By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As the year-end holidays approach, Costa Ricans in need of essential government documents are urged to plan carefully. The Judicial Branch has officially released its special operating schedule for the institutional closure period, impacting the issuance of critical paperwork such as criminal record certificates (hojas de delincuencia) and child support certifications, which are vital for employment, immigration, and other administrative processes.
The announcement clarifies a period of complete closure followed by a brief window of limited, in-person services. This schedule is designed to accommodate urgent needs while respecting the traditional year-end recess for public institutions. For thousands of citizens seeking new jobs or finalizing legal matters before the new year, navigating this schedule will be crucial to avoid significant delays.
To better understand the legal and practical ramifications of the Judicial Branch’s collective holiday period, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The annual judicial recess is a crucial period that requires proactive planning from the public and business sectors. While the courts ensure continuity for urgent matters like domestic violence and constitutional protections, all other procedural deadlines are effectively frozen. We always advise our clients to anticipate this closure, resolving or filing any non-urgent matters well in advance to avoid procedural delays and ensure their legal interests are safeguarded heading into the new year.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores the critical importance of foresight when navigating the legal calendar, ensuring the annual judicial recess serves as a planned pause rather than an unexpected roadblock. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective with our readers.
According to the official communication, all Judicial Branch offices nationwide will be completely closed to the public from Monday, December 22, through Friday, December 26, 2025. During this five-day period, no in-person administrative services will be available, and citizens are advised not to attempt visiting any judicial facilities for these purposes.
Following the Christmas break, a special, reduced-hours schedule will be implemented to address the public’s needs. Offices will reopen from Monday, December 29, 2025, through Thursday, January 2, 2026. Service hours on these days will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will resume from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This schedule applies specifically to the processing of criminal record and child support certifications.
A key exception has been noted for the capital. The Judicial Branch offices located in the central canton of San José will remain closed on Wednesday, December 31. Individuals planning to conduct business at this specific location should adjust their schedules accordingly and seek services on the other available days within the special operating window.
As a powerful alternative to in-person visits, the Judiciary strongly encourages the public to utilize its online management system. This digital platform allows users to request and receive digital certifications without leaving their homes. However, there is a critical prerequisite: users must have a registered account with a username and password. This registration can only be completed in person at any Judicial Branch office prior to the closures, making it essential for interested parties to act swiftly.
The digital option offers a significant advantage, providing a way to secure necessary documents even when physical offices are closed or operating on a limited basis. It is particularly useful for those who require certifications urgently or are unable to visit during the restricted holiday hours.
Normal operations for the Judicial Branch are set to be fully restored on Monday, January 5, 2026. On this date, offices will resume their standard continuous schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Authorities emphasize the importance of advance planning and leveraging digital tools to mitigate the high demand and limited service capacity typical of the holiday season, ensuring a smooth start to the new year.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Branch of Costa Rica:
The Judicial Branch (Poder Judicial) is one of the three fundamental powers of the government of the Republic of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice, ensuring compliance with the law, and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens as established in the Constitution. It operates independently of the executive and legislative branches and is composed of various courts, including the Supreme Court of Justice, appellate courts, and trial courts throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm is a leader in pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies while maintaining a profound commitment to community betterment. This ethos is embodied in its mission to demystify the law, striving to equip the public with accessible knowledge and thereby foster a society strengthened by clarity and empowerment.
