Tired of the daily grind and dreaming of a life on the road? Enter the world of digital nomads! These are individuals who work remotely, often online, and have the freedom to travel and work from anywhere in the world.
One of the best countries for digital nomads is Costa Rica, and it’s easy to see why. With stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a thriving expat community, more and more digital nomads are heading to Costa Rica. With a living cost comparable to Mexico, it also boasts excellent weather and easy access to outdoor activities, from surfing and hiking to wildlife watching and even zip lining through the rainforest.
Moreover, the Costa Rica digital nomad visa offers remote workers a staying period for up to two full years! Consider that a sign to stop wishing and make your dream of working from a tropical paradise finally a reality. Ready to get yourself a Costa Rica nomad visa? Let’s get started!
What is Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa?
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is also known as the Costa Rica Rentista Visa or Person of Independent Means Visa. It is issued to freelancers, self-employed people, business owners and remote workers who can prove they have a fixed income of at least USD $3,000 per month for an individual or $4,000 per month for a family.
While Costa Rica’s nomad visa is strictly for those who do not work or receive payment from a Costa Rican company, one notable thing about it is you are allowed to open a business in Costa Rica with this visa. However, to be employed as a salaried staff for a business or company, or even to study or volunteer, a different type of Costa Rica work visa is needed instead.
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is valid for one year with the possibility of extension for a second year. You will just need to make sure you have lived in Costa Rica for at least 80 days of the first year in order to qualify.
Other options for Costa Rica digital nomads
If you don’t meet the income requirements or the Costa Rica nomad visa isn’t suitable to you for any other reason, your best option is a 90-day tourist visa. This visa is usually granted to people who do not seek employment and are on a short visit for leisure purposes.
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a Costa Rica tourist visa to visit the country. For example, US nationals do not require an entry visa to visit Costa Rica. You only need to have a valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days (either to your home country or connecting to another country). Other nationals may need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. Here is a link explaining the requirements for all nationalities.
Costa Rica digital nomad visa requirements
To apply for Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa, there are a series of steps to follow. But fret not! They are pretty easy to navigate and achieve. Moreover, a response is typically provided within 15 days at the latest and online application is a possibility. Many countries don’t have an online application option and make you wait longer (months) to receive a response. For digital-first folks who like to move fast, Costa Rica’s is one of the best digital nomad visas out there.
Do note that under Costa Rican law, any documents that are required for an application or have been issued in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation in Spanish. To avoid any delays or issues with your application, it's important to make sure you have all necessary translations completed by an authorized translator. All documents should be printed, completed, and uploaded as PDFs to your online application.
Documents needed to apply for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa:
An application form. This short form requests basic personal information and will need to be signed by the applicant (you) or your representative. The process is available online through the digital platform Tramite Ya or in person at the Costa Rican embassy or consulate. (The process usually goes faster if you apply online.)
Payment receipt to the government of Costa Rica in the amount of USD $100.
A copy of your valid passport, the first and the last page, as well as the page containing the Costa Rican entry stamp if you are already in Costa Rica. Make sure that your passport is in good condition.
Proof of income, such as bank statements for the last 12 months, along with an affidavit. The required amount per individual is a minimum of $3,000 per month, or combined $4,000 for a family. Also note it’s important to demonstrate that your income is steady and the same amount every month. If you’re a freelancer, you might want to think about forming an LLC and paying yourself a stable monthly income that way.
A declaration letter and employment contract or freelance contracts saying you will be working remotely from Costa Rica for a company in a third-party country.
Medical insurance or travel insurance that covers the full duration of your stay or at least USD $50,000.
Proof of accommodation for the length of your stay.
If relevant, you may also need to complete some forms about your spouse or children who may be accompanying you.
How to apply for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa
Now that you know the documents needed to apply, let’s get to the actual process step-by-step:
Complete the registration form (online or offline), and pay the application fee. Note: If you intend to apply offline with physical documents, visit the Costa Rican embassy or consulate.
Make an appointment on the official web portal of the Directorate General for Migration (DGME) with the purpose of submitting your documents. The website portal is only available in a Spanish version, so you may have to ask for someone’s assistance.
Once all the documents and the $100 application fee have been submitted, and you’ve paid an additional USD $90 registration fee, you can expect a response from the Costa Rican Immigration Department within 15 days.
If there is a problem with the application, a warning will be issued by the visa processing office. You’ll be given a chance to revise or clarify the application within 8 days of receiving the file. Failure to do so will result in automatic visa rejection.
Lastly, once you’re approved and you enter Costa Rica on your digital nomad visa, you’ll have 90 days to secure a residency permit from a local immigration official. This costs another $50 and is necessary - if you don’t do it, your visa can become void. You’ll receive details on how to go about this when your application is approved.
Benefits of being a digital nomad in Costa Rica
Over the years, Costa Rica has gained a reputation as one of the best digital nomad destinations. Stunning natural beauty and eco-tourism aside, it’s a country with relative stability and democracy coming from a long history of peace and neutrality. The nomad visa makes it easy to base yourself in Costa Rica and see all the beauty this country has to offer.
If you love taking road trips, this is one of the best digital nomad visas in the world. It gives you the ability to drive around Costa Rica on your home country’s driver’s license, making it super convenient to explore anywhere you want to go.
Costa Rica also has excellent infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity and affordable living costs - all the essentials that digital nomads are looking for. Here are some of the benefits of being a digital nomad in Costa Rica:
Tourism Offerings
Costa Rica's tourism industry is well-developed, offering an abundance of activities and excursions, as well as delicious cuisines for digital nomads to enjoy during their free time. It’s a country very defined by peace, sustainability, and hospitality, making many tourists turn long-term visitors and even digital nomads along the way.
Destination Itself
According to a study by InsureMyTrip, Costa Rica ranks in the top 10 digital nomad destinations worldwide. Between internet connectivity, geographic location, climate, and time zone, Costa Rica offers plenty of advantages. Digital nomads can choose to work from a variety of destinations, from coastal towns like Tamarindo and Jaco to mountainous regions like Monteverde.
Legal Benefits
It’s legal to live in Costa Rica as a digital nomad and be exempt from tax payment as dictated by the Costa Rican tax law. You can also use the driver’s license from your home country as identification for the full duration of your stay.
Living Costs
While not the cheapest country in Central America, Costa Rica is still relatively affordable. The official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but USD is accepted in most local stores, making it easier for digital nomads to integrate into life here quickly.
Safety
According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is considered the safest country in Latin America. It's also the most peaceful country in Central America with a low violent crime rate and high political stability.
One last thing before you pack your bags for paradise. You’ll need to learn the most popular slang in the country - It means “pure life” or “simple life” and is an expression meant to encourage everyone to enjoy life, take it easy, and bask in the beauty around you. With all that Costa Rica has to offer, that shouldn’t be too difficult to accomplish!