Costa Rica's
Digital Nomad Visa
One of the best countries to live in the world just became more accessible.
Straightforward requirements and a streamlined application process make legally living in Costa Rica easier than ever.
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Is the Digital Nomad Visa Right for You?
Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa is extremely popular with several different types of expats:
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Families looking to live in Costa Ria for 1-2 years
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Young professionals with a year or two of remote work flexibility
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Individuals that want to live in Costa Rica before making a large investment decision
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Travelers who are want to stay in Costa Rica but don't know how long they'll be there
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And more!
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If you want to spend one to two years in Costa Rica, and the Pensionado, Rentista, or Inversionista visas are not good fits, the Digital Nomad Visa could be right for you!
How to Qualify for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa
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Digital nomads seeking to live and work in Costa Rica must have a stable income of at least US $3,000 a month if traveling alone and over US $4,000 a month if they bring family along. Applicants must prove this level of income for at lest the past 12 months.
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Income must come from a company that is registered outside of Costa Rica.
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Visa applicants must provide proof of health insurance for the duration of their stay before the in-person Step 4 appointment
Benefits of Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is not right for everyone. But it can be a safe, smart choice depending on your situation.
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Skip having to leave the country every 90 days on a tourist visa
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Protect any investment you've made (ie: purchased a car, enrolled your children in school) by guaranteeing that you'll be able to live in Costa Rica for the duration of your visa and not have any issue at the border
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Full exemption from Costa Rican income tax
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No import tax on personal equipment required for work such as personal computers, tablets, cameras, phones, etc.
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The initial duration of the digital nomad visa is 12 months. However, this can be extended by another 12 months, provided the visa applicant can provide proof of residence in Costa Rica for at least 180 days of the previous year.
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Per the law, Digital Nomads can bring up to 2 vehicles free of import tax.
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*NOTE: In practice, there are several aspects of the implementation of this benefit which makes the importation of vehicles as a Digital Nomad unadvisable. Email us or book a consultation to learn more.​
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Applying for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa
There are four steps to the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa application process
Create a TramiteYa Account
You can create an account on the Tramite Ya" platform
Submit a Filiation Procedure
Include your passport (+ translation if needed), and a passport-style photo
Submit your Step 3 Application
Make your in-person Step 3 payment at BancoCR. Procure your translations, and put together your Financial Solvency Submission to include in your application
Attend an In-Person Appointment
Call 1311 to schedule an appointment. Make your final bank payments before your appointment. Bring the necessary paperwork.
How Much You'll Pay While Applying for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa
There are several costs when applying for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa​
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Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Fees
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Step 3 fee - $100
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As of June 2023, this fee must be paid in-person at a BancoCR​
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Step 3 digital submission fee - ~$11
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Step 4 visa deposit - $100
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This fee must be paid in-person at a BancoCR​
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Step 4 fee - $128
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This fee must be paid in-person at a BancoCR​
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Translations
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You will need to procure translations of all of the documents you submit throughout the process from an accredited translator. Translation costs range between $15-$30 per page
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Apostille of Documents
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If your application includes dependents, you will need to procure marriage and/or birth certificates, re-issued within the last six months, to submit with the dependent's Step 3 application. These documents must be apostilled. This typically costs between $100-$300 depending on the state and county you will source the documents from.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Digital Nomad Visa application process take?
Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa?
Can I import a car duty free with Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa?
Can I get help with my Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa application?
Hear What Clients Are Saying
Wonderful service for moving abroad. I originally sought out help planning my move because I got overwhelmed with all the steps...If you're moving abroad, I recommend saving time and utilizing the amazing skills of this company.
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Nurse