By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a move to modernize public services and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, the Costa Rican government has officially eliminated the requirement of presenting a photocopy of the national identity card (cédula) for all in-person procedures within the Central Government. This significant change, effective immediately, was announced via Executive Decree No. 45173-MEIC-MP, published in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta, on September 9, 2025.
Citizens will now only need to present their original cédula for identification purposes. Public officials receiving applications will be responsible for verifying the identity and recording it according to internal institutional procedures.
To understand the complexities of Costa Rican bureaucracy and its impact on businesses and individuals, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights.
Navigating Costa Rican bureaucracy can be challenging. While the system aims for thoroughness, processes often involve multiple layers and agencies, leading to potential delays. Understanding the specific requirements and timelines for each procedure is crucial, especially for foreign investors and businesses. Seeking professional legal counsel can significantly streamline these processes and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a pragmatic perspective on navigating the complexities of Costa Rican bureaucracy. Indeed, while the system strives for comprehensiveness, the layered processes can present hurdles for those unfamiliar with the local landscape. Preparation and professional guidance are undoubtedly key to successfully navigating these procedures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise with our readers.
As part of the actions for the simplification of procedures, the Government of the Republic informs, through the publication in the Official Gazette, that Executive Decree No. 45173-MEIC-MP, which eliminates the requirement to present a photocopy of the identity card in all face-to-face procedures before the entities of the Central Government, comes into force.
Government Announcement, La Gaceta
The decree mandates that all government procedures requiring a cédula photocopy must be updated within one month in the National Procedures Catalog, managed by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC). “Simplification Officers” within each public entity are tasked with ensuring these updates are implemented. This change is expected to significantly reduce processing times and streamline interactions between citizens and government agencies.
The elimination of the photocopy requirement represents a practical step towards digitalization and efficiency in public administration. It eliminates the cost and time associated with photocopying for citizens, and reduces paper handling within government offices.
This initiative reflects a broader governmental commitment to simplifying administrative processes, modernizing public management, and enhancing citizen services. It is anticipated that this will improve the overall experience for individuals interacting with government entities.
This decree repeals previous provisions that required the presentation of a copy of the cédula as a requirement. Likewise, it establishes that, within a maximum period of one month from its publication, all procedures that currently require the presentation of a photocopy of the identity card must be corrected in the National Procedures Catalog of the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), and it will be the responsibility of the Procedure Simplification Officers of each public entity to ensure that these corrections are made.
Government Announcement, La Gaceta
By removing this seemingly small obstacle, the Costa Rican government is demonstrating a proactive approach to improving citizen services and promoting a more user-friendly interface with public administration.
With this measure, the government seeks to generate solutions to obstacles or bottlenecks that affect citizens in general when carrying out their procedures before public institutions and reaffirms its commitment to the simplification of procedures, the modernization of public management and the improvement in citizen attention.
Government Announcement, La Gaceta
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC)
About Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) is a key governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for promoting economic development, fostering fair competition, and protecting consumer rights. The MEIC plays a crucial role in shaping economic policies, regulating industries, and facilitating trade. It is also involved in initiatives related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign investment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Central Government of Costa Rica
About Central Government of Costa Rica:
The Central Government of Costa Rica is the national governing body of the Republic of Costa Rica, responsible for administering public affairs, implementing laws, and providing essential services to its citizens. The government is structured around a democratic framework with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Key areas of focus for the Central Government include economic stability, social welfare, environmental protection, and public safety.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, ensuring citizens are equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape and contribute to a more just and informed nation.
