Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: 10 Key Things for a Successful Application

This article will cover everything you need to know about the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, including eligibility requirements, the visa application process, benefits, taxes, and important tips for remote workers looking to stay in Costa Rica. If you’re a remote worker searching for a tropical paradise to call home, this article will help you navigate the visa application process smoothly.

1. What Is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

The Costa Rica digital nomad visa is a remote work visa designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who earn income outside of Costa Rica. This type of visa allows digital nomads to legally live and work in Costa Rica while enjoying its low cost of living, warm climate, and modern amenities.

Unlike a tourist visa, which only allows a stay of up to 90 days, the Costa Rica digital nomad visa enables remote workers to stay in the country for one year and extend for another year.

2. Who Can Apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Permit?

To qualify, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Stable monthly income of at least $3,000 per month ($4,000 if applying with family).

  • Proof that your income comes from outside of Costa Rica.

  • Valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Costa Rica.

  • A clean criminal record from your home country.

If you meet these digital nomad visa requirements, you can apply for the visa and start enjoying life in Costa Rica.

3. Top Benefits of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

The Costa Rica digital nomad visa offers several key benefits:

  • Tax benefits: Digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax in Costa Rica.

  • Legal status: Unlike a tourist visa, this visa allows you to legally work remotely while living in Costa Rica.

  • Import tax exemption: You won’t pay import taxes on work-related equipment like laptops or cameras.

  • Longer stay: The visa allows one year in Costa Rica, with an option to renew for an additional year.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Application

The application process is simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the application form available through Banco de Costa Rica or a Costa Rican embassy.

  2. Submit proof of income, showing a stable income that meets the income requirement.

  3. Obtain a criminal background check from your home country.

  4. Purchase health insurance for the entire period of your stay.

  5. Pay the application fee and wait for visa approval.

Once the visa is approved, you’ll receive a Costa Rican entry stamp and can legally work in Costa Rica.

5. Income Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa

This visa requires applicants to prove a stable monthly income:

  • $3,000 per month for single applicants.

  • $4,000 per month if applying with dependents (spouse or children).

You must provide bank statements, employer contracts, or financial records to verify your income requirement.

6. How Long Can You Stay with as Digital Nomad in Costa Rica?

This visa allows a one-year stay in Costa Rica. If you have resided in Costa Rica for at least 180 days, you can apply for an extension for another year.

If you want to take precautions during your stay, we provide this guide for your information: Is Costa Rica Safe?

7. Do Digital Nomads Pay Taxes in Costa Rica?

One of the biggest advantages of the Costa Rica digital nomad visa is that visa holders enjoy full income tax exemption on earnings made outside of Costa Rica.

This means you do not have to pay:

✅ Income tax in Costa Rica.
✅ Local business taxes if working remotely for a foreign company.

However, import taxes may still apply to personal belongings not related to remote work.

8. Can You Bring Your Family with this Visa?

Yes, the Costa Rica digital nomad visa allows applicants to bring spouses and children, but the income requirement increases to $4,000 per month.

You will need:

  • Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificates translated into Spanish).

  • Valid health insurance for all dependents.

9. Required Documents for Application

Let´s see the digital nomad visa requirements:

  1. Completed application form (via Banco de Costa Rica).
  2. Proof of stable income (bank statements, contracts).
  3. Valid passport and proof of entry into Costa Rica.
  4. Health insurance is valid for your entire stay.
  5. Criminal background check from your home country.

A Costa Rican translator may be required for document translations.

10. Final Tips for Living and Visit Costa Rica 

  • Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is fairly easy to obtain, but ensure all documents are correctly prepared.

  • Remote work opportunities are plentiful, with many coworking spaces available for digital nomads in Costa Rica.

  • The low cost of living makes Costa Rica an attractive destination for remote workers.

  • If you’re already in Costa Rica, you may need to exit and re-enter to apply for the visa.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Costa Rica Remote Work Visa?

  • Live and work in a tropical paradise.
  • ✅ Tax benefits: No income tax on foreign earnings.
  • Easy visa application process with a quick approval time.
  • ✅ Family-friendly: Bring your spouse and children with you.

If you’re looking for the perfect digital nomad destination, Costa Rica is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy life while working remotely in Central America.

After this, we can then apply for the option of a permanent residency visa to work in the country! 🌍

Let our expert migration team handle your digital nomad visa in Costa Rica with ease! We’ll guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

Our firm has the support of being associated for many years with the US Embassy in Costa Rica: CR US EMBASSY LAWYERS

Get in touch today at info@aglegal.com and start your journey to living and working in Costa Rica! 🚀