Digital Nomad Visa

Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa (officially the "Estancia para Trabajador y Prestador Remoto de Servicios") allows foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or clients located outside Costa Rica to reside legally in the country for up to two years. Established by Ley N° 10.008, enacted in August 2021 with implementing regulations taking effect in July 2022, the program is administered by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). It targets remote workers and freelancers who provide services via digital means for entities abroad and receive their income from outside Costa Rica. Key benefits include income tax exemption on foreign-sourced earnings, duty-free import of work equipment, recognition of foreign driver's licences, and the right to open Costa Rican bank accounts.

• Work remotely for an employer or client located outside Costa Rica
• Minimum gross income of USD 3,000/month (USD 4,000/month with dependants) from foreign sources
• 12 months of bank statements with a sworn declaration confirming income originates from abroad, or a certification from a licensed public accountant or notary (apostilled if issued outside Costa Rica)
• Valid passport with photo page copy
• Costa Rican entry stamp page if already in the country
• Consular or restricted visa if required by nationality
• Medical insurance with minimum USD 50,000 coverage for the entire stay period
• All foreign-language documents must include official Spanish translation

The visa is issued for an initial period of 1 year and can be renewed once for an additional year, for a maximum total stay of 2 years. To qualify for renewal, the holder must have been physically present in Costa Rica for at least 180 days during the first year. The renewal fee is USD 90, and all original requirements (income, health insurance, remote employment) must continue to be met.

Applications can be submitted online via the Trámite Ya digital platform (tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/) or in person at DGME offices by scheduling an appointment under "Estancia Nómadas Digitales." The DGME reviews applications within 15 calendar days and notifies applicants of any deficiencies within the first 5 days. Legal assistance is not required.

Fees: USD 100 application fee payable to Banco de Costa Rica, plus approximately USD 90 for the visa card, plus a security deposit equal to 75% of the cost of a return airline ticket to the applicant's country of origin.

Holders are fully exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-sourced earnings for the duration of the stay. There is no obligation to contribute to the Costa Rican social security system (CCSS). Holders may also import basic computer, telecommunications, and work equipment duty-free.

Qualifying dependants include a spouse or registered domestic partner, children under 25 years of age, disabled children of any age, and elderly dependant relatives. Each dependant requires a separate application, individual fee payment, and their own health insurance policy with minimum USD 50,000 coverage. The income threshold increases from USD 3,000 to USD 4,000/month when including dependants. Tax exemption benefits apply only to the primary applicant.

Holders may only work remotely for entities or clients located outside Costa Rica. Employment with Costa Rican companies or provision of services within the local market is strictly prohibited. The visa falls under the non-resident immigration category and does not provide a pathway to temporary or permanent residency. Time spent under this visa does not count towards residency or citizenship requirements.