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Overview
Costa Rica's digital nomad visa, enacted in August 2021 under the "Law to Attract Remote Workers and International Service Providers," offers remote workers earning at least $3,000 per month an opportunity to live in one of the world's most biodiverse and eco-friendly countries. The visa grants a 1-year residence permit, renewable once for an additional year.
The key benefit is complete exemption from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-sourced earnings. Combined with the country's stunning natural beauty — from Pacific and Caribbean beaches to volcanic highlands and cloud forests — Costa Rica has become the premier digital nomad destination in the Americas.
| Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa — Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 1 year (renewable for 1 additional year) |
| Min Income (Local) | $3,000/month (or $60,000/year proof) |
| Min Income (USD) | $3,000/mo |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Processing Time | 2 weeks |
| Tax Rate | 0% on foreign-sourced income |
| Health Insurance | Required — must cover Costa Rica |
| Family Allowed | Yes — spouse and dependents |
| Residency Pathway | No direct path |
Requirements & Eligibility
To qualify for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income | $3,000/month or $60,000/year in provable income. Reduced to $2,500/month for families. |
| Remote Work Proof | Employment contract or client contracts with entities outside Costa Rica. |
| Health Insurance | International health insurance covering Costa Rica, or enrollment in CCSS (Costa Rican social security). |
| Criminal Record | Clean criminal background check from home country. |
| Passport | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity. |
How to Apply: Step by Step
Follow these steps to apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa. The process typically takes 2 weeks.
-
1
Gather Documents
Prepare income proof, work contracts, health insurance, criminal record, and passport copies. Documents should be apostilled.
-
2
Apply at Dirección General de Migración
Submit application online or in-person at Costa Rica's immigration office. Pay the $100 application fee.
-
3
Receive Approval
Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Approval grants a 1-year stay permit.
-
4
Obtain DIMEX Card
Once approved, obtain your DIMEX (digital identification card for foreigners) at a Banco de Costa Rica branch.
Tax Rules for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
Costa Rica exempts digital nomad visa holders from income tax on foreign-sourced earnings. Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system, meaning only income generated from Costa Rican sources is taxable. Since your work is for foreign clients, your earnings fall outside the tax net. You are also exempt from Costa Rican social security contributions unless you voluntarily enroll in the CCSS system.
Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America but offers excellent value for the quality of life. San José metro area is affordable; beach towns and expat hubs cost more.
| Category | Monthly Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $500–$1,000 | |
| Groceries | $200–$350 | |
| Dining Out | $100–$200 | |
| Transportation | $30–$80 | |
| Internet | $30–$50 | |
| Estimated Total | $1,200–$2,500/month | |
Visa Duration & Renewal
The initial permit is valid for 1 year, renewable once for an additional year (2 years total). After that, you'd need to apply for a different type of residency or exit and re-apply. Costa Rica offers separate permanent residency programs (Rentista, Pensionado) for long-term stays.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 0% tax on foreign income — territorial tax system
- Incredible biodiversity and natural beauty
- Stable democracy with no military — 'the Switzerland of Central America'
- Excellent healthcare system (both public and private)
- Pura Vida lifestyle — relaxed, friendly culture
- Close to US time zones — ideal for US-based remote workers
Cons
- Higher cost of living than other Latin American countries
- Internet can be unreliable in rural/beach areas
- Rainy season (May-November) can be intense
- Limited public transportation outside San José
- No path to permanent residency through nomad visa
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa FAQ
Is Costa Rica safe for digital nomads?
What's the internet like in Costa Rica?
Can I surf and work?
Compare With Similar Countries
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