No, incestuous relationships, including dating between siblings, are criminalized under Costa Rica’s Penal Code. Article 138 explicitly prohibits sexual relations between lineal ascendants/descendants and siblings, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment. The 2023 reform to Article 139 expanded enforcement to include non-consensual emotional or romantic entanglements under “psychological coercion” clauses.
Key Regulations for Dating Siblings in Costa Rica
- Penal Code Article 138: Criminalizes sexual acts between siblings, parents/children, or grandparents/grandchildren with penalties of 1–3 years imprisonment. Consanguinity is strictly defined by biological lineage, per the 2024 Civil Registry guidelines.
- Article 139 (2023 Amendment): Extends liability to non-physical coercion, including emotional manipulation in sibling relationships, enforced by the Fiscalía de Delitos Sexuales (Sexual Crimes Prosecutor’s Office).
- Family Code Article 54: Voidifies marriages or civil unions between siblings, annulling legal recognition retroactively. The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (Supreme Elections Tribunal) denies registration for such unions under public policy grounds.
Enforcement prioritizes cases involving minors or vulnerable adults, per the Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU) protocols. Consensual adult sibling relationships face legal risk only if reported, as prosecutors may pursue charges under “public morality” provisions. No exceptions exist for cultural or religious practices.