Why apply for a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

• Reside and work remotely in Costa Rica for 1 year
• NO income taxes on foreign earnings
• Open a local bank account in Costa Rica
• Option to extend your Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa for an additional 12 months  
• Bring your dependents with you (Spouse, children, and parents)

*Want to apply for a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to help you with the process.

What is a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to reside and work remotely in Costa Rica for up to 12 months, with the option to extend this stay for an additional 12 months. With a Costa Rica Nomad Visa, you can get legal residency, no tax benefits on foreign earnings, open a new national bank account, and the option to import your work equipment. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica, you will be required to submit documents proving your remote work, insurance, and income.

Benefits of a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad visa offers benefits such as a 12-month stay, with the option for extension, exemptions from local taxes on foreign income, no customs duties for importing work-related equipment, and access to opening a local bank account, among others.

• Reside in the beautiful countryside for 1 year, with the option of a 12-month extension.
• Open a local bank account in Costa Rica to manage your day-to-day expenses.
• Pay no customs taxes to import your work equipment.
• Add your spouse and children as dependents in your application.
• Have your foreign driver’s license validated in Costa Rica.
• Enjoy a high-quality lifestyle with a nomad-friendly community. 

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Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for a Costa Rica nomad visa, you must fulfill specific requirements, including proof of a stable income (from outside the country), medical insurance, a clean criminal history, and an original passport, along with a fully completed visa application form.

Here is the list of general requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica:

• Stable income: Submit proof of a stable monthly income from working remotely for companies outside Costa Rica. You must have a minimum monthly income of at least $3,000 (for individuals) and $3,000 (for family) from the last 12 months (bank statements or pay slips).
• Medical insurance: Have a medical insurance worth $50,000 (for you and your dependents) that will cover your stay in Costa Rica.
• An original passport: Have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Proof of remote work: Provide evidence to prove that you work remotely for foreign clients or companies (pay slips or employment contract)
• Visa application form: Fill out the online digital nomad visa application form
• Fee receipt: Submit the Nomad visa fee payment receipt of $100
• Dependents: For family applications, you must submit a marriage certificate for spouses, and a birth certificate for children

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Steps to Apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

You can follow the steps below to apply for Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible for a Costa Rica nomad visa

Step 2: Arrange the required documents and have them translated into the Spanish language

Step 3: Create an account on the official TramiteYa website, which is generally used for digital immigration processes

Step 4: Apply online by completing the visa application form and meeting the general requirements.

Step 5: Complete the application filing fee payment of $100 (₹8,749) along with a visa issuance fee of $90 (approx. ₹7,874)

Step 6: Wait for the visa status, which may take around 15 days on average.

Step 7: Fly to Costa Rica once your visa is issued

Step 8: Complete the post-arrival procedures, which include registering with immigration officials to obtain a DIMEX residency card.

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Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Cost

The Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica costs $100, which includes the government fee, along with an additional application fee of $90. The Costa Rica Digital Nomad visa costs range between $50 - $100.

The table below has a complete breakdown of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad visa fees:

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How long does it take to get a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

The processing time for a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is around 15 days on average. You will be given around 90 days to enter Costa Rica after acquiring a visa approval to complete the residency registration process.

Renewing or Extending the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

The initial validity period of the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica is around 12 months, which can be extended or renewed for an additional 12 months, provided the visa requirements are fulfilled as per Article 10 of the Regulation, Renewal of the Stay (Estancia) subcategory.

Here are some of the main requirements to renew the Costa Rica digital nomad visa:

• Submit evidence of your stay in Costa Rica for a minimum of 80 days in the first year of the visa duration.
• Submit a fully-filled visa renewal application form.
• Prove that you meet the required minimum income requirements of $3,000 for the applicant and $4,000 if family is involved. This should be submitted in the form of bank statements.
• Digital nomad visa renewal fee payment receipt of $90
• A valid passport
• Proof that you have a valid health insurance with coverage sufficient for your stay in Costa Rica

Taxes for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica

Digital nomads in Costa Rica are exempt from paying taxes on foreign earnings, making it one of the major benefits of applying for a Costa Rica nomad visa. Remote workers who submit sufficient evidence of their income from foreign clients and companies are exempt from paying local taxes, thereby becoming non-resident taxpayers in Costa Rica. You will be exempt from paying taxes in Costa Rica as a digital nomad for the entire visa duration, which also applies to an approved or renewed nomad visa.

Best Cities to Live in Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts some of the best cities and towns, offering a vibrant lifestyle, fun activities, and a scenic landscape that appeals to digital nomads.

Here are the top 3 best places to live in Costa Rica for digital nomads:

• San José: The city has an urban landscape with access to modern and advanced amenities, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. Fast internet connectivity, friendly coworking spaces, a culturally rich landscape, and a strong infrastructure are some of the top reasons to reside in San José, Costa Rica, with a nomad visa.
• Tamarindo: The city, situated on the Pacific Coast, is a perfect surf town for digital nomads seeking a fun and vibrant lifestyle. A friendly expat community, coworking cafes, and the slow pace of living make it a peaceful place to settle for a year as a digital nomad.
• Santa Teresa: Santa Teresa is one of the most sought-after places by entrepreneurs and digital nomads. This beach town boasts a bohemian vibe, featuring a diverse range of food options, yoga studios, and beachfront coworking spaces. While the city has limited infrastructural access, its strong community and relaxed lifestyle make it perfect for digital nomads.

The table below has an overview of the cost of living in the top 3 cities in Costa Rica:

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client. With 26 years of experience, we can assist you with the Costa Rica Digital Nomad application process.

Sign up with Y-Axis to avail of our services, including:

• Job Search Services will help you find relevant jobs abroad.
• Expert assistance with the visa documentation and checklist process.
• Dedicated advisors to help you with the visa process.