🇨🇷 How to Apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica allows digital nomads to experience its stunning country whilst working remotely by offering an attractive international residency program.
With this program, you can extend your 90-day tourist visa up to a full year and even renew it for another year.
This article will summarise the four most important steps to successfully apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa.
Before you depart make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is the perfect solution for digital professionals looking to travel and work abroad. It allows them to legally work and live in a country for a specific period of time whilst earning a remote income.
Each country's digital nomad visa has its own set of requirements, so it's important to do your research before applying.
All in all, this type of visa is growing in popularity among countries looking for ways to attract foreign talent who will inject income into the local economy and professionals looking for more flexible and freedom-focused lifestyles.
Requirements for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
📄 Valid Travel Document
At least three months validity from the date of arrival in the country.
💶 Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income
You must earn at least $3,000 per month
($4,000 per month if you bring the family along)
🚑 Medical Insurance
Your health policy must cover you for the duration of the visa.
4 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
❗️ Required Documents
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements with Signed Affidavit
- Remote Work Verification
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application
When your documents have been collected and translated, you can submit them electronically on the Tramite Ya Platform.
You will have to create an account and a digital signature to be able to upload your documents. It is also possible to visit the nearest Costa Rica Consulate if you need advice.
⏳ Step 3: Wait for Approval
The Costa Rican authorities will take approximately two weeks to review your Costa Rica application form and inform you whether your request was accepted or declined.
Step 4 – Secure your Residence Documents
After your request is approved, you will have a 90-day window to acquire a residency permit with biometric data upon arriving in Costa Rica.
You will have to make an appointment in the country and bring all the documents you need to apply for the visa.
At your appointment, you must make two payments – one of them is $100 to the Costa Rican government and one of $90 for the immigration document.
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $3,000 ( + $1000 if you bring your family along) per month Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend a further year) Cost of Visa $190 Processing Time 14 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 8/10 Tax Obligations None Global Peace Index Ranking 29/163
🌺 Why Costa Rica is a great place for Remote Workers
Costa Rica is a great place to be a digital nomad due to its low cost of living, excellent public healthcare system, beautiful scenery and easy access to nature.
It also has excellent infrastructure for fast and reliable internet connection, making it easier to stay connected with colleagues and clients remotely.
An added bonus is digital nomads will not be considered typical residents for tax purposes, meaning that they will be exempt from meeting the "formal and material duties" to the General Directorate of Taxation of the Costa Rican Ministry of Finance.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
What is the visa requirement for Costa Rica as a digital nomad?
To apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, you must have a valid passport, proof of remote work, meet the monthly income requirement, and provide evidence of health insurance. You will also need to submit all documents in Spanish and go through an application process on the Tramite Ya Platform.
How long does the Costa Rica Visa application take?
The Costa Rican immigration authorities will take approximately two weeks to review your application form and inform you whether your request was accepted or declined thereafter.
Do US citizens need a tourist visa for Costa Rica?
Yes, US citizens must have a valid passport and a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica.
Do you need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Costa Rica?
If travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission and children younger than nine months, a yellow fever vaccine is required. It is recommended that you check the latest health requirements before your trip.
How much is a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
To process your application, you must make two payments – one of them is $100 to the Costa Rican government and one of $90 for the immigration document.
How Many Months Can I Stay in Costa Rica With the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed afterwards.
Can I bring my spouse and dependents on a digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependents in the digital nomad visa application.