Funeral homes and cremation in Costa Rica: a guide for foreigners
If someone dies in Costa Rica and the family lives abroad, contact a funeral home in the area and your country's embassy or consulate, which can explain what paperwork may be needed. This guide lists what to ask funeral homes and how to compare written quotes. Phone numbers come from Google Maps, dated October 16, 2026.
Updated on October 16, 2026 · By Napoleón Contreras
First steps
- If the death was unexpected or no doctor can certify it, call 911.
- Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Costa Rica: they can explain what documents may be needed, especially if the remains will travel abroad.
- Call two or three funeral homes near you and ask for a written quote.
- Decide between burial and cremation with your family, and keep the quote in writing.
What to ask a funeral home
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Does anyone on your team speak English? | This site and most listings are in Spanish. |
| Do you handle the paperwork, and which parts? | You need to know what is yours to do. |
| Can you arrange cremation, and shipping of ashes or remains abroad? | Not every company offers it. |
| What is the total price, in which currency, and what is not included? | It lets you compare quotes fairly. |
| How and when do I pay? | It avoids paying before you have a written quote. |
Find a funeral home
Our listings are in Spanish, with phone, address and Google rating for each company: San José, Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela, Guanacaste and Puntarenas. You can also write to [email protected].
Preguntas frecuentes
Who should I contact first if a relative dies in Costa Rica?
If the death was unexpected or no doctor can certify it, call 911. Then contact your embassy or consulate and a local funeral home, and ask for a written quote.
Can a funeral home in Costa Rica arrange cremation for a foreigner?
Some funeral homes offer cremation and help with documents. Ask each one what it handles, what it includes and what it charges, and get it in writing.
Do funeral homes in Costa Rica speak English?
It depends on the company. Ask before you hire, and keep the quote and the terms in writing.