How to Obtain a Costa Rica Special Power of Attorney as a U.S. Citizen
Whether you’re buying property, handling legal matters, or managing personal affairs in Costa Rica, a Special Power of Attorney (Poder Especial) can grant someone the legal authority to act on your behalf.
This guide is tailored for U.S. citizens and covers the step-by-step process of creating a valid, internationally recognized Special Power of Attorney for use in Costa Rica.
What Is a Special Power of Attorney (Poder Especial)?
A Special Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person (the principal) to authorize another person (the attorney-in-fact or apoderado) to perform specific legal actions in their name. Unlike a general power of attorney, this document is limited in scope.
Common Use Cases in Costa Rica
U.S. citizens often use a Costa Rican Special Power of Attorney for:
• Buying or selling real estate
• Opening a bank account
• Filing legal or immigration paperwork
• Handling inheritance matters
• Authorizing representation in court or government institutions
• Signing contracts or registering a business
Legal Requirements for Validity in Costa Rica
To be valid in Costa Rica, a Special Power of Attorney must:
1. Be written in Spanish (or be translated by a certified translator)
2. Be notarized by a U.S. notary public
3. Be apostilled (per the Hague Apostille Convention)
4. Specify clear powers and legal boundaries
5. Be registered in Costa Rica if used for real estate or legal filings
Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Citizens
Step 1: Determine the Scope of Authority
Decide what specific powers you want to grant. The more detailed the document, the better.
Examples:
• “My attorney-in-fact may sign the purchase contract for a home in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.”
• “They may represent me in filing immigration residency paperwork.”
If unsure, consult with a Costa Rican attorney:
Costa Rican Bar Association – Colegio de Abogados
Step 2: Draft the Power of Attorney in Spanish
Costa Rican authorities require the document to be in Spanish. You can:
• Hire a Costa Rican notary or attorney to draft it
• Use a template approved for Costa Rican legal use
• Translate your English draft through a certified translator
Helpful contact:
Costa Rican Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Step 3: Notarize the Document in the U.S.
Once drafted in Spanish:
• Have it notarized by a U.S. notary public
• Make sure your name and ID match exactly as in your passport
• Include a notarial acknowledgment on the document
If notarized in California, you can get help here:
Step 4: Apostille the Document
Costa Rica is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so your notarized power of attorney must be apostilled for use abroad.
To get an apostille:
• Contact your state’s Secretary of State office
• Submit the original notarized document
• Pay the apostille fee
• Turnaround: 1–2 weeks (expedited service available)
More info:
U.S. Department of State Apostille Info
California-specific:
California Secretary of State – Apostilles
Need help expediting federal apostilles?
Step 5: Send the Document to Costa Rica
Once apostilled, send the full packet to your attorney or representative in Costa Rica. They may need:
• The apostilled original
• A copy of your passport
• The Spanish translation (if not already in Spanish)
You can use international courier services (FedEx, DHL) for secure and trackable delivery.
Step 6: Legalize or Register the Document in Costa Rica (If Needed)
Depending on its use, the power of attorney may need to be:
• Presented before a Costa Rican notary public
• Registered with the National Registry (Registro Nacional), especially if dealing with real estate or public deeds
Costa Rican National Registry:
Your Costa Rican attorney can handle this step.
Key Considerations and Tips
Validity Period
• You can set a start and end date or allow it to remain in effect until revoked.
• Include language to define its expiration or revocability.
Revoking the Power of Attorney
If you want to revoke it, you must:
• Draft and notarize a Revocation of Power of Attorney
• Apostille it
• Notify your Costa Rican representative and potentially record it at the Registro Nacional
Who Can Serve as Your Attorney-in-Fact?
• Must be 18 years or older
• Preferably a Costa Rican citizen or resident (for real estate or court matters)
• Can be a trusted attorney, friend, or family member
Use Caution with Powers Granted
Only grant powers that are absolutely necessary. A special power of attorney can authorize major financial or legal actions.
If real estate is involved, be sure to consult a Costa Rican real estate attorney:
Costa Rica Bar Association Directory
Can I Sign It While in Costa Rica?
Yes! You can create and sign a Poder Especial in Costa Rica in front of a local notary public. This avoids apostille/legalization requirements, but you must be physically in Costa Rica.
Find a notary through the Costa Rican Bar Association:
Summary of Documents Needed
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spanish POA Draft | Mandatory |
| U.S. Notarization | Mandatory |
| Apostille | Mandatory |
| Passport Copy | Required |
| Certified Spanish Translation | Required if English used |
| Courier Tracking | Recommended |
| Costa Rican Registration | Required for legal filings, real estate |
Official Backlinks and Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| U.S. Dept. of State Apostille Info | https://travel.state.gov/…/apostille-requirements.html |
| Costa Rica Embassy (USA) | https://www.costarica-embassy.org/ |
| Costa Rican National Registry | https://www.rnpdigital.com |
| Costa Rican Bar Association | https://www.abogados.or.cr/ |
| California Apostille Info | https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille |
Final Thoughts
A Special Power of Attorney for Costa Rica is a powerful tool for U.S. citizens managing affairs remotely. Whether you’re handling a property transaction, court matter, or business registration, following these steps ensures your document is legally valid and recognized.
