Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: 7 Key Requirements (2026)

The Costa Rica digital nomad visa lets you live in Costa Rica for a full year. You keep working remotely for employers or clients abroad.

You can renew it for a second year. That gives you up to two years to test life in Costa Rica before you commit to anything permanent.

Costa Rica is known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, which means “pure life.” The phrase sums up the easygoing pace that draws remote workers to the country.

I sold my house, my car and most of what I owned to move abroad myself. I lived in South Africa and France. I built this site so you can compare countries with the real requirements in front of you.

This guide covers who qualifies, what it costs, how to apply on the Trámite Ya platform, and how taxes work. If you are still weighing other options, start with our guide to the best countries for Americans to move abroad.

Key Takeaways: 7 Requirements at a Glance

• Remote income from outside Costa Rica of at least $3,000 a month for one applicant, as of October 2026.
• A higher income threshold if you bring family members, covered in the income section below.
• Medical insurance with at least $50,000 in coverage for your whole stay, as of October 2026.
• A valid passport and a completed application form.
• A government payment of $100, plus a small bank charge, as of October 2026.
• Supporting documents translated into Spanish.
• An application filed online through Trámite Ya, the platform used by Costa Rica’s immigration authority.

Understanding the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

The program comes from a law Costa Rica passed in 2021 to attract remote workers. Applications opened online in August 2022, according to RACSA, the state agency that runs the platform.

It gives you a legal way to stay longer than a tourist entry allows. Below you will find who qualifies, how it differs from a tourist stay, and how renewal works.

Eligibility Criteria

You must prove a stable income that comes from outside Costa Rica. Bank statements or an accountant’s certification are the usual ways to show it.

You also need medical insurance that covers you in Costa Rica for the full length of your stay.

Your passport must be valid, and your supporting documents must be translated into Spanish. Families can apply together, as long as every dependent is also insured.

You can file the application online from home or from inside Costa Rica.

Differences from a Tourist Stay

A tourist entry is set by the officer at the border and is meant for visiting, not living. The digital nomad visa turns that short stay into a full year of legal residence.

The program is built around your remote job. It also brings benefits tourists do not get. These include local bank accounts and an income tax exemption on foreign earnings.

Duration and Renewal

The first permit lasts one year. You can apply to renew it for one more year, according to Costa Rica’s tourism board as of October 2026.

When you renew, expect to show again that you meet the income and insurance rules.

Start the renewal well before your permit ends. Keeping your records organized from day one makes the second application much easier.

Application Process for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa comes down to three jobs. You gather documents, file online, and pay the government fee.

Each step is simple on its own. Most delays come from missing translations or mismatched income records.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create an account on Trámite Ya, the platform RACSA runs for the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs (DGME).
2. Select the digital nomad option and fill in the application form.
3. Upload your passport, proof of income, insurance policy and translations.
4. Make the $100 government payment and keep the receipt, since you will need to upload it.
5. Submit the file and watch your email for requests for more information.
6. Once approved, follow the instructions DGME sends you to finish the process.

When the platform opened in August 2022, RACSA said DGME reviews files in about 15 business days. Treat that as a guide, not a promise, and leave extra time in your plans.

Required Documents

Gather everything before you start the form. The core list is short.

• A valid passport and a copy of its main page
• The completed application form
• Proof of income from outside Costa Rica
• A medical insurance policy that meets the coverage rule
• Proof of the $100 government payment
• Spanish translations of documents written in another language

Keep digital copies of every file. You will upload them, and you may be asked for them again at renewal.

Online Application

The whole application runs on Trámite Ya. After you create an account, choose the digital nomad program and complete each section.

Double check names, dates and passport numbers before you submit. A typo can send your file back and restart the clock.

Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep your contact details current so you do not miss a request from DGME.

Financial Essentials and Taxes

To qualify, you have to show you can support yourself without a Costa Rican job. That means clear proof of income, clean bank records and the government fee.

Proof of Stable Income

As of October 2026, a single applicant needs a stable net income of at least $3,000 a month. That figure appears on the official Costa Rica tourism board page and in RACSA’s 2022 launch notice.

The family threshold is less clear. RACSA’s 2022 notice lists $4,000 a month for a family application. The tourism board page lists $5,000 as of October 2026.

Because the two official sources differ, confirm the current family figure with DGME before you apply. Plan around the higher number if you want a safe margin.

Your income must come from sources outside Costa Rica. Employment contracts, pay slips and business income statements all help. For a side by side view of thresholds in other countries, see our digital nomad visa income requirements comparison.

Bank Statements and a Costa Rican Bank Account

Submit recent bank statements that match the income you claim. Deposits should line up with your contracts or pay slips.

Once you hold the visa, you can open an account at a Costa Rican bank, according to the tourism board. A local account makes rent and utility payments easier.

Handling Immigration Fees

As of October 2026, the tourism board lists a government payment of $100. Banco de Costa Rica, which receives the funds, adds a $15 charge.

Translation and notary costs come on top of that, and they vary by provider. Get quotes early so the total does not surprise you.

Save every receipt in both digital and paper form. You will need proof of payment for your file.

How Taxes Work on This Visa

Costa Rica’s tourism board states that digital nomads are exempt from income tax, as of October 2026. The board also lists a customs duty waiver on telecommunications and electronic devices, with conditions.

That exemption does not cover your US obligations. The IRS says US citizens living abroad are taxed on worldwide income, so you still file a US return.

Talk to a tax professional who works with Americans abroad before you move. Your situation depends on how you earn and where your clients are.

Health and Insurance Requirements

Medical insurance is one of the firm rules of the program. Your policy must protect you for every day you live in Costa Rica.

Medical Insurance Options

The tourism board says you can use an international plan or a policy from a regulated Costa Rican insurer.

Compare what each plan covers for hospital stays, doctor visits and emergencies. Some plans also add dental or vision cover.

To learn how the public and private systems work, read our guide to healthcare in Costa Rica for expats.

Minimum Coverage and Validity

As of October 2026, the tourism board says your policy must cover at least $50,000. It must stay valid for the full duration of your stay.

Any dependents who come with you must be covered as well.

Match your policy dates to your visa dates to avoid gaps. Ask each insurer to confirm in writing that the plan meets the rule.

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Costa Rica

Living in Costa Rica on a remote income mixes work with time outdoors. The country packs beaches, volcanoes and rainforest into a small area.

Accommodations and Living Costs

Housing ranges from shared rooms to private houses near the beach. San José and Tamarindo are two good places to start your search.

Monthly rentals let you try an area before you sign a longer lease. Costs swing widely by town and season, so check current listings rather than relying on old averages.

For a full picture of the country, start with our Costa Rica guide for Americans. To compare prices with other options, read our list of the cheapest countries for Americans to live.

Connectivity and Tech Infrastructure

Internet is generally strongest in and around San José, including suburbs such as Escazú. Rural and beach areas can be less reliable.

Before you book a long stay, ask your host for a recent speed test. A backup mobile data plan protects you during outages.

Coworking spaces in larger towns give you a quieter place to work and a way to meet people.

Integrating into the Pura Vida

“Pura Vida” is used as a greeting, a thank you and a way of describing life. Learning how locals use it helps you settle in.

Join local events and community activities. They are one of the easiest ways to make friends and practice your Spanish.

Legal and Administrative Details

The digital nomad visa is a migration status, so it sits inside Costa Rica’s wider immigration system. Knowing how it connects to other residency paths helps you plan ahead.

Working with Immigration Lawyers

Costa Rica’s tourism board notes that no legal assistance is required to apply. You can file the application on your own.

A lawyer can still help if your income records are complex or if Spanish paperwork worries you. Choose one who regularly handles DGME files.

Some relocation firms also help with housing and translations. Compare fees before you sign anything.

Residency Permit and Categories

Costa Rica offers several residency categories with different rules. The digital nomad visa is a temporary stay category.

If you want to stay longer than the visa allows, ask DGME or a lawyer which category fits you.

Once approved, you can also have your home country driver’s license validated, according to the tourism board.

Preparing for Your Move to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica for a year takes more than booking a flight. Pack for the climate and learn the local customs before you land.

What to Pack

Bring your passport, printed copies of your visa file and your insurance documents.

Rain gear matters in a country with long wet seasons. Pack light clothing for the coast and a few warmer layers for the mountains.

Bring the tech you need for work, plus chargers and spare cables. Good walking shoes and a Spanish phrase app will help in daily life.

Understanding Local Culture and Practices

Family plays a central role in Costa Rican life, and people appreciate questions about it in conversation.

Costa Ricans care deeply about the environment. Follow local recycling rules and respect protected areas.

Show interest in local festivals, crafts and food. Small efforts like these help you feel at home faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?

As of October 2026, a single applicant needs at least $3,000 a month in income from outside Costa Rica. You also need medical insurance with at least $50,000 in coverage. Family applicants face a higher income threshold, so confirm the current figure with DGME.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica with a digital nomad visa?

The first permit lasts one year. You can apply to renew it for one more year, as long as you still meet the requirements.

What documents do I need to apply for a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica?

You need a valid passport, the application form, proof of income, an insurance policy and proof of the government payment. Documents in other languages must be translated into Spanish.

Can I bring my family with me on a digital nomad visa for Costa Rica?

Yes. You must show a higher income and provide insurance for each family member who comes with you.

How much does it cost to apply for a Costa Rica digital nomad visa?

As of October 2026, the tourism board lists a $100 government payment plus a $15 bank charge. Translation and notary fees are extra.

Are there any restrictions on the type of remote work I can do in Costa Rica?

Your income must come from employers or clients outside Costa Rica. The visa is not a permit to take a local job.

Still deciding between countries? Get matched to your top countries for moving abroad with our free country match quiz.

Is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Right for You?

Do you earn a steady remote income and want a year or two in Costa Rica? The Costa Rica digital nomad visa is a clear, legal way to do it.

The paperwork is manageable when you prepare it in order. Line up your income records, insurance and translations first, then file on Trámite Ya.

Check every figure with DGME before you apply, since program details can change. Then you can plan your move with confidence.