Imiatlas

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: requirements and how to apply

1-year permit renewable for a second year with complete tax exemptions on foreign income.

Official Costa Rica digital nomad visa page

Estancia para Trabajador Remoto (Digital Nomad)

1-year permit renewable for a second year with complete tax exemptions on foreign income.

Typical duration
1 year renewable for 1 additional year (provided at least 180 days stayed in Year 1)
Path to permanent residency
Temporary stay (convertible to Rentista / Residencia)

Main requirements

  • Monthly income ≥ $3,000 USD (individual) or $4,000 USD (family)
  • Zero Costa Rican income tax liability

Official page

Documents usually needed for Costa Rica

  • Proof of monthly foreign income of at least $3,000 USD (or $4,000 USD if including family members) over the past 12 months
  • Bank statements certified by issuing bank with sworn translation if not in Spanish
  • Medical insurance policy covering the applicant throughout their stay in Costa Rica with $50,000+ medical expense coverage
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Online Tramite ¡Ya! Portal Submission

    Submit digital application on the official Migración y Extranjería portal with bank statements and health insurance.

    15 business days

  2. 2

    Digital Approval & Entry

    Receive official resolution letter and digital permit accreditation.

    Immediate post-approval

  3. 3

    DIMEX Card Biometrics

    Schedule appointment for physical DIMEX identification card processing.

    2 - 3 weeks

More about moving to Costa Rica

Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Costa Rica. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.

Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería on the official website before applying.