What makes this program stand out

Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa (officially "Estancia para Trabajadores y Prestadores de Servicios en Modalidad Remota") permits foreign nationals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Costa Rica to legally reside in the country for up to 2 years. The permit is renewable. Applicants must demonstrate remote work arrangements with employers or clients located outside Costa Rica.

The qualification logic is income-based. Single applicants must show monthly income of US$3,000. Applicants with dependents must demonstrate US$4,000 per month. The entire application is processed online through the Tramite Ya platform. Processing typically takes three to four weeks from submission to approval.

Renewal requires a minimum physical presence of 80 days per year in Costa Rica. This presence threshold applies only to those seeking to extend their stay beyond the initial permit period. The visa does not grant permanent residency status or citizenship pathway rights.

What you need to qualify

Applicants must prove they provide services remotely using digital or telecommunication technologies to an employer or client located outside Costa Rica. This remote work arrangement must be documented and ongoing. The income requirement is US$3,000 per month if you apply alone. If you include dependents in your application, the threshold rises to US$4,000 per month. Income must originate from outside Costa Rica and must be verifiable over the previous 12 months.

You prove income through one of two routes. The first route is submitting bank statements covering the past year, accompanied by a sworn affidavit. The second route is providing a certification from a licensed public accountant or notary, authenticated with an apostille. Both routes must establish consistent monthly income meeting or exceeding the threshold for your household composition.

Submit the signed application form via the Tramite Ya online platform or in person at DGEM offices. Include a copy of your passport photo page. If you are already in Costa Rica when applying, include a copy of your Costa Rican entry stamp. Pay the US$100 government processing fee to Bank of Costa Rica (account 001-0242480-0, IBAN CR15015201001024248003) and include proof of payment with your submission.

Certain nationalities require a consular or restricted visa before arrival. Check Costa Rican consular requirements for your passport. All documents issued in languages other than Spanish must include an official Spanish translation submitted alongside the original.

Why this program may be worth considering

Tax exemption status: Digital nomads holding this permit are not classified as tax residents of Costa Rica. They remain exempt from all formal and material tax obligations to the General Directorate of Taxation (Hacienda) within the Ministry of Finance. This exemption applies throughout the full permit duration.

Driver's license recognition: You may use your home country driver's license for the entire stay. No local license conversion or temporary permit is required.

Connectivity infrastructure: High-speed internet is available throughout Costa Rica. Reliable connectivity supports remote work operations across urban and coastal areas.

Global recognition and lifestyle infrastructure: InsureMyTrip ranks Costa Rica in the top 10 digital nomad destinations worldwide. The country offers year-round outdoor activities, exceptional biodiversity, and a national sustainability focus. Accommodation ranges from beachfront apartments to mountain lodges. Cuisine and transport infrastructure are well-developed for international residents.

What level of income you need to show

Monthly income requirement: US$3,000 per month without dependents; US$4,000 per month with dependents. Income must be earned from outside Costa Rica through remote work.

Qualifying income sources: You must provide paid services remotely using digital or telecommunication technologies to a person or entity located outside Costa Rica. This includes freelance work, remote employment, online business operations, and similar location-independent income streams.

Proof of income: Submit bank statements covering the previous 12 months demonstrating consistent income at or above the required threshold. Alternatively, you may provide a certification from a public accountant or notary with an apostille validating your income history.

Income documentation must clearly establish that earnings originate from sources outside Costa Rica and meet the applicable monthly minimum for your household composition.

Which documents are typically required

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa requires applicants to submit a government application form, proof of fee payment, passport documentation, and financial evidence. All foreign-language documents must be officially translated into Spanish.

• Signed application form: submitted online via Tramite Ya platform or as a physical form at DGEM offices
• Government fee payment receipt: US$100 payment to Bank of Costa Rica (account 001-0242480-0, IBAN CR15015201001024248003)
• Passport copy: photo page; if you are already in Costa Rica, include a copy of your Costa Rican entry stamp
• Financial documentation: bank statements covering the previous 12 months with a sworn affidavit, or certification from a licensed public accountant/notary with apostille
• Consular/restricted visa: required for certain nationalities; check Costa Rican consular requirements for your passport
• Official Spanish translations: all documents issued in languages other than Spanish must include certified translations submitted with the originals