Embassy of the United States San Jose, Costa Rica

Applying for Permanent Residency in Costa Rica?

To apply for residency in Costa Rica, the Costa Rican government requires applicants to first register with the the U.S. Embassy.  To do this please complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program process online.  Please print your confirmation page.
2. Make an appointment for a notarial service online and bring in the STEP confirmation page to the U.S. Embassy.
3. During the notarial appointment ($50 fee), you will be given another form to complete that you will present to Costa Rican authorities that certifies you have registered with the U.S. Embassy.

Stay Informed

Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the most current information about the country where you will be traveling or living. You will also receive Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate), as well as American Connections, the Consular section's quarterly newsletter for American citizens in Costa Rica. You only need to register once, and then you can add and delete trips from based on your travel plans! 

Stay Connected.

By connecting with us through STEP, we will be better able to assist you in the case of an emergency, such as a lost or stolen passport.

We also assist U.S. citizens in other emergencies. For example, after the earthquake in Haiti, we evacuated over 16,700 U.S. citizens. During the civil unrest in Lebanon in 2006 we assisted nearly 15,000 U.S. citizens, and in 2004 we helped thousands more following the tsunamis. 

The travel and contact information you enter into STEP will make it easier for consular officers in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to contact you and your loved ones during an emergency—including situations where your family or friends in the U.S. are  trying to reach you with important news. 

Stay Safe.

We believe that a well-informed traveler is a safer traveler. Our consular officers around the world compile country-specific information, travel alerts, travel warnings, fact sheets, and messages to provide you with timely and accurate travel information about every country where you may travel. 

We include reports on possible risks and security threats so that you can make informed decisions about your travel plans and activities. 
Stay informed by connecting with us via STEP so you can have safe and enjoyable travels! 

Your Privacy Is Paramount

All the personal information you provide to us is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. This law prohibits us from sharing the information with anyone without your written authorization. Certain exceptions exist, such as when we need to share information on a limited basis in order to protect your safety and welfare in extreme circumstances.