Costa Rica asylum: applying for refugee status

Costa Rica follows the refugee definition: a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, gender, membership of a particular group or political opinion, is outside their country and cannot or, because of that fear, will not seek its protection, and a stateless person in the same position regarding the country of former habitual residence.

The DGME stresses that refugee status is international protection, not a migration regularisation procedure. Because recognition is declaratory, an applicant is protected against return and enjoys the same guarantees as a recognised refugee until the claim is decided.

You can apply at any border post authorised for international entry at the moment you enter. If you are already in Costa Rica, request an appointment through the DGME website or the call centre 1311 and attend the Refugee Unit in La Uruca, San José, on the date given. The appointment request must be made within 30 calendar days of the day you entered; requests after that deadline are not admitted.

The Refugee Unit holds an eligibility interview on the date scheduled when you lodged the claim, so you can explain why you left, why you cannot return and why you need protection. Bring any documents or evidence to the interview. Children under 15 are not interviewed; their file includes the interview of their legal representatives.

A recognised refugee obtains a Foreigners' Migration Identity Document (DIMEX) by booking through the Banco de Costa Rica (800-2272482) or Correos de Costa Rica (1311) and presenting the requirements listed in the approval. Renewing the refugee DIMEX requires the current document, proof of social security affiliation, a valid passport and payment in colones of the equivalent of USD 103 to Banco de Costa Rica account 242480-0; a USD 3 fine per month applies when renewal is more than 30 days late. Three years after recognition, refugees can apply for permanent residence.

The Refugee Unit issues a provisional document that regularises your stay temporarily. It is valid for up to two years; when it expires you must return to renew it or to be notified of the decision. It also allows paid work, employed or self-employed, under labour and social security law. Renewals of the applicant card are by appointment only (1311 or the web appointment portal), and the card stays valid until the appointment date.

Applicants and refugees who need to leave the country must notify the Refugee Unit. A trip to the country of origin requires a justified request at least ten calendar days before travel, sent by email with a photo and a signed letter; leaving without permission starts the cancellation of refugee status.