Date of publication:
09/25/2026
Costa Rica
Do domestic laws and policies provide forcibly displaced and stateless persons the right to freely choose their place of residence?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Article 19 of the Constitution provides that foreigners are entitled to the same individual and social rights as Costa Ricans, except for limitations established by law. This would also apply to refugees and asylum seekers. Article 22 of the Constitution stipulates that Costa Rican can decide to stay anywhere in the country.
According to article 31 of the Ley General de Migración y Extranjería foreigners, who have received the authorization to remain in the country must be fully integrated into Costa Rican society. This also apply refugees and asylum seekers. Although there is no specific provision regarding the freedom to determine their place of residence, full integration implies the choice of place of residence.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica
- Year: 1949
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality, Integration & Public Affairs, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1949/es/39310
Legal provision
Article 19 - Equal rights
Los extranjeros tienen los mismos deberes y derechos individuales y sociales que los costarricenses, con las excepciones y limitaciones que esta Constitución y las leyes establecen. No pueden intervenir en los asuntos políticos del país, y están sometidos a la jurisdicción de los tribunales de justicia y de las autoridades de la República, sin que puedan ocurrir a la vía diplomática, salvo lo que dispongan los convenios internacionales.
Article 22.- Right to move freely within the country
Todo costarricense puede trasladarse y permanecer en cualquier punto de la República o fuera de ella, siempre que se encuentre libre de responsabilidad, y volver cuando le convenga. No se podrá exigir a los costarricenses requisitos que impidan su ingreso al país.