Costa Rica has become a digital nomad favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine working with a view of the beach, a relaxed lifestyle, and a friendly vibe. That’s what you’ll get with the new Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa.
The Digital Nomad Visa Costa Rica is an amazing opportunity for digital nomads and remote workers to have the best of both worlds: productivity and paradise. It’s a new option for those who want to live in Costa Rica for a while without the hassle of visa renewals and border runs.
And let’s be honest, many people are tired of the high cost of living and high taxes in the West. Want to know more about the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica? Keep reading.
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: Overview
First and foremost, here is an overview and some basic information about Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa.
What is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is a special visa for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Costa Rica and work for clients or employers abroad. Unlike a tourist visa, this one lets you stay longer – up to 1 year, with the option to extend for another year.
What’s special about this visa is how it’s designed for digital nomads. No paperwork, no need to leave the country, and tax exemptions to make it even more appealing.
With this visa, you can settle in, open a local bank account, and work and play without too many restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa, you need to meet a few simple requirements:
Income Requirements
You need to show proof of a stable income and show that you’ve earned on average during 12 months USD$36,000 for a single person or USD $48,000 for a family. This is to make sure you can support yourself and your family while in Costa Rica.
Documents Needed
- Proof of income (bank statements, payslips, or contracts)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Health insurance that covers you in Costa Rica
Who Can Apply
This visa is for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. If you’re making money online or working for a company that doesn’t require you to be in a specific location, you’re good to go.
Please note that this is also possible for our online business owners. If you have a business outside of Costa Rica and meet the income requirement, you could be eligible to sponsor yourself through your own business.
It’s also open to families, which is a bonus for those who want to bring their loved ones along.
Residence Permit With the Digital Nomad Visa Costa Rica
After you get your Digital Nomad Visa and arrive in Costa Rica, there are a few more things to do. Within 3 months of your arrival, you’ll have to apply for a residency permit.
If you miss this deadline, your visa will be revoked, so this is something serious. To get the residency permit, you will need to do the following.
First, you need to record your biometric data at the Ministerio Seguridad Pública in San José. Next, get two standard passport photos and make certified photocopies of every page in your passport and have them notarized by a public notary.
You will also need to provide a letter, officially translated into Spanish, stating your intentions to reside in Costa Rica and requesting the residency permit. This letter must be signed by an immigration official or a public notary.
You will also need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate with an Apostille stamp.
And finally, you will need to provide documents that prove you have a clean criminal record from every country you have lived in for the past 3 years.
How to Apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa may seem complicated at first, but this is what we’re here for.
With a few easy steps, you can go through the process and be living in Costa Rica in no time. Here’s a simple explanation, step-by-step, to get you started.
Where to Apply – Online VS In Person
You can apply online or in person. Online is usually faster and most people prefer to avoid in-person bureaucracy. Applying online saves time and can be done from home, so it’s the most convenient option for digital nomads.
You can apply online on their official website here.
If it were me, I would hire a migration agent to do this bit, and they will fill out your application form correctly and make sure you get issued with the visa in no time. You don’t need to be outside of the country to do this process; you can also start it while you’re in Costa Rica on a tourist visa.
Gather Your Documents
Make sure you have all the required documents ready before you start applying.
As mentioned above, you’ll need proof of income, a valid passport, and health insurance that covers you in Costa Rica. Be prepared to eventually avoid delays in the application process.
Submit the Application
Once you have all your documents ready, fill out the application form and submit it online or in person. Double-check the information before submitting it to avoid any problems or delays.
The more detailed you are, the smoother the process will be.
At Wanderers Wealth, we set up businesses and apply for digital nomad visas on behalf of our clients all the time, so be sure to get in touch if you need any assistance.
Pay the Application and Visa Fees
The application costs are less than $2,000 USD, including the migration agent’s fees and all of the state fees.
A small price in our opinion for a 2-year residence that gives you the right to live in CR with no obligation to pay income tax, nor pay social security.
If you’re seriously interested, be sure to get in touch.
Wait for the Visa Approval
The process can take a couple of weeks to a month, depending on how fast you get your documents together and submit everything. Once approved, you’re good for a year and can extend the visa for another year if you spend a minimum of 6-months in Costa Rica during your first year.
It’s worth noting that some people have to wait a few months due to the backlog and/or different case-by-case issues.
Extra Costs
Besides the visa application fee, you may need to pay for document translations or other administrative costs. Health insurance is also required, so factor that in your budget.
Benefits of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa has several benefits that make it a great option. From tax exemptions to everyday living, this visa has many advantages that make life in Costa Rica easier.
Let’s break down some of the key benefits that make this visa a good choice for digital nomads.
- Extended Stay: Up to 12 months, with the option to extend for another 12 months.
- Tax Benefits: You won’t pay Costa Rican income tax while on this visa.
- Easy Process: Compared to other countries, and despite being several steps, the process is simple, so Costa Rica is a great choice for digital nomads.
Apart from that, Costa Rica offers digital nomads the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, which means living life at a slow pace. Expect stunning nature, warm weather, and adventure activities like surfing or hiking.
The cost of living is moderate, $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Safe environment, growing community, and reliable internet, Costa Rica is perfect for digital nomads.
Oh, and you can open a bank account in the country, which isn’t always possible on a tourist visa.
Challenges and Considerations
Living in Costa Rica as a digital nomad is amazing, but you should be aware of a few challenges. From internet issues in remote areas to a new language and healthcare requirements, knowing what to expect will help you make the most of your time. Let’s look at some of these.
Internet Connectivity
The internet is good in most areas, but there are some remote parts of Costa Rica where the internet can be a problem. If you’re planning to work from a more secluded beach town or the mountains, make sure to check the internet speeds beforehand.
Many digital nomads work in Samara, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa, and you’ll have decent internet.
Language Barrier
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica and while many locals speak some English, especially in touristy areas, learning basic Spanish will go a long way. It will make everyday life easier and help you connect with the community.
Healthcare and Insurance
You need to have health insurance that covers you in Costa Rica while on this visa. Healthcare here is good, with both public and private options. Private clinics are used by expats but can be more expensive without insurance, so make sure your plan covers what you need.
Digital Nomad Visa Costa Rica – FAQ
This guide wouldn’t be complete without some frequently asked questions about the digital nomad visa of Costa Rica.
How Long is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
You can stay in Costa Rica for up to 1 year with the Digital Nomad Visa. After the first year, you can apply for a one-time extension for another year, making it 2 years total.
To renew your visa, you will need to continue meeting all the original requirements, income threshold, and health insurance.
What is the Income Requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa?
You must show a stable income of USD $36,000 on average during the last 12 months for a single person or USD $48,000 for a family. Acceptable proof of income is bank statements, pay slips, or contracts that show consistent income.
This ensures you can support yourself (and your family if applicable) while living in Costa Rica.
Can You Bring Your Family Under the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
Absolutely, you can bring your immediate family members, spouse, and children under the Digital Nomad Visa Costa Rica. When applying with family, you will need to meet the higher income requirement of USD $48,000 on average during the last 12 months.
Each family member will need to provide the necessary documentation, a valid passport, and proof of health insurance that covers them during their stay in Costa Rica.
How Much Income Tax Do You Pay in Costa Rica with the Digital Nomad Visa?
NONE! One of the best things about the Digital Nomad Visa is that you are exempt from paying Costa Rican income tax on the income you earn outside of Costa Rica.
This is a big advantage for remote workers and freelancers as it avoids double taxation on your income while living in Costa Rica.
Conclusion – Digital Nomad Visa Costa Rica
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is a great opportunity for digital nomads who want to mix work with tropical life. From beautiful beaches and lush jungles to a friendly community and tax breaks, it’s a perfect setup for digital nomads looking for something different.
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide, and if you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment below this post or reach out via email.
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NOTICE: The content of this article is not to be considered as a legal opinion or tax advice. Wanderers Wealth does not hold itself out as a legal or tax advisor. If you want to receive a legal opinion or tax advice on the matter in this article please contact us directly and we will refer you to a legal practitioner.
