Because Costa Rica recognizes apostilles, Apostille Corp assists with the complete authentication process for U.S. documents intended for use in the country. We only process documents issued in the United States and manage every step to ensure they are properly apostilled.
Our process includes:
- Document Review: We confirm your document was issued by a U.S. state or federal office.
- State Certification: State-issued documents are certified by the appropriate Secretary of State.
- Federal Authentication: The U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., authenticates the document.
- Apostille Issuance: The authenticated document receives an official apostille, making it recognized by Costa Rican authorities without embassy legalization.
We handle all communications with U.S. and Costa Rican authorities to maintain a smooth and timely process.
Why Choose Apostille Corp?
Here at Apostille Corp, we focus solely on apostilling and legalizing U.S. documents. Our team has extensive experience working with state, federal, and embassy offices, so each document is handled with accuracy and efficiency. We simplify the legalization process for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the United States.
Clear communication and professional service guide every step of our process. Working with us eliminates delays, mistakes, and unnecessary stress. We handle everything from reviewing your documents to delivering them ready for use in Costa Rica.
If you have any inquiries about getting an apostille for Costa Rica, feel free to contact us today.
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