If you’re planning to move, work, study, or invest in Costa Rica and need to submit official Canadian documents, you’ll likely be asked to apostille them. Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, the process is simpler and faster than traditional legalization.
This guide explains how to apostille Canadian documents for use in Costa Rica, including eligibility, processing steps, timelines, and expert tips.
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a form of international certification issued under the Hague Apostille Convention. It authenticates the origin of a public document, allowing it to be recognized in Costa Rica and other member countries without further legalization by an embassy or consulate.
Is an Apostille Required for Costa Rica?
Yes. Since both Canada and Costa Rica are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents intended for official use in Costa Rica must be apostilled rather than legalized through a consular chain.
Which Canadian Documents Can Be Apostilled for Costa Rica?
Common documents include:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Police clearance certificates (RCMP)
University transcripts and diplomas
Powers of attorney
Corporate documents
Pension Statements
Affidavits and notarized documents
Tip: Only documents issued by Canadian authorities or notarized by a Canadian notary public are eligible for apostille in Canada.
Apostille Process for Canadian Documents (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the apostille process in Canada for use in Costa Rica:
Step 1: Prepare the Document
Public documents (e.g., birth certificates): Ensure they’re original and issued by a provincial or federal authority.
Private documents (e.g., pension statements, powers of attorney): Must be notarized by a Canadian notary public.
Step 2: Submit for Apostille
Submit your document to the appropriate Canadian Authority based on jurisdiction:
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) – for federal documents and documents from certain jurisdictions.
Provincial authorities (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta) – for documents with provincial apostille authorities.
Step 3: Receive the Apostille Certificate
The Apostille Authority will attach a standard Apostille certificate to your document. This confirms its authenticity for use in Costa Rica.
No need for Costa Rica consular legalization once apostilled.
How Long Does It Take?
Global Affairs Canada: 15-25 business days (depending on demand)
Provincial authorities: Varies by province (typically 1–20 business days)
Rush processing: Available in some cases through third-party apostille service providers
Apostille vs Legalization (Post-2024)
Before 2024, Canadians had to legalize documents through Global Affairs Canada and the Costa Rica Embassy in Ottawa. Now, with the apostille system, the process is:
One step instead of two
Faster and cheaper
Universally accepted by Hague member countries like Costa Rica
Do You Need a Certified Translation?
If your documents are in English or French, Costa Rican authorities may require a certified Spanish translation. Things to consider about translations:
Do they need to be done by a certified translator?
Do the translations need to be notarized in Canada?
Do the translations need to be apostilled in Canada?
Check with your Costa Rica lawyer or receiving institution for specifics.
Final Checklist
Is your document original or notarized?
Is it issued by a Canadian public authority?
Does it require translation?
Have you verified if the apostille is issued federally or provincially?
Apostille Services in Canada (Optional)
While you can do the process yourself, many choose to use an apostille service provider to:
Ensure proper document preparation
Avoid costly delays or rejections
Speed up the process with priority handling
Connect with us to discuss your documents and how we can help you.
Conclusion
Using your Canadian documents in Costa Rica has never been easier thanks to the Hague Apostille Convention. By following the correct process and choosing the right authority, you’ll ensure fast and smooth recognition of your documents abroad.
For peace of mind, consider consulting a professional apostille or legal translation service to meet Costa Rica requirements without stress.
