Foreigners
Marriage in Costa Rica Foreigners
Civil marriage for foreigners in Costa Rica is both a legal act and a ceremony of profound significance. At AristaLegal, we are committed to formalizing your union with precision and professionalism, ensuring its validity both in Costa Rica and abroad. Our team of family law attorneys supports you at every stage of the process, ensuring all legal requirements are met for a solid union free from future complications.
We handle all necessary documents, including certificates of singleness from the country of origin, civil status certificates for foreigners in Costa Rica, birth certificates, sworn declarations, marriage edicts, and prenuptial agreements, if required.
Requirements for Marriage of Foreigners
- Minimum Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Marital Status: Must be single, divorced, or widowed, with no existing marital ties.
- Valid Passports: Complete copies of both parties’ passports.
- Certificates of Singleness: Issued in the respective countries of origin.
- Sworn Declarations: Prepared by AristaLegal notaries, indicating civil status and personal information.
- Witnesses: Two adult witnesses with valid identification.
- Legal Capacity: Both parties must be of sound mind to provide their consent.
Steps for Marriage of Foreigners in Costa Rica
- Publication of Marriage Edict: Drafting and publishing the edict, with an 8-day waiting period.
- Application and Procedures with TSE: Submission of passports, certificates, and sworn declarations.
- Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a notary public attorney at AristaLegal offices in San José or Guanacaste, or at a location of the couple’s choosing.
- Marriage Registration: The notary registers the marriage with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
- International Legalization: Coordination of the marriage certificate’s apostille for validity in both parties’ countries of origin.
Important Considerations:
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Equal Marriage: Since May 2020, Costa Rica legally recognizes same-sex marriage, ensuring equality and family protection for all individuals, regardless of gender. Same-sex couples enjoy the same rights and obligations as any other marriage in the country.
- International Validity: Marriages performed in Costa Rica are internationally recognized, provided legalization procedures are followed.
- Legal Impediments: Marriage is prohibited between individuals with direct kinship ties, such as parents, children, or siblings.
Related Services | Types of Civil Marriage
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Comprehensive management for obtaining and apostilling your marriage certificate in Costa Rica, ensuring its legal use abroad. Simplify your international procedures with AristaLegal.
Start Your Marriage Process with AristaLegal
AristaLegal handles all necessary procedures to ensure your civil marriage in Costa Rica complies with the law and is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Our team of professionals provides personalized guidance at every stage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.