Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

With its laid-back lifestyle, tropical landscapes and growing remote work infrastructure, Costa Rica has quickly become a favourite destination for digital nomads. To support this growing trend, the Costa Rican government has introduced a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, designed to make it easier for remote workers to live and work legally in the country.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, from eligibility and requirements to the application process, benefits and tax considerations.

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is a special residency permit designed to attract remote workers and freelancers who want to live and work in the country temporarily. Unlike traditional work visas tied to local employment, this visa allows applicants to continue working for overseas clients or employers while enjoying Costa Rica’s natural beauty and high quality of life.

The main purpose of the visa is to boost the local economy by encouraging longer stays from international remote workers who contribute through living expenses, accommodation, and services.

To be eligible for the visa, you’ll generally need proof of steady remote income, a clean criminal record, and valid travel documents. The visa typically grants an initial stay of up to one year, with the option to extend for an additional year, allowing digital nomads to fully experience life in Costa Rica without the hassle of frequent visa renewals.

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa requires applicants to demonstrate a stable income of at least $3,000 USD per month, or $4,000 USD if applying with dependents such as a spouse or children under 25. This income must come from work or business activities conducted outside Costa Rica, typically through digital means. To prove this, applicants will need to provide bank statements that cover the last 12 months along with a signed affidavit confirming the income, or alternatively, a certification from a public accountant or notary.

It’s also mandatory to have relevant international health insurance covering the entire stay, with a minimum coverage amount of $50,000 USD. Each dependent must have their own policy.

You’ll also need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry, and if the applicant is already in Costa Rica, a copy of the passport page with the entry stamp must be included. You’ll also need to submit a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or any country where they have lived in the past five years.

The application form must be completed and signed, and a non-refundable fee of $100 USD will need to be paid. Finally, any documents that aren’t originally in Spanish will need to be officially translated by an accredited translator in Costa Rica.

Being a digital nomad in Costa Rica offers numerous benefits that combine work flexibility with an exceptional lifestyle. The country is known for providing a balanced lifestyle where work and leisure coexist, which has made it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to combine productivity with quality of life.

Costa Rica is known for its stunning natural beauty, which includes pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. The country has a stable political environment and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, which appeals to many remote workers who want a peaceful and eco-friendly setting.

The Digital Nomad Visa provides legal clarity and security, allowing remote professionals to stay for up to two years without worrying about visa runs or complicated renewals.

Costa Rica also offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries, with affordable accommodation options, good healthcare services, and modern infrastructure, including reliable internet in popular nomad hubs. In addition, the country has a growing community of like-minded digital nomads and expats, which helps with networking and social connections.

To apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to start by gathering all the necessary documents, including proof of income, valid passport, health insurance, and a clean criminal record certificate. You’ll need to ensure that any documents not in Spanish are officially translated by an accredited translator.

Once your paperwork is ready, you can then submit your application either online, in person at the Directorate General of Migration or through Costa Rican consulates abroad, depending on your location. You’ll need to pay the non-refundable application fee of $100 USD and keep the receipt as proof of payment.

The processing time can vary but generally takes a few weeks, so you should apply well in advance of your intended travel date. After approval, you will receive a residence permit allowing you to stay and work remotely in Costa Rica for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

One of the main advantages of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is that it allows remote workers to earn income from foreign sources without becoming tax residents. Under the current legislation, income earned from outside Costa Rica is not subject to local income tax, which makes the visa financially appealing for many applicants.

However, digital nomads should be aware that they may still have tax obligations in their home country, depending on their citizenship and how long they stay abroad. It’s advisable to consult a tax advisor who understands both Costa Rican law and the tax rules in your country of residence or citizenship.

On the legal side, holders of the digital nomad visa are not allowed to work for Costa Rican companies or offer services to local clients, as the visa is strictly for those who earn their income internationally.

The visa also does not grant permanent residency, although it can be renewed if all the requirements continue to be met. It’s essential to maintain valid health insurance and continue meeting the income threshold throughout your stay to remain in compliance.

You’ll need to make sure you remain informed and up to date with any changes to immigration or tax policies so you can avoid any unexpected legal or financial issues during your time in Costa Rica.