Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa (2025): Requirements, Benefits & Step-by-Step Guide
As immigration counsel at AG Legal, we help remote professionals get approved fast—organizing income proofs, translations, insurance and filings so you can land, plug in and work. Below you’ll find eligibility rules, benefits, a clean document list, and a step-by-step to apply with confidence.
Author: AG Legal • Reviewed by: Immigration & Tax Team • Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Overview & length of stay
The Digital Nomad category is a non-resident stay for remote workers and service providers. It grants up to 12 months in Costa Rica, extendable once for another 12 months if you still meet requirements. Authorities expect a minimum presence in-country during the first year. All filings and resolutions are issued in Spanish.
Eligibility & required income
- Remote income from abroad: Employee or freelancer serving clients outside Costa Rica.
- Income threshold: At least USD 3,000/month (individual) or USD 4,000/month (with dependents), typically evidenced by bank statements for the prior 12 months.
- Health insurance: Valid policy covering the applicant (and dependents, if any) for the duration of the stay.
- Government deposit/fee: Payment per Immigration law for processing the application (tourism board page lists the USD 100 deposit reference and bank details).
Key benefits (tax, gear import, banking & driving)
- Foreign income tax relief: Digital nomads are not taxed locally on income earned abroad under the special regime. (Confirm with your cross-border tax advisor.)
- Duty-free import of essential work gear: Exemption on importing one set of essential equipment (e.g., laptop, phone, tablet, camera, audio/recording gear) via the EXONET system.
- Banking & driving: Eligibility to open local bank accounts; foreign driver’s license recognized for driving during your stay.
Documents & translations
- Passport (valid for the process period).
- Proof of remote work (employment letter or client contracts) and income evidence (bank statements showing USD 3,000/4,000 as applicable).
- Health insurance certificates for the full stay. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Payment receipt (government deposit/fee).
- Spanish filings: Applications and annexes are prepared in Spanish; official translations may be required.
How to apply (step by step)
- Check profile & pick dependents: Confirm remote income meets the USD 3k/4k threshold; decide who applies with you.
- Gather evidence: Bank statements (12 months), employment/contract letters, insurance, passport scans; line up certified translations.
- Pay the government fee/deposit to the referenced account, keeping the receipt for your file.
- Submit the application (Spanish) and monitor requests for additional info.
- Upon approval: If you’ll import work gear duty-free, file the EXONET request for the listed equipment.
- Arrival & compliance: Carry approvals and insurance; respect stay conditions and minimum presence guidance.
Fees & timeline (indicative)
- Government deposit/processing: commonly USD 100 per the official tourism page (other immigration charges may apply on issuance).
- Translations & notarizations: depend on page count and jurisdiction.
- Insurance: price varies by age/coverage and length of stay.
- Timeline: Processing time varies with caseload and completeness; well-prepared filings move faster.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can I stay and can I extend?
- Up to 12 months, extendable once for another 12 months if you continue to qualify.
- What income do I need to show?
- At least USD 3,000/month if applying alone, or USD 4,000/month with dependents—usually evidenced with 12 months of bank statements.
- Do I pay Costa Rican income tax?
- Digital nomads receive tax relief on foreign-sourced income under the regime. Coordinate with your home-country CPA for global reporting.
- Can I bring my work equipment?
- Yes—essential gear (laptop, phone, tablet, camera, audio/recording devices) receives duty-free treatment via EXONET, per Law 10008 and its regulation.
- Do I need insurance?
- Yes. Maintain valid health insurance for yourself and dependents during the entire stay.
Talk to our immigration lawyers
We prepare your application end-to-end—income proofs, translations, insurance review, Spanish filings and follow-up—so you get approved quickly and land with confidence.
This article is informational and not legal or tax advice. Confirm current requirements with your attorney. Benefits and fees can change by decree or policy.