You can get a birth certificate in Costa Rica through the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) under the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), either online at tse.go.cr or in person at any Registro Civil office nationwide. Costa Rica has a well-developed digital civil registration system and most requests can be completed quickly.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the birth certificate is called Certificacion de Nacimiento. It is issued by the Registro Civil and contains the full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. Costa Rica issues both physical certified copies and digital versions that are legally valid for most domestic purposes.

Who Can Apply

• The person named on the certificate, if of legal age
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor child
• Authorised representatives with a notarised power of attorney

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical birth certificate issued by the hospital
• Both parents identity documents (Cedula de Identidad or passport)
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• Cedula de Identidad or passport
• Application submitted online or at the Registro Civil office

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Costa Rica Online

1. Visit tse.go.cr and navigate to the online civil records section.
2. Select the certified birth certificate option.
3. Enter your cedula number and personal details.
4. Pay the applicable fee and download the certified digital copy.

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Costa Rica In Person

1. Visit any Registro Civil office — the main office is in San Jose, with branches in all provincial capitals and many cantons.
2. Present your Cedula de Identidad or passport.
3. Request a certified copy and pay the fee.
4. Collect the document — same-day service is standard.

I helped a contact in San Jose get a certified copy at the central Registro Civil office. The process took under 20 minutes including payment. The digital copy option available online is equally accepted for most purposes.

How to Register a New Birth in Costa Rica

New births must be registered at the Registro Civil within 90 days of birth. Most hospitals have a Registro Civil representative on-site for registration before discharge. Bring the hospital birth certificate and both parents identity documents.

Getting a Costa Rica Birth Certificate Apostilled

Costa Rica is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

1. Obtain a certified physical copy from the Registro Civil.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille department in San Jose.
3. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days.

Check the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores official site for current fees and procedures.

“I needed my Costa Rican birth certificate apostilled for a Spanish residency application. The Registro Civil issued the copy the same afternoon and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processed the apostille in four working days.” — Valeria M., Costa Rican national applying for residency in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Costa Rica birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Costa Rican consulates abroad can process certified copy requests. The TSE online portal may also be accessible internationally for digital copies.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Costa Rica?

In-person and online requests are typically same-day. Apostille processing takes 3 to 5 working days.

What if my birth was never registered in Costa Rica?

Late registration is possible through the Registro Civil. Visit the nearest office with supporting documentation such as hospital records or school enrolment certificates.

Is there a fee for getting a birth certificate in Costa Rica?

Yes. The Registro Civil charges a small fee for certified copies. Apostille fees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are charged separately.

Is the digital birth certificate from tse.go.cr accepted internationally?

For international use, most foreign authorities require a physical certified copy with an apostille. Confirm with the receiving institution before applying.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Costa Rica is efficient through the TSE online portal or any Registro Civil office. For international use, obtain a physical certified copy and apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Start the process at least one week before any deadline.