Is Costa Rica on your radar as a base for remote work? It’s been a favourite among remote professionals for several years, and the introduction of a dedicated digital nomad visa now makes relocating even simpler.
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa permits online workers to legally set up a base in the country and work — with hotspots like San Jose, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Tamarindo — all while enjoying its tropical beaches, natural wonders and famously relaxed way of life.
Here’s a detailed look at how Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa works and what applicants can expect throughout the process.
In this Costa Rica digital nomad visa guide
What exactly is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
Introduced in July 2022, Costa Rica created a legal route for remote workers, freelancers and independent professionals to reside in the country while carrying out work for foreign employers.
The visa enables remote professionals to reside in Costa Rica for an extended period, allowing them to maintain their international work commitments while experiencing the country’s diverse landscapes. Its introduction marks a strategic move to position Costa Rica as a leading destination for the global digital nomad market.
Eligibility for Costa Rica's digital nomad visa
Per Visit Costa Rica, The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is intended for foreign nationals — such as citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Australia, Japan and South Korea — who work remotely for employers or clients located outside of Costa Rica.
To be eligible, applicants must provide paid remote services using digital or telecommunication technologies and earn a minimum income of USD $3,000 per month from sources outside Costa Rica. Applicants who wish to include dependents must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of USD $4,000 from foreign sources.
Applicants must hold a valid passport and be able to demonstrate that their income has been consistently earned from outside Costa Rica while carrying out remote work activities.
What do you need to apply?
To submit an application, foreign nationals must provide a signed application form together with confirmation that the USD $100 application fee has been paid.
Applicants are required to present a valid passport, including copies of the personal information page and any Costa Rican entry stamp if already in the country.
Financial evidence must show recurring foreign-sourced income of at least USD $3,000 per month, or USD $4,000 per month for applicants including dependents. This can be demonstrated through bank statements or certified financial documents.
Any supporting documents not originally issued in Spanish must include an official Spanish translation, and certain documents may need to be apostilled or legally certified.
Remote workers may also need to show evidence of their professional activity, such as employment verification, freelance agreements or client contracts confirming that the services are provided to individuals or companies based outside Costa Rica.
How to apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
The application for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is completed through the official immigration process under the Stay (Estancia) sub-category for Remote Workers and Service Providers.
- Complete the application form
Applicants must complete and sign the official application form, which can be submitted online via the Tramite Ya platform or in person at the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME). Dependents must submit separate application forms. - Prepare and submit required documents
Provide a valid passport, proof of payment of the USD $100 government fee, and bank statements or certified financial records showing the required foreign income (USD $3,000 per month, or USD $4,000 with dependents). Where applicable, include an affidavit and certified income documentation. - Submit the application package
Lodge the complete set of documents through the appropriate DGME channels, either online via Tramite Ya or in person at immigration offices. Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances. - Pay the applicable fee
Applicants must pay the USD $100 government application fee as part of the submission process, following the official payment instructions provided by Costa Rican authorities on the application platform. - Wait for processing and approval
Once submitted, applications are reviewed by immigration authorities. Processing may include verification of documents, compliance with income requirements, and security checks such as criminal record and biometric screening where applicable.
How long can you stay, and can the visa be renewed?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa grants an initial stay of one year, allowing remote professionals to live in the country while continuing to work for employers or clients based outside Costa Rica.
The visa may be renewed for an additional one-year period, provided applicants continue to meet the programme requirements.
Holders must maintain the conditions under which the visa was granted throughout their stay, including meeting the minimum income threshold and working exclusively for foreign-based employers or clients.
What about paying taxes in Costa Rica?
Tax obligations for holders of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa are straightforward, as visa holders are exempt from paying local income tax on foreign-sourced earnings under the digital nomad program.
This means that income earned from employers or clients outside of Costa Rica is not subject to Costa Rican income tax while the visa conditions are maintained. Visa holders are also permitted to open a national bank account in the country.
As tax regulations can vary depending on individual circumstances and future policy updates, it is advisable to confirm specific obligations with a qualified tax advisor or official government guidance
Do you even need a visa?
Many travellers to Costa Rica from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, Germany and Australia can typically enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days, subject to immigration approval.
However, if you intend to stay longer and work remotely, a standard tourist entry is not appropriate, as it does not permit long-term residence or formal remote work under a dedicated legal framework.
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is designed for this purpose, allowing remote professionals to live in the country for up to one year while working for employers or clients based outside Costa Rica, with the option to renew for an additional year.
Further assistance
If you need assistance with your Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa application or have questions about the requirements, you should contact the official immigration authorities for guidance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants are advised to refer directly to the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) of Costa Rica, which oversees the Stay (Estancia) sub-category for Remote Workers and Service Providers and provides official support channels.
