Digital nomad visa
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Last updated: May 2026
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 1 year (renewable for 1 additional year; 2 years max)
- Income Requirement
- $3,000 USD/month ($4,000 with dependents)
- Processing Time
- 15–30 calendar days
- Apply From
- Inside or outside Costa Rica — online via Tramite Ya platform (tramiteya.go.cr) or at Costa Rican embassy
- Application Fee
- $100 USD (application) + $90 USD (registration) = $190 USD total
Requirements
- 1Remote work for employer/clients outside Costa Rica
- 2Bank statements for last 12 months proving $3,000+/month income
- 3Sworn affidavit regarding financial statements (certified and apostilled)
- 4Health insurance with $50,000 USD minimum coverage for entire stay
- 5Valid passport (certified copy of all pages)
- 6Completed and signed application form
- 7All documents translated to Spanish by official Costa Rican translator
How to Apply
- 1Prepare documents: 12 months of bank statements, health insurance, passport copies, employment proof
- 2Get documents apostilled and translated to Spanish
- 3Submit application online via Tramite Ya (tramiteya.go.cr), at DGME office in La Uruca, or at Costa Rican embassy
- 4Pay $100 USD application fee + $90 USD registration fee
- 5Wait 15–30 calendar days for written resolution
- 6Enter Costa Rica (if applying from abroad)
- 7Within 90 days, attend in-person appointment in San José for migratory accreditation (fingerprints, photo)
- 8Receive official 1-year digital nomad status
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 USD |
| Registration fee | $90 USD |
| Health insurance ($50k+ coverage) | $100–$200 USD/month |
| Document apostille and translation | $100–$300 USD |
Living Costs
Costa Rica is pricier than much of Central America but offers excellent infrastructure and a large expat community. Budget $1,500–$3,000 USD/month depending on location.
San José
Rent $500–$900 USD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $100–$200 USD/month; meals out $5–$12 USD
Tamarindo
Rent $800–$1,500 USD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $120–$200 USD/month; meals out $8–$15 USD
Santa Teresa
Rent $700–$1,300 USD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $100–$180 USD/month; meals out $8–$14 USD
Tax Implications
Complete exemption from Costa Rican income tax on foreign earnings. Territorial tax system — only Costa Rican-sourced income is taxed. Home country tax obligations remain.
Tax rules change frequently. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on this information.
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Also Consider
Other popular digital nomad visa destinations
Canada
6-month default per visit; officers may grant up to 1 year at their discretion (policy effective Jan 5, 2026). No dedicated digital nomad visa.
Thailand
5-year visa; 180 days per entry (extendable by 180 days)
Croatia
Up to 18 months (renewable once for total of 36 months; 6-month wait to reapply)
Passport Visa-Free Access
Check if your passport allows visa-free entry to Costa Rica
We review and update this guide regularly. If you spot an error, let us know.
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