Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa (2026)
Requirements, income thresholds, and step-by-step application guide
Visa Type
Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Min. Income (USD)
$3,000/mo
Tax Residency After
183 days
Entry for US Citizens
90-day tourist + visa
Key facts for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Last updated 2026-07-20Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa — Ley 10008 ('Trabajador o Prestador Remoto de Servicios de Carácter Internacional')
Source: Costa Rica Immigration (DGME) →US$3,000/month for an individual (US$4,000/month when including family members)
Source: Costa Rica Immigration (DGME) →Government processing/issuance fees apply (commonly cited around US$100–250 all-in)
Initial 1 year, renewable for a second year (2 years total); it is a temporary status, not a path to permanent residency by itself
Apply to Costa Rica's immigration authority (DGME), from abroad or in-country
Digital Nomad Visa holders are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-sourced income under Costa Rica's territorial tax system
Costa Rica taxes only Costa-Rica-source income; confirm your specific situation with a local adviser.
Source: Costa Rica Immigration (DGME) →Disclaimer: This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Visa rules, income thresholds, and fees change and vary by nationality and consulate. Figures tagged “commonly cited” are widely reported but not officially confirmed — always verify current requirements with the official Costa Rica immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
What is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa?
Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa allows a 1-year stay, renewable for a further year. Requires proof of remote income of at least USD 3,000/month (or USD 4,000 with dependants), valid health insurance covering Costa Rica, and a clean criminal record. Apply at a Costa Rican consulate before travel.
Important note: US citizens receive 90 days visa-free. The digital nomad visa is the route for longer stays. Costa Rica does not border any Schengen countries, so there's no cross-border day-trip reset option.
What are the requirements for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
Most Costa Rica digital nomad visa applications require the following documents. Requirements can change — always verify with the official Costa Rica immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Valid passport
Typically required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Proof of remote income
Bank statements or employment contracts showing at least $3,000/month in consistent remote income.
Health insurance
Valid international health insurance covering your stay in Costa Rica. SafetyWing and Cigna Global are common choices.
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement, coliving contract, or hotel reservation for initial accommodation.
Clean criminal record
Background check from your home country, often requiring an apostille and certified translation.
Application fee
Consulate application fees vary by nationality and processing location.
Health insurance for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Proof of valid international health insurance is one of the most common Costa Rica nomad-visa requirements — and consulates often want it before they'll approve you. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is popular with applicants because it's monthly, cancellable, and covers you across borders. Check a live price for your age and dates below.
Insurance pricing for Costa Rica
Live quote — enter your age and travel dates. Monthly billing, cancel anytime, covers most nomad-visa requirements.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you buy through this widget, at no extra cost to you — it helps keep Settled Nomad free.
Does the Costa Rica digital nomad visa trigger tax residency?
Tax residency in Costa Rica is typically triggered after spending 183 days in a calendar year. If you stay under this threshold, you may avoid Costa Rica tax residency — but you still have obligations in your home country.
183 days in a calendar year triggers Costa Rican tax residency, though the territoriality system means only Costa Rican-source income is taxed — foreign remote income is generally not subject to Costa Rican income tax. This makes it one of the more tax-efficient residency options in the region.
Banking and money in Costa Rica
USD is widely accepted alongside colones, especially in tourist areas, for rent, and in Escazú/Santa Ana. ATMs dispense both currencies. Wise is recommended for receiving money. Local bank accounts (Banco Nacional, BCR) require a cédula de residencia — not practical for short-stay nomads. Most coworking spaces and landlords in expat areas are comfortable with USD transactions.
Where to live in Costa Rica on the Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Full Costa Rica guide →Every city we cover in Costa Rica — cost of living, neighborhoods, and visa-friendly logistics.
Check your eligibility
Our visa eligibility checker covers Costa Rica and 40+ other countries — compare options side by side.
Need help with your application?
Visa requirements change fast and mistakes are costly. A qualified immigration attorney can review your application, flag issues before they become rejections, and handle filings on your behalf.
Disclosure: This link may earn Settled Nomad a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa?
Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa allows a 1-year stay, renewable for a further year. Requires proof of remote income of at least USD 3,000/month (or USD 4,000 with dependants), valid health insurance covering Costa Rica, and a clean criminal record. Apply at a Costa Rican consulate before travel.
How much income do I need for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa requires proof of at least $3,000 per month in remote income. Income proof typically includes bank statements, employment contracts, or client invoices.
Does the Costa Rica digital nomad visa lead to tax residency?
In Costa Rica, tax residency is typically triggered after 183 days in a calendar year. 183 days in a calendar year triggers Costa Rican tax residency, though the territoriality system means only Costa Rican-source income is taxed — foreign remote income is generally not subject to Costa Rican income tax. This makes it one of the more tax-efficient residency options in the region.
Can US citizens get the Costa Rica Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa?
Yes — US citizens can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists, and can apply for the Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa to extend their stay legally for remote work.
Related
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, income requirements, and processing times change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official Costa Rica government website or consulate before applying. Settled Nomad is not responsible for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.