Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: The Complete Guide - for Remote Workers
Costa Rica offers extremely attractive features for the digital nomad: the beaches, the mountains, the pura vida lifestyle and — you may be surprised — fast internet.
On top of that, Costa Rica officially welcomed remote workers in 2022 with a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa. It is truly one of the more straightforward relocation paths available anywhere in the world.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what documents you need, how the application works, what it costs, and the real-world benefits once you arrive.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Costa Rica for up to one year — without applying for full residency or a local work permit. The visa is designed for three types of remote workers:
- Remote employees working for companies based outside Costa Rica.
- Freelancers providing services to international clients.
- Business owners whose company is registered outside of Costa Rica.
Important: the visa does not permit you to work for Costa Rican companies or clients, and it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa comes with a real advantages:
- Income tax exemption — your foreign-sourced income is not subject to Costa Rican income tax
- Import tax waiver on tech equipment — bring your laptop, monitors, and other work devices duty-free (conditions apply)
- Open a local bank account — access the Costa Rican national banking system, which is essential for daily life and paying rent
- Driver’s license validation — your home country driver’s license is valid for the duration of your visa — critical in a country where a vehicle is often essential
- No more border runs — eliminates the 90-day tourist visa exit requirement that many nomads previously managed with regular border crossings
- Renewable for a second year — if you spend at least 180 days in Costa Rica during your first year, you can renew for an additional 12 months
Requirements to Get the Visa
Income
Source
Insurance
Passport
• $3,000 USD per month for individual applicants
• $4,000 USD per month if you are bringing dependents (spouse, children)
Note: Some official sources list the family income threshold at $5,000 USD. We recommend budgeting to the higher figure to be safe and confirming the latest requirements before applying.
Your income must come exclusively from outside Costa Rica — whether from a foreign employer, international clients, or an overseas business.
You must have international health insurance that covers your entire stay in Costa Rica with a minimum coverage of $50,000 USD. Dependents must also be covered. Popular providers used by nomads include SafetyWing, World Nomads, AIG Travel Guard, Allianz, and IMG Global.
Your passport must be valid at the time of application. If you are already in Costa Rica, you will also need to provide a copy of your entry stamp page.
Getting Around Costa Rica -- Why You Need a Vehicle
Costa Rica doesn’t reward passengers!
The best kept secrets — a waterfall an hour off the main road, a surf break with nobody else on it, a mountain town where the coffee tastes different — are found by people who can go looking for them. Your Digital Nomad Visa gives you the legal freedom to stay. A reliable 4×4 or all-wheel drive SUV gives you the freedom to actually live here.
Costa Rica’s roads range from smooth highways to unpaved mountain tracks, and the rainy season (May through November) can turn secondary roads into serious challenges. For this reason, most experienced expats and nomads strongly recommend at least an AWD SUV.
An SUV or a pickup truck with 4×4 low range isn’t a must, but to maximize your exploration capability, and in certain areas of the country, it is advisable.
The good news: your home country driver’s license is valid under the Digital Nomad Visa, so you can legally drive from day one. At WheelsCR, we specialize in helping foreigners find, inspect, and purchase the right used or new vehicle — AWD SUVs and 4×4 pickups — with full purchase assistance so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Can I bring my family?
Yes! Spouses and children can be included in your application as dependents. The income threshold increases to $4,000–$5,000 USD per month and each dependent needs their own health insurance coverage.
I am already in Costa Rica - can I apply?
Yes. If you are already in the country on a tourist visa, you can apply from within Costa Rica. You will need to include a copy of your entry stamp as part of your application.
Does the Digital Nomad Visa lead to residency?
No. The visa allows up to two years of legal stay (one year plus one renewal) but does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to apply for a separate residency category.
Do I need an immigration attorney?
It is not required, but it is strongly recommended — especially for your first application. An attorney familiar with Costa Rican immigration can ensure your documents are correctly prepared and translated, which significantly reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
What happens after the two-year maximum?
After two years on the Digital Nomad Visa you would need to apply under a different immigration category, such as Rentista (passive income residency) or Pensionado, or temporarily leave and re-enter as a tourist while exploring your long-term options.
Digital Nomad Visa Fees and Expenses
Approximate Costs
- $115 USD — government application fee + $15 Banco de Costa Rica receiving fee
- $90 USD — secondary fee to certify your legal stay documents upon arrival
- $50–$150+ — Translation fees, depend on how many documents need translation seamless process that is well organized
- $20 to $50 — Apostille fees, per document
- $500–$1,500+ — Health Insurance, per year, depending on coverage and provider
Optional: immigration attorney or consultant, this is recommended for first-time applicants; fees typically range $300–$800 USD