Police Record Requirements

A criminal history record check is required of all persons over 16 who apply for Costa Rican temporary or permanent residency. Police records must be issued by the proper authority in your state or province of residence, such as the State Police.

• If you have lived in one state or province in the last five years, you must submit one criminal history check from the proper authority.

• If you have lived in more than one state or province in the last five years, you must submit criminal history checks issued by the proper authorities in all states or provinces.

• If you have lived as a legal resident in a foreign country for less than five years, you must submit one criminal history check from the proper authority in your home state or province and one from the proper authority in your foreign country of legal residence.

• If you have lived as a legal resident of a foreign country for more than five consecutive years and have not visited your home country for more than 30 consecutive days during that time, you must submit one criminal history check from the proper authority in your foreign country of residence.

Your criminal history check must be issued and date stamped no more than six months from the date you submit your application.