Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Costa Rica? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to move to Costa Rica and apply for legal residency, one essential document you’ll need is an FBI Criminal Background Check. This document, often overlooked, is a cornerstone in your immigration process to Costa Rica. Whether you are applying for temporary or permanent residency, ensuring this check is correctly obtained and apostilled is crucial.

2 Way Notary & Apostille, a strategic partner of Quatro Legal immigration attorneys in Costa Rica, helps streamline this process for expats and applicants both in the U.S. and abroad. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why the FBI Background Check matters and how to get it—step by step.

Why Do You Need an FBI Background Check for Costa Rica Immigration?

Costa Rica requires all immigration applicants to demonstrate good moral character and a clean criminal record. Here’s why the FBI Background Check is so important:

• Legal Requirement: Most immigration categories in Costa Rica (including pensionado, inversionista, and family reunification) require this document.
• Demonstrating Good Character: The FBI Fingerprint Background Check provides proof of your U.S. criminal history—or confirms its absence.
• Apostille Authentication: The FBI Criminal Background Check must be apostilled by the S. Department of State to be valid in Costa Rica.
• Trust and Transparency: Submitting this document upfront builds trust with immigration authorities and can speed up your approval process.

How to Get an FBI Background Check While in the U.S.

1. Apply Online at the official FBI site: https://edo.cjis.gov
   • Go to the “How To Submit A Request” section.
   • Enter your email and complete the application.
   • Save the email confirmation with your Unique ID Code.
2. Get Fingerprints Taken:
   • Visit a participating S. Post Office or an FBI Channeler.
   • Bring your printed confirmation letter for identification.
3. Receive Your Report:
   • After processing, you’ll receive your FBI Background Check by email as a PDF—usually within a week.
4. Get an Apostille:
   • Upload your PDF to 2 Way Notary & Apostille, who will obtain the necessary apostille so the document is valid for use in Costa Rica.

How to Get an FBI Background Check from Outside the U.S.

1. Complete the FBI Online Application at https://edo.cjis.gov
2. Get Fingerprints Manually: Use a standard FD-258 fingerprint card at your local police department or fingerprinting agency. Ensure the prints are clear and legible.
3. Mail Your Fingerprints To: FBI CJIS Division Attn: Electronic Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306 USA. Include your printed confirmation letter.
4. Receive and Apostille Your Background Check:
   Once received by the FBI, your report will be emailed to you. 2 Way Notary & Apostille will assist with the apostille process for submission to Costa Rican authorities.

Why Work with 2 Way Notary & Apostille and Quatro Legal?

We help clients simplify complex processes with services such as:

• Expert support in how to get an FBI Background Check
• Full apostille service for immigration documents
• Remote Online Notarization
• Personalized guidance from Costa Rica immigration attorneys at Quatro Legal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the FBI Background Check take?
   From the U.S.: ~1 week. From abroad: 2–3 weeks.
2. Do I need an apostille for Costa Rica?
   Yes, the document must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
3. Can I get help with this process?
   Yes! Contact 2 Way Notary & Apostille for step-by-step assistance.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning retirement, investing, or relocating with your family, the FBI Background Check for Costa Rica immigration is a fundamental step. With the guidance of 2 Way Notary & Apostille and Quatro Legal, you can complete this step correctly—and with confidence.

Start your Costa Rica immigration journey today with trusted legal and document experts by your side.

Brian D. Pitcher
2 Way Notary & Apostille
brian@2waynotary.com. –  https://www.2waynotary.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.