Destination country
Apostille & Legalization for Costa Rica
How to authenticate a U.S. document for use in Costa Rica: whether it needs an apostille or embassy legalization, translation requirements, and how we handle the whole process.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026
Key takeaways
- Costa Rica is a Hague Convention country — a U.S. apostille is accepted with no embassy step.
- Federal documents are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State; state documents by the issuing state first.
- Through us: $299 all-in (including the $20 government fee and U.S. return shipping), 10–12 business days.
- Do it yourself: Form DS-4194 and a $20 fee per document — processed within 5 weeks by mail, or 7 business days if you drop it off in Washington, D.C.
As a Hague Convention member, Costa Rica recognizes a single apostille certificate from the U.S. Department of State. No embassy legalization step is required. The Apostille Convention has been in force for Costa Rica since 14 December 2011.
If you are sending a U.S. document to Costa Rica — for residency, retirement, property, or another purpose — it must be authenticated before Costa Rica authorities will accept it. This page explains exactly what Costa Rica requires and how we handle it end to end.
- Route
- Apostille
- Official language
- Spanish
- Translation
- Certified Spanish translation required.
- Common uses
- residency, retirement, property
The process for Costa Rica
- Confirm your document is federal (or Florida state, where applicable) and send us the details.
- Ship the document to us with tracking (we send the address when we confirm your order), or drop it off by appointment at our West Palm Beach or Miami office.
- We submit it to the U.S. Department of State for apostille and monitor progress.
- The apostilled document returns to you or your recipient in Costa Rica with tracking.
Translation for Costa Rica
Certified Spanish translation required. Where a certified translation is required, we coordinate it as part of your order so the document and its translation move through authentication together.
How long does it take to authenticate a U.S. document for Costa Rica?
The U.S. Department of State is the only office that issues a federal apostille. Mailed in yourself, it is processed within 5 weeks of receipt; dropped off in person in Washington, D.C., within 7 business days. Through us it takes 10–12 business days.
| Route | How | Processing time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail it yourself | Form DS-4194 + check to the Office of Authentications, Sterling, VA | Within 5 weeks of receipt | $20 per document + shipping |
| Drop it off yourself | 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. — Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 AM, no appointment | Within 7 business days | $20 per document + travel |
| Emergency appointment | Only for a life-or-death family emergency with travel within 2 weeks | Same day | $20 per document |
| Through Federal Apostille USA | We review it, drop it off in D.C. and return it to you with tracking | 10–12 business days total | $299 all-in |
What does it cost for Costa Rica?
The government fee is $20 per document, paid with Form DS-4194. Our all-in price is $299 per document, covering the government fee, review, D.C. drop-off and U.S. return shipping.
Government figures: U.S. Department of State — Request Authentication Services (checked October 2026).
Official sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · U.S. Department of State — Apostille Certificates (Hague & non-Hague) · HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (Hague countries) · U.S. Department of State — Foreign Embassies & Consulates in the U.S.
Documents for Costa Rica
Select your document to see specifics for the Costa Rica route:
More federal documents for Costa Rica: ATF License · CDC Documents · DEA Registration · EPA Certificate · FAA Aircraft Registration · FAA Airman Certificate · FCC License · FDA Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product · FDA CFG · Federal Corporate Documents · Federal Employment Records · Federal Marriage Record · Federal Power of Attorney · Form I-94 · Green Card Copy · NARA Records · Non-Existence of Record · OPM Annuity & Pension Letter · SEC Documents · USCIS Records · USDA Animal Health Export Certificate · USDA Export Certificate · USDA Phytosanitary · USPTO Trademark · VA Documents
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. Costa Rica is a contracting party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. A U.S. document needs only an apostille — no embassy legalization.
Can an FBI background check be apostilled for Costa Rica?
Yes. An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document, so it is apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not a state Secretary of State. Once apostilled it can be used in Costa Rica without further legalization.
Do I need a translation for Costa Rica?
Certified Spanish translation required. We coordinate certified translation as part of the order when it is required.
Can I check another country?
Yes. Use our Hague country checker to see whether any destination needs an apostille or embassy legalization.
Ready to start?
Tell us what you have and where it is going. We reply with the correct route, a flat quote and shipping instructions.