Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work Remotely in Paradise

Costa Rica pairs rainforests, two coastlines, and a famous Pura Vida pace with a digital nomad visa built for remote workers. If you earn your income online from outside the country, this permit lets you live there legally for up to two years without paying local income tax. Here is how it works in 2026.

What the visa is

Costa Rica's digital nomad visa comes from Law 10008, passed to attract remote workers and international service providers. It grants a one year stay, renewable once for a second year, for people whose income comes entirely from abroad. It is aimed at freelancers, business owners, and employees of foreign companies.

Who qualifies

• Monthly income of at least 3,000 US dollars if you apply alone, proven over the past year.
• Income of at least 4,000 US dollars if you bring dependents such as a spouse or children.
• A valid passport and proof of remote work or business ownership.
• Health insurance covering at least 50,000 US dollars for your whole stay.

The perks that come with it

Beyond the tropical setting, the visa carries real practical benefits. Your foreign income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax. You can open a local bank account, drive on your home country license for the visa period, and import work equipment without the usual import tax. Family members can be included under the same application.

How to apply

The process runs online through the government platform. Gather your passport, proof of income with about twelve months of bank statements, and your insurance policy. Documents not in Spanish need a certified translation. After you submit and pay the roughly 100 US dollar fee, the first review usually takes about two weeks. Once approved, enter Costa Rica and finalize your permit within the allowed window.

Where to base yourself

Tamarindo and Nosara on the Pacific coast draw surfers and a strong nomad crowd. The Central Valley around San Jose offers cooler weather, fast internet, and lower costs. Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side is slower and cheaper. Wherever you land, connectivity in the main hubs is good enough for video calls and daily remote work.

Is foreign income really tax free in Costa Rica?

Yes. The digital nomad visa exempts income earned abroad from Costa Rican income tax, as long as your earnings come from outside the country. You are still responsible for taxes in your home country, so check your obligations there. For most nomads the exemption makes a one or two year stay very efficient.

How much money do you need to live in Costa Rica?

Many nomads live well on 1,500 to 2,500 US dollars a month, though beach towns in high season cost more. Rent, lifestyle, and location drive the difference, with the Central Valley the best value. Pair the visa's tax exemption with steady remote income and the numbers work comfortably. If you are still building that income, read our guide on how digital nomads make money.

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