Netherlands diplomatic mission in Costa Rica
Dutch Embassy in San José, Costa Rica
Find the official address, telephone number and consular information for the Dutch Embassy in San José. Learn how to apply for Dutch passports and identity cards, arrange Schengen visa appointments, collect documents and access consular services in Costa Rica.
Contact
Dutch Embassy in San José: Contact Details
Building 3, 3rd Floor
Behind the Contraloría
La Sabana Sur
San José, Costa Rica
1000 San José
Costa Rica
Important: the embassy receives visitors by appointment only. New applications and collection of completed documents require the appropriate booking. Regular Schengen visa applications are submitted directly at the embassy in San José.
Location
Where Is the Dutch Embassy in San José?
The Dutch Embassy is located in Oficentro La Sabana, Building 3, on the third floor in La Sabana Sur, San José, Costa Rica.
The official directions identify the building as being behind the Contraloría, a useful landmark for visitors travelling to the embassy.
Visiting address and postal address
The embassy has a separate postal address at P.O. Box 10285, 1000 San José. This post office box is not the location of the consular counter.
For an in-person appointment, use the Oficentro La Sabana visiting address.
Planning your journey
Arrange your visit in advance and allow time for transport, building access and identification procedures.
Bring your appointment confirmation and all documents required for the service you have booked.
Which services are available in San José?
The embassy accepts Dutch passport and identity card applications, Schengen visa applications, selected legalisations, nationality procedures and several other consular services.
Different appointment methods apply depending on the type of application.
Before travelling: confirm the appointment location and do not use the embassy’s post office box as a street address.
Diplomatic representation
About the Dutch Embassy in San José
The Dutch Embassy in San José represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Costa Rica.
It maintains diplomatic relations with the Costa Rican authorities and supports cooperation on political, economic and international matters.
The embassy also provides assistance to Dutch nationals residing in Costa Rica or visiting the country.
Consular services for Dutch citizens
Dutch nationals can apply for passports and identity cards, request emergency travel documents and access selected certificates and nationality procedures.
Schengen visa applications
The embassy accepts eligible Schengen visa applications directly from residents of Costa Rica.
It also accepts certain Schengen visa applications for Belgium under the applicable arrangements.
Regional consular role
Some applicants living in neighbouring countries are directed to San José for specific Dutch government procedures.
For example, certain nationality and entry visa applications involving residents of Panama are handled by the embassy in Costa Rica.
Applicants residing outside Costa Rica must always confirm whether they are eligible to submit their particular application in San José.
Consular services
Consular Services at the Dutch Embassy in San José
Passports and ID Cards
Dutch nationals can apply for a new passport or identity card through an online appointment.
Nationality Procedures
Eligible naturalisation and nationality option procedure applicants can request appointments by email.
Certificates and Legalisations
The embassy offers selected certificates and legalisations through online booking or email requests.
Emergency travel documents
If your Dutch passport or identity card is lost or stolen and you urgently need to travel, contact the embassy about an emergency travel document.
Email sjo-ca@minbuza.nl to request an appointment.
Explain your circumstances and follow the instructions regarding identity, nationality and travel documentation.
Naturalisation
Eligible applicants seeking Dutch citizenship through naturalisation from abroad can request an appointment by email.
Review the official nationality requirements before starting the procedure.
Dutch nationality option procedure
Applicants who qualify for Dutch citizenship through the option procedure can request an appointment by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl.
Signature legalisation
To have your signature officially legalised, book an online appointment at the embassy.
Bring valid identification and the document requiring your signature.
Legalisation of an ID copy
If you need an officially certified copy of an identity document, make an online appointment.
Check that the receiving authority accepts this type of legalisation.
Certificate of life
Applicants who need a certificate of life for a pension provider or another organisation can book an online appointment in San José.
Certificate of residence
A certificate confirming your residence can be requested by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl.
No initial personal appointment is necessary to submit this request.
Certificate of Dutch nationality
The application procedure depends on your nationality history and personal circumstances.
Check whether you are eligible and which documents are required before applying.
Basic civic integration examination abroad
Eligible applicants can arrange the basic civic integration examination abroad at the embassy.
Request an appointment by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl after completing the necessary registration steps.
Caribbean Carpet Programme
Eligible organisations can submit a completed Caribbean Carpet Programme registration form directly by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl.
No initial counter appointment is required for registration.
Appointment methods vary: passports, identity cards, legalisations and certificates of life use online appointments. Emergency travel documents, naturalisation, the nationality option procedure and the civic integration examination require email appointments.
Travel documents
Applying for a Dutch Passport or Identity Card in Costa Rica
Dutch nationals living in Costa Rica can apply for a new Dutch passport or identity card at the embassy in San José.
1. Prepare Your Checklist
Create a personal document checklist for every application and gather the required original documents.
2. Book Online
Make an online appointment after checking the country-specific document requirements.
3. Attend in Person
Bring your printed checklist, completed and signed application form, and all required supporting documents.
Proof of legal residence in Costa Rica
You must demonstrate that you legally reside in Costa Rica.
Depending on your circumstances, acceptable evidence includes:
- A valid visa together with supporting documents.
- A valid residence permit.
- A valid passport or identity card issued by your country of residence.
For a child’s first Dutch passport or identity card, a birth certificate can serve as evidence of legal residence.
Birth and marriage certificates
Birth and marriage certificates issued in Costa Rica must be legalised when required for a Dutch travel document application.
Different requirements may apply to documents issued in other countries.
Translations
Documents in Dutch, English, German or French can be submitted.
Documents written in Spanish or another language should be translated by a sworn translator where required.
Applications for children
Children must attend passport and identity card appointments in person.
Consent from parents or legal guardians may be required for passport applicants under 18 and identity card applicants under 12.
If a parent or guardian cannot attend, the absent person may need to provide a signed consent declaration and a dated, signed identification copy.
Existing travel documents
Bring all Dutch and foreign passports and identity cards you possess, including expired documents.
You may be able to keep your current document while the replacement is being processed.
Applying in the Netherlands
Dutch nationals living in Costa Rica can also apply for a passport or identity card at a participating border municipality in the Netherlands.
Collecting a new document
The embassy will email you when your passport or identity card is ready.
To collect it at the embassy, book a separate online appointment.
Passport delivery
You may request delivery of your new passport by bringing a prepaid registered return envelope to the application appointment.
Alternatively, you can provide a prepaid shipping label from DHL, UPS or FedEx.
The applicant pays the shipping costs.
Returning an old passport
If you retained your old passport and want the new passport delivered, you must first send the old document to the embassy.
After receiving and invalidating the previous passport, the embassy can return both documents using the provided shipping arrangements.
Identity card delivery
New Dutch identity cards cannot be delivered by post or courier in Costa Rica.
You must collect your new identity card from the embassy in San José.
Important: a new passport can be delivered using a suitable prepaid registered envelope or courier label. A new Dutch identity card cannot be delivered and must be collected in person.
Visas and residence
Applying for a Visa for the Netherlands in Costa Rica
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, travel documents and purpose of travel.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a Schengen visa?
Costa Rican passport holders generally do not require a Schengen visa for ordinary short visits to the Netherlands of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Different rules may apply to employment, studies or long-term residence.
Short-stay Schengen visas
Eligible residents of Costa Rica who need a short-stay Schengen visa can apply directly at the Dutch Embassy in San José.
The embassy also handles certain Schengen visa applications for Belgium.
1. Check the Requirements
Confirm whether you need a visa and whether the Netherlands is responsible for processing your application.
2. Prepare the Documents
Complete the online visa application form and gather all required supporting documents.
3. Book at the Embassy
Make an online appointment in San José and attend in person with your documents and passport.
When should you apply?
A Schengen visa application can generally be submitted up to six months before the intended journey, or nine months for eligible seafarers.
Apply at least 15 days before the intended travel date and allow additional time for appointment availability.
Attending your appointment
All applicants must appear in person, including children.
At the appointment, you submit the application documents and passport, answer questions about your journey, provide fingerprints where required and pay the applicable visa fee.
Tracking your application
Applicants cannot independently track the status of a Schengen visa application through the published Costa Rica procedure.
The embassy will contact you when your passport is ready.
Receiving your passport after visa processing
Applicants may be able to arrange passport delivery during the visa appointment.
If you prefer to collect your passport at the embassy, make an online collection appointment and choose the document collection category.
MVV visa stickers
If the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has approved your residence application, you may need an MVV visa sticker.
You can apply in San José only if your IND approval letter authorises an application in Costa Rica.
Make an online appointment and follow the instructions in the approval letter.
Caribbean visas
Eligible short-stay and long-stay Caribbean visa applications can be submitted directly at the embassy through online appointments.
Airport transit visas
Applicants who require an airport transit visa for the Netherlands can book an online appointment at the embassy.
Entry visas
If your Dutch residence permit has expired or has been lost or stolen while you are in Costa Rica, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.
Start the application by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl.
The embassy will check your entitlement with the IND before arranging the next steps.
Important: eligible Schengen visa applications are submitted directly at the Dutch Embassy in San José. The embassy also handles selected applications for Belgium and entry visa procedures involving lost or expired Dutch residence permits.
Opening hours
Opening Hours of the Dutch Embassy in San José
NetherlandsWorldwide states that visits to the embassy are by appointment only.
The official contact page does not publish a general daily walk-in schedule for new consular applications.
Passport and identity card applications
Make an online appointment before visiting the embassy.
Schengen visa applications
Book an online appointment once your application documents are ready.
Document collection
A separate online appointment is required to collect a completed passport, identity card or other document.
Embassy closures
The embassy closes on selected Dutch and Costa Rican public holidays.
Its published 2026 closure calendar includes:
- 15 September – Independence Day.
- 1 December – Abolition of the Army Day.
- 25 December – Christmas Day.
Check the official embassy contact page for the full list and any changes.
Remember: the embassy does not advertise general walk-in hours. Always make the appropriate appointment and review closure dates before travelling.
Appointments
How to Make an Appointment at the Dutch Embassy in San José
Online Appointments
Book passports, identity cards, Schengen visas, MVV stickers, Caribbean visas, legalisations and document collection online.
Email Appointments
Email sjo-ca@minbuza.nl for emergency travel documents, nationality procedures, the civic integration examination and entry visas.
Certificates and Registration
Certificates of residence and Caribbean Carpet Programme registration can be requested directly by email.
Passport and ID card appointments
Create your personal checklist before booking. Make separate appointments if you are applying for both a passport and an identity card.
Schengen visa appointments
Eligible applicants can book online directly at the embassy. Make a separate appointment for each applicant.
MVV visa sticker appointments
Use the online booking procedure only if the IND approval letter authorises an application in Costa Rica.
Legalisation appointments
Legalisation of signatures and identification document copies can be booked online.
Nationality procedures
Naturalisation and the Dutch nationality option procedure require appointments requested by email.
Certificates of life
Book an online appointment for a certificate of life.
Certificates of residence
Request a certificate of residence by emailing sjo-ca@minbuza.nl.
Document collection appointments
When your document is ready, make a separate online appointment under the appropriate collection category.
Changing or cancelling an appointment
Online appointment confirmations contain a link for changing or cancelling bookings.
For appointments arranged by email, contact the embassy directly.
Document collection
Collecting or Receiving a Dutch Passport in Costa Rica
When your new Dutch passport or identity card is ready, the embassy will notify you by email.
Collection at the embassy
Make an online appointment to collect your completed document in San José.
Follow the date and time stated in your appointment confirmation.
Passport delivery by registered mail
You can request delivery of a new Dutch passport by bringing a prepaid registered return envelope to your original appointment.
Write your address and the embassy’s address on the envelope according to the official instructions.
Passport delivery by courier
The embassy also accepts an appropriate prepaid shipping label for DHL, UPS or FedEx.
Shipping costs are paid by the applicant.
Returning the old passport
If you kept your previous passport and requested delivery of the new one, you must first return the old passport to the embassy.
After the embassy receives and invalidates it, both the new and invalidated passports can be returned using your prepaid shipping arrangement.
Identity card collection
New Dutch identity cards cannot be sent by mail or courier in Costa Rica.
You must collect your new ID card in person at the embassy.
Existing visas and residence permits
If your old passport contains a valid visa or residence permit, inform embassy staff before it is invalidated.
Collection deadline
Completed passports and identity cards must be collected or dispatched within three months after notification that they are ready.
Documents not collected or dispatched within that period are destroyed.
Checking your new document
Check your name, place of birth and other personal details after receiving the document.
If you notice an error, email sjo-ca@minbuza.nl and attach supporting photographs or scans.
Important: in-person collection requires an online appointment. New passports may be delivered with an approved prepaid return envelope or courier label, but new identity cards must be collected at the embassy.
Before your visit
Preparing for a Visit to the Dutch Embassy in San José
Confirm Your Appointment
Check the correct service, application location, date and time before travelling.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring original identity documents, completed forms, your personal checklist and any required legalisations or translations.
Arrange Delivery if Needed
If you want your new passport mailed to you, prepare an appropriate prepaid return envelope or courier label.
Legalisation of Costa Rican documents
If your passport or nationality application requires a birth or marriage certificate issued in Costa Rica, check the legalisation requirements before attending.
Translation requirements
Documents in Spanish or another language may need a sworn translation for use in a Dutch government procedure.
Consular fees
Official fees apply to passports, identity cards, visas, legalisations and certain certificates.
Check the current fee schedule for Costa Rica and the accepted payment methods.
Applicants from neighbouring countries
If you reside outside Costa Rica, confirm in advance whether the embassy in San José can accept your application.
Some nationality and entry visa procedures for applicants from Panama are handled in San José, but requirements vary according to the service.
Urgent consular assistance
Dutch nationals requiring urgent assistance in Costa Rica can contact NetherlandsWorldwide at any time.
Emergency assistance: call +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. WhatsApp support is available at +31 857 737 400. Do not share sensitive identity documents through WhatsApp. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Frequently asked questions
Dutch Embassy in San José: FAQ
Where is the Dutch Embassy in San José?
The embassy is located at Oficentro La Sabana, Building 3, 3rd Floor, behind the Contraloría, La Sabana Sur, San José, Costa Rica.
What is the telephone number of the Dutch Embassy in San José?
Call +506 2296 1490. NetherlandsWorldwide is also available at +31 247 247 247.
What are the embassy’s opening hours?
The embassy receives visitors by appointment only. No general public walk-in schedule is published for consular applications.
Can I apply for a Dutch passport or identity card in San José?
Yes. Prepare your personal document checklist and make an online appointment at the embassy.
Do I need an appointment to collect my new passport or ID card?
Yes. A separate online appointment is required to collect a completed document at the embassy.
Can my new Dutch passport be sent to me in Costa Rica?
Yes. You can bring a prepaid registered return envelope or an appropriate DHL, UPS or FedEx shipping label. New Dutch identity cards cannot be sent and must be collected at the embassy.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa in Costa Rica?
Eligible applicants can make an online appointment directly at the Dutch Embassy in San José.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a Schengen visa?
Costa Rican passport holders generally do not need a Schengen visa for ordinary short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other travel purposes may have different requirements.
Can the Dutch Embassy in San José handle Schengen visas for Belgium?
Yes. The embassy can accept certain Schengen visa applications for Belgium. Applicants should check the applicable Belgian visa requirements before booking.
How can Dutch nationals obtain urgent consular assistance in Costa Rica?
Call NetherlandsWorldwide on +31 247 247 247, available 24 hours a day. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Official information