Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica officially joins the list of countries such as The Bahamas and Bermuda wishing to receive digital nomads. As of July 2022, the new law that benefits digital nomads who want to live in Costa Rica will be in effect. This initiative, which began in August 2021 when the law was enacted, will allow remote workers or digital nomads to access a visa and stay in the country for up to two years.
Costa Rica’s digital nomad law creates a new immigration classification that allows eligible applicants to receive a non-resident visa that also covers a spouse and children under the age of 25.
The new law is an attempt to encourage people to move to Costa Rica and the government hopes it will boost the country’s recovery from the turmoil of the global pandemic.
How to apply for the digital nomad residence permit in Costa Rica?
What is Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa?
It is a residency permit that allows the applicant to live legally in Costa Rica for a term of one year (with the possibility of extending that term) while working remotely.
Who can apply for the Costa Rica’s Digital Visa?
The requirement to get the visa are:
- Work for a non – Costa Rica’s company
- Monthly income of at least 3.000 USD.
What are the requirements to apply?
To apply for the visa, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:
- To be a foreign professional who performs his or her work using information technology. You can be an employee of a company or self-employed, but the services provided must be for clients outside the territory of Costa Rica.
- Proof of a monthly income of at least US$3,000 or US$4,000 joint income in case of a family visa.
- Have a travel insurance policy for the period of stay in the country.
- Make the payment for the granting of a non-resident visa.
How to apply for the visa in Costa Rica?
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica you must:
1- Enter the digital platform of online procedures in Costa Rica and create a user.
2- Complete the application form.
3- In case of traveling accompanied, it is necessary to complete the form for the spouse and each child.
4- Wait for approval.
What are the benefits of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
- Income tax exemption.
- Tax exemption for the importation of basic personal computers, IT, or telecommunication equipment.
- Use a driver license issued by the applicant’s country of origin.
- Open a savings account in national banks.
The term of the migratory benefit is of one year, extendable for an equal period. To request such an extension, the applicant must have been on Costa Rican soil for 180 days or more during the first year of the visa.
This visa gives the possibility to travel as a family in case of being able to demonstrate an income of 4,000 dollars per month or more.
Where do Expats live in Costa Rica?
- Atenas
- Tamarindo
- Cartago
- Heredia
- Dominical