Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Costa Rica under specific conditions. The Civil Code permits unions between first cousins if both parties are over 18, provide genetic counseling certificates, and obtain prior judicial authorization from the Family Court. Recent 2026 amendments to Article 14 of the Family Code tightened oversight, requiring mandatory genetic risk assessments to mitigate hereditary disorder risks. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s 2025 registry guidelines enforce these provisions uniformly nationwide.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Costa Rica
- Judicial Authorization: A Family Court must approve the union after reviewing genetic counseling reports and medical histories to assess hereditary risks.
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old; parental consent is irrelevant for adult applicants.
- Genetic Counseling Mandate: A certified geneticist must submit a report confirming the absence of high-risk hereditary conditions before the court grants approval.