Visa name
Estancia Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 10.008)
Duration
1 year initial, renewable for 1 additional year (2 years total)
Minimum income
$3,000/mo (~3,000 USD/mo)
Family & residency
Family allowed · no PR path
Verified as of April 10, 2026. Visa rules change often — always re-verify with the official Costa Rica source before applying.
Who qualifies
The Estancia Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 10.008) is designed for remote workers whose income comes from outside Costa Rica. Meeting every single requirement matters — consulates reject applications for single missing documents. Here is the full checklist as published by Costa Rica's immigration authority.
- •Monthly income of at least $3,000 USD for individuals, or $4,000 USD for a family unit, sustained for the prior 12 months
- •Employment or contract with an entity outside Costa Rica, OR self-employment serving non-Costa Rican clients
- •Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- •Medical insurance with minimum $50,000 coverage valid throughout the visa duration
- •Clean criminal record from country of residence (apostilled)
- •Application submitted to Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
Best suited for: Remote workers earning $36,000+ USD per year who want a Central American base · US nomads seeking same time zone and easy flights · Outdoor-oriented professionals (surfing, hiking, wildlife)
How much you need
USD monthly
$3,000
Native monthly
3,000 USD
Annual USD
$36,000
That income threshold exists to ensure you can actually live in Costa Rica without relying on local benefits. In practice, it should cover rent, groceries, health insurance, transportation, and leave a buffer.
Income thresholds are reviewed by Costa Rica's government periodically. Always confirm the current figure via the official source.
Tax implications
Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax basis — only Costa Rica-source income is taxed. Digital Nomad Visa holders are explicitly exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-source income. They are also exempt from import duties on personal equipment (laptops, cameras, phones) brought into the country, and can convert foreign currency at any bank using only the visa as ID.
Tax outcomes depend on your personal circumstances, your home country's rules, and any tax treaties. Do not rely on this summary as tax advice — consult a qualified advisor licensed in both Costa Rica and your home country before making decisions.
Application process
The process below reflects the current official procedure. Timelines are approximate — embassy workloads and document legalization can add weeks.
- 1
Gather documents: 12 months of bank statements, employment/freelance proof, health insurance, criminal record
- 2
Apostille or authenticate foreign documents
- 3
Submit application online via the DGME portal (tramiteya.go.cr or via a licensed Costa Rican immigration lawyer)
- 4
Pay the application fee: approximately $190 USD to DGME + $100 change-of-category fee
- 5
Enter Costa Rica on a tourist stamp (most Western passports get 90 days visa-free)
- 6
Complete biometrics and fingerprinting at DGME in San José
- 7
Receive the Estancia digital nomad residence card (DIMEX) within 30-90 days
Known gotchas
Every digital nomad visa has sharp edges that are not obvious until you are deep in the process. These are the issues that trip up Costa Rica applicants most often — we would rather you know now than discover them at the consulate.
Gotcha #1: The 2-year maximum is capped — there is no renewal beyond year 2 and no path to permanent residency through this visa
Gotcha #2: Costa Rica's CAJA (social security) is NOT required for nomad visa holders but IS required if you try to switch to another residency category
Gotcha #3: Rent in San José, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa has risen 40-60% since the visa launched; $1,500-2,500/month for furnished 1BR is now typical
Gotcha #4: Internet outside of San José, Escazú, Tamarindo, and Jacó can be inconsistent — verify speeds before committing to a lease
Gotcha #5: The 12-month sustained-income requirement is strict; one dip below $3,000 can cause rejection
Compare with other nomad destinations
Many nomads evaluate 3-5 countries before settling on a base. Here is how Costa Rica stacks up against the other major 2026 programs by minimum income and duration.
Compare
Portugal → D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Compare
Spain → Digital Nomad Visa (Visado de Teletrabajador Internacional)
Compare
Thailand → Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Compare
Mexico → Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal)
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
The Estancia Digital Nomad Visa (Ley 10.008) requires approximately 3,000 USD monthly (about $3,000 per month in USD equivalent). This threshold is set by Costa Rica's government and is updated periodically — always verify the current figure with the official source before applying. Income must typically be demonstrated with 3-12 months of bank statements or pay stubs, depending on the consulate.
How long can I stay in Costa Rica on this visa?
Duration: 1 year initial, renewable for 1 additional year (2 years total). This visa does not count toward permanent residency; it is a dedicated remote worker route with defined time limits.
Do I have to pay Costa Rica income tax as a digital nomad?
Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax basis — only Costa Rica-source income is taxed. Digital Nomad Visa holders are explicitly exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign-source income. They are also exempt from import duties on personal equipment (laptops, cameras, phones) brought into the country, and can convert foreign currency at any bank using only the visa as ID.
Can I bring my family on the Costa Rica nomad visa?
Yes — spouses, registered partners, and dependent children can usually be included in the same application as dependents. Each dependent typically requires separate documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificates, financial proof that the main applicant's income covers the whole family). Fees per dependent vary by country.
What are the most common reasons Costa Rica digital nomad visa applications get rejected?
The top rejection reasons are: (1) insufficient or inconsistent income documentation — one dip below the threshold across 3-12 months can trigger rejection; (2) health insurance that does not meet Costa Rica's specific coverage requirements; (3) incomplete apostille/legalization of foreign documents, especially criminal record certificates; (4) attempting to convert a tourist visa from inside Costa Rica when the rules require applying from abroad. Specific to Costa Rica: The 2-year maximum is capped — there is no renewal beyond year 2 and no path to permanent residency through this visa
Sources & verification
This guide was compiled from the official Costa Rica government immigration authority and verified on April 10, 2026. Because visa rules change frequently, always confirm the current requirements directly with the official source before you book flights or submit documents.
- Primary source: https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Categorias%20Migratorias/Estancia.aspx
- Data sources policy: /data-sources
AffordWhere does not provide legal or tax advice. This guide is educational and should be paired with consultation from a qualified Costa Rica immigration lawyer and cross-border tax advisor before you apply.
See what your salary actually buys in Costa Rica
Calculate your real take-home pay and savings