Costa Rica is a beautiful country that always lands on lists of top countries for digital nomads. Its renewable digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay in the country to visit tourist attractions, enjoy great Wi-Fi, pay no taxes, and even be able to use their U.S. driver’s license during their stay.
Costa Rica has recently become a popular destination for digital nomads seeking to work and live abroad. To make the process easier for these location-independent workers, the government of Costa Rica has introduced the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa.
This new visa program aims to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs to the country by offering them a way to legally reside and work in Costa Rica for up to one year. The program has already attracted significant interest from the global digital nomad community, making it an exciting opportunity for those seeking a new lifestyle in a tropical paradise.
The Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent opportunity for ex-pats, freelancers, and remote workers to live and work in one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.
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Why Do Digital Nomads Like To Go To Costa Rica?
Why do digital nomads like to go to Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica is known for its stunning natural beauty, including tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, making it an attractive destination for those seeking adventure and outdoor activities.
- It offers a high quality of life, a stable political climate, good healthcare, and a friendly local population.
- The cost of living is relatively low compared to other developed countries, allowing digital nomads to stretch their budgets further.
- Costa Rica has a well-established and growing digital nomad community, with co-working spaces, networking events, and other resources available to support location-independent workers.
The recent introduction of the Costa Rica digital nomad visa has made it easier for digital nomads to legally stay and work in the country without paying income taxes there for one to two years, further cementing its appeal as a top destination for remote workers.
What’s To See There?
Costa Rica is known for its lush beauty, diverse landscapes, and ecosystems. Some of the top sights to see in Costa Rica include:
- Arenal Volcano National Park: home to the active Arenal Volcano, as well as hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: a misty cloud forest with a unique ecosystem, including over 2,500 plant species, 400 bird species, and hundreds of types of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: a popular beach and rainforest park with hiking trails, white sand beaches, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
- Tortuguero National Park: a remote area on the Caribbean coast known for its canals, mangrove forests, and sea turtles that come to nest on the beaches from July to October.
- Corcovado National Park: a remote rainforest park on the Osa Peninsula featuring abundant wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and scarlet macaws.
Aside from its natural beauty, Costa Rica has a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant cities like San José, colorful markets, and delicious local cuisine to explore.
The 411 On The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
The Costa Rica digital nomad visa was introduced in 2021 to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs to the country. The renewable visa allows digital nomads to legally reside and work in Costa Rica for up to one year.
The Costa Rican government has been actively promoting the visa and supporting the growth of the digital nomad community with resources such as co-working spaces, networking events, and other support services.
How Long Can You Stay There?
Tourists from many countries, including the United States, can stay a maximum of 90 days in Costa Rica without a visa. Many who work from there need to go outside the country and return to start a new period of residency.
However, the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa allows location-independent workers to legally stay and work in the country for up to a year. They can then renew the visa for a year after that.
Visa policies can change, so always check the latest information with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
Why Is The Duration An Advantage?
The duration of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa, which allows location-independent workers to stay and work in the country for up to one year, is an advantage for several reasons.
- A year (or maybe two) allows digital nomads to fully immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture and lifestyle and explore the country’s many natural and cultural attractions at their leisure.
- They have a stable and predictable base for remote work without the stress and uncertainty of moving or applying for new visas, a costly and time-consuming process.
- Thirdly, digital nomads can build deeper relationships with the local community and participate in longer-term projects or collaborations with Costa Rican businesses or organizations.
Overall, the longer duration of the visa provides digital nomads with greater flexibility and opportunities to make the most of their time in Costa Rica. They do not have to worry about frequently renewing the visa or moving elsewhere
What Are The Provisions For Entering Costa Rico?
Travelers entering Costa Rica must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before their flight. They must also purchase medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related medical treatment or quarantine expenses while in Costa Rica.
Visitors have to complete an online health declaration form called the Pase de Salud or “Health Pass” before entering the country.
Travelers from some countries may require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Visitors from certain countries, such as Portugal, Spain, and Panama, are exempt from visa fees and may be eligible for a tourist visa or entry stamp, depending on the length of their stay.
What Are The Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads In Costa Rica?
The visa requirements for digital nomads in Costa Rica include the following documents:
- Applicants are required to show proof of income of at least USD 3.000 per month for their stay in Costa Rica through employment or self-employment.
- Digital nomads must purchase medical insurance covering COVID-19 medical treatment or quarantine expenses in Costa Rica.
- Applicants have to provide a criminal record certificate from their country of origin, indicating that they do not have a criminal record.
- Applicants must complete an online application form, provide a copy of their passport, and pay a fee of USD 50.
You must submit the documentation in Spanish. Any documentation in a language other than Spanish must be translated by a notary public in Costa Rica or an authorized translator from the applicant’s home country.
The application process is relatively straightforward but you must have a stable monthly income, proof of health insurance, and a valid passport. Other required documents are bank statements, birth certificates, and marriage certificates, depending on individual circumstances.
Tramite Ya, a digital platform, simplifies many bureaucratic procedures.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax In Costa Rica?
Digital nomads who reside in Costa Rica do not have to pay local tax, although they must still file U.S. taxes.
Those in Costa Rica on other visas for fewer than 183 days in a calendar year are not required to pay income tax in Costa Rica. However, those who live in Costa Rica for more than 183 days in a calendar year are considered tax residents and are subject to income tax on their worldwide income.
The new digital nomad visa offer substantial savings to nomads. as the income tax rate in Costa Rica ranges from 0% to 25%, depending on the income earned. It’s important to consult with a tax professional or the Costa Rican tax authorities to determine the exact tax obligations for individual circumstances.
Other Benefits Of The Digital Nomad Visas In Costa Rica
The Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent opportunity for ex-pats, freelancers, and remote workers to live and work in one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.
Aside from the tax benefits, digital nomads on this visa receive other benefits as well.
- Ability to open a national bank account in Costa Rica
- Validation of their home country’s driver’s license so they don’t have to get another one
- Can waive customs taxes on telecommunications and electronic devices necessary to fulfill remote work requirements
- Exemption from the need to obtain a residence permit
How Much Income Do You Need For A Digital Nomad Visa In Costa Rica?
Applicants for the Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica are required to demonstrate proof of income of at least USD 3,000 per month. For families, the minimum is $5,000 per month.
This income can be from employment or self-employment and needs to be guaranteed for the applicant’s stay in Costa Rica. To verify their income, applicants usually need to produce bank statements.
The income requirement ensures that applicants have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Costa Rica and contribute to the local economy.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Digital Nomad Visa In Costa Rica?
The processing time depends on various factors, such as the volume of applications, the completeness of the application, and other administrative factors.
The Costa Rican authorities aim to process visa applications within 30 business days.
