Digital NomadActive

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

Costa Rica · Latin America

2.6
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

$3,000

Application Fee

$100

Processing Time

2–2 wks

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

12 months

Path to Citizenship

—

Overview

Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for 1 year (renewable), exempt from local income tax, with $3,000/month income proof required.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityOpen to all nationalities
Minimum Income$3,000 USD/month
Accepted Income SourcesRemote Work / Freelance
Application Fee$100 USD
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedNo
Local Income LimitMax 0% of total income
Permitted Employment Types1099 Contractor, Self-Employed
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical Presence180 days/year
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableYes
Duration12 months
Leads to PRNo

Requirements Checklist

- **Identity Documents:**

- Copy of valid passport photo page with biographical data and Costa Rican entry stamp if in-country.

- Completed and signed application form (online via Tramite Ya or physical).

- **Financial Proof:**

- Bank statements proving minimum $3,000 USD/month ($4,000 with dependents) from foreign remote work sources.

- Employment contracts, client agreements, or invoices for remote work (contractor/self-employed).

- **Health Insurance:**

- Policy covering applicant and dependents for full 12-month stay (international accepted).

- **Payment Proof:**

- Receipt for $100 USD application fee paid to Bank of Costa Rica specified account.

Note: Non-Spanish documents require official Spanish translation in Costa Rica. No apostille, medical exam, or background check needed.

📍 Application location: Apply online via the official Tramite Ya digital platform at https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/ or in-person at General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) central/regional offices. In-country applications are allowed if already on a tourist visa. No home-country consulate requirement.

Tax Information

Tax Regime:Territorial (foreign income exempt)
US Tax Treaty:No treaty

Digital nomads are exempt from income tax

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Not permitted
·Permitted work types: 1099 Contractor, Self-Employed
·Accepted income sources: Remote Work / Freelance
·Local income limit: Max 0% of total income from local sources

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Confirm eligibility and plan documents

    1-2 days

  2. 2

    📄 Gather passport and identity documents

    1 day

  3. 3

    📄 Collect financial proof and insurance

    3-7 days

  4. 4

    📋 Pay application fee

    Same day

  5. 5

    📬 Complete and submit form online

    1-2 days

  6. 6

    ⏳ Wait for approval review

    2 weeks

  7. 7

    🏛️ Receive and collect visa document

    1-3 days

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

The minimum monthly income requirement is $3,000 USD from remote work for foreign employers or clients. For dependents, the requirement increases to $4,000 USD per month as noted in official sources. Income must be foreign-sourced, and proof typically includes bank statements or contracts showing consistent earnings.
No, local work is not permitted under this visa. All income must come from remote work for foreign employers or clients, with 0% local income allowed. This visa is strictly for foreign-sourced remote work as contractors or self-employed individuals.
Income can come from multiple foreign clients or employers as long as it meets the $3,000 USD monthly threshold from remote work. Suitable for contractors and self-employed digital nomads. Proof via contracts, invoices, or bank statements is required.
Proof of income includes bank statements showing at least $3,000 USD monthly from foreign sources, plus employment contracts or client agreements for remote work. Documents may need translation to Spanish. This verifies consistent remote work income.
Yes, dependents are allowed, including spouse and children, but the minimum monthly income rises to $4,000 USD. All dependents must be covered by health insurance. Higher income ensures family eligibility under this non-resident stay.
You must spend at least 180 days per year in Costa Rica to maintain visa status. Max consecutive absence is not specified. This ensures commitment to the 12-month stay period.
No, this visa does not lead to permanent residency or count toward residency timelines. It is a non-resident stay (estancia) renewable for another year. For PR paths, consider other residency categories.
The processing time is 2 weeks from submission. Applications are reviewed via the official Tramite Ya platform or in-person at immigration offices. Delays can occur if documents need clarification.
Yes, health insurance is required covering the applicant and dependents for the full stay. International coverage is accepted if it meets minimum requirements. Proof must be submitted with the application.
Digital nomads are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-sourced earnings due to the territorial tax regime. No tax residency is triggered by this visa. Consult a tax advisor for personal US obligations, as no US tax treaty exists.
Yes, the 12-month visa is renewable for an additional year. Prepare renewal documents early, including updated income proof. It remains a non-resident status without PR path.

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At a Glance

Renewable✓ Yes
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✗ No
Local Work✗ Not permitted
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical Presence180 days/yr
Admin Ease1.5/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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