Costa Rica has been gaining a lot of popularity as a digital nomad hotspot. This country has always been a desirable location among tourists but digital nomads are beginning to appreciate its importance as well. Luckily, with the availability and popularity of the digital nomad visa, Costa Rica is one of the countries that allow its residents to live in their territory while simultaneously operating their business remotely.
This means that remote workers can live in Costa Rica without making any complex or long-term commitments. Let’s see what a Costa Rica digital nomad visa has to offer.
Does Costa Rica have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Costa Rica is a good place for digital nomads and tourists but its visa policy can be quite complex to understand. It seems as though this country has specific requirements for different nationalities.
Now that Costa Rica has introduced a new digital nomad visa program, we can put this problem in the past. A Costa Rica digital nomad visa allows remote workers to enter the country and stay for a period of one year. This approach is way more efficient than alternative options such as tourist visas, work permits, and residency permits. It’s certainly less complicated than the previously used “90-day rule”
Who can Apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
As per current information, anyone can apply for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa. Meaning that as long as you fulfill the eligibility requirements, you are free to apply and obtain it.
On a general note, this visa is best suited for business owners, travelers, tourists, remote workers (and their family members), or people who can conduct their work digitally. Other than that, here are some general requirements to be deemed eligible.
- People who satisfy the minimum income requirement (discussed below)
- People who satisfy the health insurance requirements
- Employed by a foreign company or individual based out of the country
- Freelancers and service providers, working for businesses based outside Costa Rica
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica?
Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica.
- Pay the fee
Before you proceed, you’ll have to pay the application fee of 100$. You can pay via credit card but cash and bank transfers are eligible as well.
- To the Costa Rican government
- Account no. 242480-0 of the Banco de Costa Rica
- Gather the required documents
Now is the time to gather all the documents required for a Digital Nomad Visa.
Make sure to double-check them before submitting. A list of necessary documents is given below. Your documents must be in Spanish or translated officially.
- Fill out the application form
This step includes a lot of intricate details. Hence, the necessary amount of attention should be given. The form is available in English and Spanish for ease. However, if you’re applying in person then you’ll need to print an application form and fill it out before submitting it.
- Submitting the application
The Costa Rican government and authorities allow you to submit applications through accessible means. You can submit it online on the official website and It’ll reach the relevant authorities. Following that, you will receive confirmation and your caseworker will contact you for further details.
You can also submit your application in person at the central or regional office of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGEM). In-person applicants will be required to visit the Foreign Nationals Administration Service Platform (Plataforma de Servicios de la Gestión de Extranjería).
- Wait for feedback
Now that you have done everything on your part, all you need to do is wait. The relevant authorities will process your application at their earliest convenience and send feedback. Upon receiving approval, you can enter Costa Rica.
- Register your residence
Upon entering Costa Rica, you have to register yourself and get a residence permit. The biometric process needs to be completed at your earliest convenience. You have a maximum of 3 months.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a Costa Rica digital nomad visa is 100$. However, the payment needs to be made in Costa Rican colones as per the latest exchange rates. While the visa application visa is quite expensive to begin with, it sets a base for the overall description and fits well with other relevant requirements.
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Necessary documentation
Take a look at the document checklist below. You are supposed to meet the following requirements while applying for a Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa.
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay in Costa Rica.
- Receipt of the application fee submission
- Health insurance: proof of health insurance must be provided. It should last as long as you plan to stay in Costa Rica and it must be valid in the country.
- Proof of income and financial means: This entails that you have to submit documents that prove that you are self-sufficient and you can financially support yourself while staying in Costa Rica. You need to submit Bank statements from the last 12 months to show the stability of your income. Other than that, an affidavit must be provided, proving that the financial statements were received from an authorized institute.
- Application form: This can be either filled out online or you can print out the form and submit it in person.
- Marriage certificates and birth certificates, in case you are bringing a spouse and/or children.
These documents must be submitted in Spanish or with an official translation.
Financial requirements
One thing about a Costa Rica digital nomad visa is that it has very specific requirements. In order to be eligible for this visa option, you must make a minimum of 3000$ USD (monthly income). In case you are bringing dependents, you must prove the stability of your income and show earnings of 4000$ USD.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads and remote workers would be happy to learn that the visa application process for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa doesn’t take a long time. Your application will be processed within 15 calendar days of submission and you’ll receive an answer as soon as possible.
This is the standard time. However, it can change depending on the competency of the station or diplomatic mission in charge. It can also extend if your case worker or counselor finds that they need more details or documents.
Make sure to send an accurate application so it can be processed quickly.
Benefits of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Internet connection
Costa Rica has excellent internet speeds and coverage, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads. The average internet speed is 84.49 Mbps which is pretty good for remote work. The internet connection ultimately depends on your location and provider. However, you can enjoy reliable download and upload speeds in the country and keep a healthy work-life balance. If you wish to ensure extra reliability, you can also purchase local SIM cards after arriving in the country. There are a bunch of good providers in the country that offer fast wifi speeds and affordable packages. Make sure to compare data plans before buying a SIM card.
Safe
Costa Rica’s crime rate is not that much higher than other metro-sized areas of similar characteristics. However, safety mostly depends on the city of your residence. You can still avoid criminal encounters and have a safe trip if you follow some basic precautions.
- Look out for tourist scams
- Trust reputable companies
- Stay away from isolated areas
- Stay on your guard
- Stay away from shady neighborhoods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
- Don’t carry flashy items
Rich cultural heritage and natural beauty
You can experience a rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling environment here. The country’s local culture is best depicted in its festivals, Costa Rican traditions, and cultural events. You’ll see a very strong influence of Spanish colonial and Indigenous heritage along with Jamaican and Chinese elements. Costa Rica is big on nature which makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls, this country has stunning landscapes and unforgettable sceneries. You can engage in numerous outdoor activities and have a good time!
Low cost of living
While Costa Rica is relatively more expensive than its neighbors and other countries in Latin America, it’s still cheaper than several digital nomad destinations. You can have a high quality of life while spending half as much as you would in New York City or London. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find this country to be affordable.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s tax policy is extremely flexible for digital nomads and they are exempt from paying taxes (both income and import taxes). However, nomads should consider their home country’s or country of origin’s tax policy because some countries require their citizens to pay taxes on their global income.
In simple words, it means that tax will not be levied on income that is sourced outside of Costa Rica and the nomad will not be subject to local income taxes.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa, Costa Rica
Originally, a Costa Rica digital nomad visa is designed to last for a period of one year. If you want to extend your stay after the initial year, you’ll need to meet the requirements defined by Article 10 of the Regulation, Renewal of the Stay (Estancia) subcategory.
- You must submit a renewal application.
- Demonstration of the fact that you were present in Costa Rica for at least 80 days of the first year.
- Renewal fee of $90 US dollars.
- Possession of a valid passport.
- Submission of a renewal application.
- Proof that you still meet the income requirements for the visa.
- You must prove you have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your time in Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica?
All visitors require a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica except people who have:
- 3-month valid visa in the United States
- 3-month valid visa in Canada
- 3-month valid visa in Schengen Areas
- 3-month valid visa in South Korea
- 3-month valid visa in Japan
- 3-month valid visa in the European Union
What’s the duration of a Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
A Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is designed to remain valid for 12 months. However, you can apply for renewal and extend it for another year.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Costa Rica?
San José, the political, economic, and social capital is one of the best places in Costa Rica. Digital nomads and remote workers can enjoy a wide array of facilities and modern amenities in this city.
What are some other visa options in Costa Rica?
In addition to the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, there are several other options. The best ones include tourist visas, work visas, passive income visas, and retiree visas.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Since Costa Rica is located between the Pacific coast and Atlantic oceans, it has a tropical climate. It can be distinguished into two parts; dry season and rainy season. The former lasts from December to April while the latter stretches from May to November.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up, we can easily say that Costa Rica has gained much-deserved fame over the recent years. Once you look past the concrete buildings and congested roads, you’ll find the city to be much more. With breathtaking mountains, stunning sceneries, and beautiful beaches all around, Costa Rica promises to lift your spirits. You can enjoy the vibrant culture, appreciate the bustling environment, and admire the rich architecture.
This article discussed the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica and the process that concerns it. We hope it answered all your questions and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this country. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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