What to Do When a Person Passes Away in Costa Rica

August 6, 2026 Camposantos La Piedad

Knowing what to do after a death in Costa Rica depends mainly on where it occurs and on following a clear order of steps. Whether at home or in a hospital, simple guidance lets the family act calmly, avoid mistakes, and focus on what matters most: being present and saying goodbye to their loved one with respect.

What should you do first after a death?

Feeling disoriented is natural, but the most important thing is to stay calm and understand that not every decision must be made right away.

The first step is for a health professional to confirm the death. From that moment, a process begins that combines human, medical, and administrative aspects, all of which can be handled in an orderly way with the right guidance.

What changes if it happens at home or in a hospital?

The procedure varies depending on where the death occurs.

In a hospital or medical center, the health staff usually handle the first formal steps and guide the family through the process.

At home, an authorized physician must be contacted for the corresponding certification. In both cases, a funeral home that provides support from the very beginning helps avoid confusion and manage the process with greater peace of mind. In Costa Rica, the death is then officially registered with the Registro Civil (TSE).

Who should be contacted, and in what order?

A main source of anxiety is not knowing who to call first. The recommended order is generally:

First, a health professional to certify the death.
Then, a funeral home that can guide and support the family through the next steps.

Having this order clear avoids delays, hasty decisions, and unnecessary worry at a sensitive time.

What common mistakes are made in these moments?

Amid the emotional impact, families often:

Feel pressure to decide everything immediately
Receive confusing or incomplete information
Not know which decisions can wait

These mistakes come not from carelessness, but from a lack of clear guidance. Professional support from the beginning helps avoid complications and focus on what truly matters: the emotional well-being of the family. Our funeral packages are designed to guide families through each step.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do after a death in Costa Rica does not take away the pain, but it helps you move through the process with greater serenity and clarity. Reliable information makes a real difference in those first moments.

At La Piedad, we support you with respect, sensitivity, and clear guidance from the very first moment.
If you need support or have questions about the steps to follow, you can contact us via WhatsApp. We are here to help you.