Costa Rica has two easy routes for remote workers: up to 180 days as a visitor, or its digital nomad visa, which adds a year (renewable once) and exempts foreign income from Costa Rican tax. This page covers both as of October 2026. Check the official immigration site (Migración) before applying.
Visitor Entry#
- Who: citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Australia and many others (visa group 1).
- Stay: up to 180 days, at the immigration officer’s discretion; the number of days is written on your entry stamp.
- Requirements: a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of funds of about $100 per month of stay.
- Leaving and returning: people often leave briefly, for example to Panama or Nicaragua, to start a new stay; officers can question frequent re-entries.
Digital Nomad Visa#
Costa Rica’s remote worker and service provider visa (Law 10008):
- Income: at least $3,000 a month ($4,000 with family) over the last 12 months, from employment or services for companies outside Costa Rica.
- Health insurance: covering the whole stay, with at least $50,000 of medical cover.
- Length: one year, renewable once for another year.
- Fees: about $100 for the application, plus about $90 for the DIMEX residence document.
- Benefits: foreign income exempt from Costa Rican income tax, the right to open a local bank account, to drive on your foreign licence, and to import equipment for work without duties.
- Family: a spouse and children can be included.
How to apply: online through the Migración portal, from abroad or while in Costa Rica on a visitor stay. Decisions usually take a few weeks.
Costa Rica's Visa Options Compared#
Costa Rica: Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker)
- Stay
- 1 year
- Valid for
- 1 year
- Renewal
- Once, for 1 more year
- Money required
- $3,000 a month ($4,000 with family) in each of the last 12 months
- Fee
- $100 plus about $90 for the document
- Who qualifies
- Remote employees and freelancers working for employers or clients outside Costa Rica.
- Family
- Spouse and children
- Tax
- Foreign income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax
- How to apply
- Online with the immigration authority (DGME). Official site
Health insurance must cover at least $50,000. You can also import your car or gear duty-free.
Costa Rica for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Costa Rica Visa FAQs#
Does Costa Rica have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. It needs $3,000 a month ($4,000 with family), lasts a year, renewable once, and exempts foreign income from Costa Rican tax.
How long can Americans stay in Costa Rica?
Up to 180 days as visitors, at the immigration officer’s discretion.
Can I apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa inside Costa Rica?
Yes. You can apply online from abroad or while in Costa Rica on a visitor stay.
Do I pay tax on the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
No. Foreign income earned by digital nomad visa holders is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.