Rentista or Digital Nomad Category: Which is Better for Living and Working in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has become a popular destination for expats worldwide, offering a welcoming community, beautiful scenery, and a comfortable standard of living. If you are considering living and working in Costa Rica, you may wonder which category is best for you: Rentista or Digital Nomad. This article will explore the differences between the two categories and help you decide which suits your needs.

What is the Rentista Category?

The Rentista category is a visa program designed for individuals with a steady stream of passive income, such as rental or retirement benefits. To qualify, applicants must show proof of a monthly income of at least $2,500 for at least two years through a bank statement or a letter from a financial institution. The Rentista visa allows individuals to live and work in Costa Rica for two years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years.

What is the Digital Nomad Category?

The Digital Nomad category is a new program launched in August 2020 to attract remote workers to Costa Rica. To qualify, applicants must show proof of employment with a company based outside of Costa Rica, a monthly income of at least $3,000, and health insurance coverage. The Digital Nomad visa allows individuals to work remotely from Costa Rica for one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year.

Rentista or Digital Nomad Category: Which is Better?

If you want to reside in Costa Rica longer, the Rentista category may be the better option. With a Rentista visa, you can live and work in the country for up to four years and bring your spouse and children under the age of 25 with you. On the other hand, the Digital Nomad category only offers a work permit for one year and applies to individual workers only.

However, if you are looking for flexibility, networking opportunities, and a cultural experience, the Digital Nomad category may be the better option. As a digital nomad, you can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection, allowing you to travel around the country and experience different parts of Costa Rica while still being able to work. Many digital nomads work in the technology industry, and Costa Rica is rapidly becoming a hub for tech startups, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with like-minded professionals. Living and working in Costa Rica as a digital nomad also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle, experiencing the country’s beautiful beaches, rainforests, and friendly people while earning a living.

Requirements for Rentista and Digital Nomad Categories

To apply for the Rentista category, you must submit an application to the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your home country. The application must include the required documents, such as proof of income, criminal record, and health certificates. The Rentista visa application process usually takes a few months to complete.

You must show proof of employment, income, and health insurance coverage to apply for the Digital Nomad category. Applicants must also provide a police certificate.

Rentista or Digital Nomad Category

The Rentista category may be the better option for those who wish to reside in Costa Rica for longer. In contrast, the Digital Nomad category is ideal for individuals who want to work remotely while experiencing the culture and lifestyle of Costa Rica. Regardless of your category, Costa Rica offers a welcoming and vibrant community for expats worldwide. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each category and determine which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for both the Rentista and Digital Nomad categories at the same time?

No, you can only apply for one category at a time.

Can I bring my family with me under the Rentista category?

Yes, Rentista visa holders can bring their spouse and children under the age of 25 with them.

Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for either category?

No, you don’t need to speak Spanish, but learning the language is always helpful if you plan on living and working in Costa Rica.

Can I work for a Costa Rican company under the Digital Nomad category?

No, the Digital Nomad category is intended for individuals who work remotely for companies outside of Costa Rica.

Can I renew my Rentista or Digital Nomad visa?

Yes, both categories can be renewed for two years and one year.

Can I work as an employee in Costa Rica under the Rentista visa category?

No, the Rentista visa category is designed for individuals with passive income, such as rental or retirement benefits. It does not allow individuals to work as an employee in Costa Rica.

Can I apply for the Digital Nomad category if I’m self-employed?

Yes, the Digital Nomad category allows self-employed individuals to apply for a work permit in Costa Rica. However, you must show proof of employment with a company based outside of Costa Rica.

Can I bring my family with me under the Digital Nomad category?

No, the Digital Nomad category only applies to the individual worker. However, if your spouse and children under 25 wish to stay with you in Costa Rica, they can apply for a temporary visa.

Can I renew my Rentista or Digital Nomad visa after it expires?

Yes, both the Rentista and Digital Nomad visas can be renewed for an additional period of time, usually for two years for Rentista visa holders and one year for Digital Nomad visa holders.

Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for a Rentista or Digital Nomad visa?

No, speaking Spanish is not required to apply for either the Rentista or Digital Nomad visa. However, having a little knowledge of the language can be helpful in everyday life.

Can I apply for permanent residency in Costa Rica under the Rentista or Digital Nomad category?

Yes, the Rentista and Digital Nomad visa categories can lead to permanent residency in Costa Rica if certain requirements are met. However, the Rentista visa category has a faster path to permanent residency.

Can I travel outside Costa Rica while holding a Rentista or Digital Nomad visa?

Yes, the Rentista and Digital Nomad visa holders can travel outside Costa Rica while their visa is valid. However, ensuring the visa is still valid upon re-entry into the country is important.

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