Costa Rica has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 2011, and its consulates apply it firmly: they expect documents originating in the United States to arrive already notarised and apostilled. Turning up with an unapostilled certificate is the commonest reason an appointment is wasted.
Quick facts
The translation step is specific: Costa Rica expects an official translator registered there to produce the Spanish version, which is why the embassy’s own guidance tells parents to contact one in Costa Rica rather than here.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on a Costa Rican document | Charged in Costa Rica | Foreign ministry |
| Official translation | Per page | Registered translator in Costa Rica |
| Consular certifications | Consular tariff | By appointment |
Costa Rican documents needed here are apostilled in Costa Rica, either directly or through a consulate by appointment, which takes longer than doing it there in person.
How to prepare a document for Costa Rica
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Arrange the official translation, normally in Costa Rica.
- Book the consular appointment only once the apostille is in hand.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed authentication request and payment.
- Photo identification for consular services.
- Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
What the consulates do
They issue passports, process identity cards through the civil registry, register births and other events, certify documents, provide consular assistance and organise voting for national elections.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Apostille first, appointment second
It is the single most useful sequencing advice for anyone dealing with a Costa Rican consulate.
Online certifications
Some civil registry certifications can be obtained online from Costa Rica, which saves a consular appointment altogether for simple documents.
Order two copies
Costa Rican offices keep what they receive, and the apostille chain is easier to repeat now than to undo later.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.