About the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica offers the Estancia para Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios (Digital Nomad Stay) for non-resident remote workers and self-employed professionals. The program lets eligible applicants live in Costa Rica for 1 year (12 months), renewable once for an additional year if applicant spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during first year. while working remotely for clients or employers based outside the country.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate stable monthly income of at least USD3,000 per month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. It is renewable, allowing nomads to extend their stay.
Tax-wise, Costa Rica treats digital nomad visa holders distinctly from local residents — see the Taxes section below for the full picture.
Requirements & Eligibility
Income
Minimum USD $3,000/month (individual) or USD $4,000/month (with dependents). Must be demonstrated via 12 months of bank statements and/or a certified affidavit.
Documents needed
- Valid passport
- Application form (signed by applicant or authorized representative)
- 12 months of bank statements showing stable monthly income of at least USD $3,000
- Certified affidavit of income
- Proof of health insurance covering duration of stay (min USD $50,000 coverage)
- Employment letter or proof of remote work/freelance contracts with non-Costa Rican entities
- Proof of accommodation in Costa Rica
- All documents translated into Spanish by certified translator. For family applicants: marriage certificate, birth certificates, and proof of increased income ($4,000/month).
How to Apply for the Costa Rica DNV
Processing time: Approximately 15 working days for initial review. After approval, must complete in-person steps within 3 months of entering Costa Rica.
- 1Confirm eligibility (employed by or own business outside Costa Rica, or freelance with foreign clients; earn min $3,000/month).
- 2Gather required documents — ALL must be translated into Spanish by accredited translator.
- 3Create account on Trámite Ya platform (tramitesya.go.cr) — Costa Rica's official digital immigration system.
- 4Complete the online application and upload documents.
- 5Pay the USD $100 government fee by bank transfer using provided reference.
- 6Wait approximately 15 working days for decision.
- 7Upon approval, travel to Costa Rica within 90 days.
- 8Within 3 months of entry, book appointment with Costa Rica Immigration Department for biometric registration and accreditation document.
Application fees: USD $100 government deposit/processing fee (paid by bank transfer to Costa Rican government). Additional fees: certified translations (all documents must be in Spanish), in-country accreditation document, and biometric registration upon arrival.
Official sourceVisa Duration & Renewal
Initial duration: 1 year (12 months), renewable once for an additional year if applicant spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during first year.
Renewal: Yes — the Estancia para Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios (Digital Nomad Stay) can be renewed beyond the initial period.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
Full income tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Digital nomads are NOT taxed by Costa Rica on money earned abroad. Also exempt from import taxes on work equipment (laptops, phones, tablets, cameras). Costa Rica's IVA (VAT) at 13% applies to local goods and services.