Digital Nomads Visa in Costa Rica

We have excellent news for Digital Nomads who want to make their move to Costa Rica! On July 04, 2022, the president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, signed off on the implementing regulations (Ley 10.008), which is believed to be a key to the tourism recovery from the pandemic. This law is now fully effective!

So now, anyone may live in Costa Rica while working remotely outside the country with a calm mind. Unlike a tourist visa, this visa allows for a longer stay in the country.

What kind of jobs is possible for a digital nomads visa in Costa Rica?

• Programming;
• Digital marketing;
• Graphic design;
• Content creators;
• Writing;
• Editing skills;
• Creative skills;
• Organization and planning;
• Architecture-related skills, etc.

Advantages of working as a digital nomad in Costa Rica

There are certain benefits of becoming a digital nomad. For example, in flexible office space, you can work from anywhere with the internet. You do not need to follow the company’s dress code anymore. Work wearing clothes that are comfortable for you! You are the boss of your time and schedule, and you do not waste your valuable time on traffic jams on the way to work and back home. Therefore, it leads to less stressful working conditions. Everything is becoming more flexible, so you can enjoy your free time and explore Costa Rica. Moving around a lot, meeting new people, establishing new connections, discovering the beauty of Costa Rica, getting away from the same place routine, and working simultaneously – doesn’t it sound exciting?

Digital nomad visa

So, suppose you are ready to make Costa Rica your home, combine vacation mode, and work remotely simultaneously. In that case, you now have an opportunity to apply for a non-resident “Digital Nomad Visa” that includes a spouse and children under the age of 25. 

Specifications:

Remote workers can get a 1-year visa that can be extended for another year in Costa Rica if the applicant spends at least 180 days in the country during the first year. The good news is that they will be allowed to open local bank accounts and not be subject to local income taxes because they are not making money in Costa Rica.

Among other advantages that are mentioned in the new law are*:

• You will be able to drive in Costa Rica using your home country’s driver’s license as long as your digital nomad status is active (article 19);
• This visa includes exemption of import taxes for the importation of computers and other technical equipment needed to perform the digital nomad visa holder’s job and on up to 2 land, sea, or air vehicles. Those vehicles can be for the use of the visa holder, their partner, or dependents. 

* These benefits are subject to upcoming implementing regulations by the respective government departments.

What are the requirements to become a digital nomad in Costa Rica?

To qualify for Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa, you will need the following:

• Original bank statements and a signed affidavit need to be presented as proof of a consistent monthly salary fixed income of a minimum of $3,000 USD or more in the previous year. If the applicant wants to apply for benefits for their entire family, their income can be pooled with that of a spouse or other family member and must total at least $4,000 USD.
• Get medical insurance that covers the applicant for the duration of their stay in Costa Rica for coverage of $50,000 USD.
• Pay a Government fee to apply for a non-resident visa as a Worker or Remote Service Provider. 

Note: You cannot enter the local labor market and cannot compete with residents for jobs. This means you cannot work for a Costa Rican company. You must work for a company outside of Costa Rica.

Remember: the Digital Nomad doesn’t fall under the Residency category. So if you are granted this visa, you won’t be able to switch to Temporary Residency or Permanent Residency status later. For Temporary Residency status, CLICK HERE.

-Written by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap).

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Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)