Looking out over the lush Costa Rican jungle from your laptop, the sound of howler monkeys providing your workday soundtrack—this dream became much more accessible when Costa Rica launched its digital nomad visa program in 2021. With recent updates for 2025, this visa now offers one of the most straightforward paths to legally work remotely from a tropical paradise.
The Costa Rica digital nomad visa offers remote workers and digital entrepreneurs the opportunity to live in this Central American paradise for up to two years, with significant tax advantages and a streamlined application process. But what exactly does it cost, how long does it take, and where should you base yourself? This guide answers these questions with accurate, updated information for 2025.
What is the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
The official name of Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is the “Rentista de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios”—but everyone simply calls it the digital nomad visa. This special residency category was created specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn their income from sources outside Costa Rica.
Key Benefits of Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Program
The visa offers several advantages that make it particularly attractive compared to tourist visas or other residency options:
- Tax exemption on foreign income: You don’t pay Costa Rican taxes on money earned from clients or employers outside the country
- Legal stay up to two years: Initially granted for one year with an option to extend for an additional year
- Import tax exemptions: Bring your essential work equipment (computer, camera, etc.) into the country tax-free
- Use your foreign driver’s license: No need to convert to a Costa Rican license during your stay
- Simplified entry/exit procedures: Easier border crossings compared to tourist visa holders
- Opening local bank accounts: Legal resident status makes banking more accessible
- Family inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children under 25 can be included in your application
According to Costa Rica’s tourism department, over 5,000 digital nomad visas have been approved since the program began, with Americans, Canadians, and Europeans as the top applicants.
How Costa Rica’s Visa Compares to Other Digital Nomad Destinations
| Feature | Costa Rica | Portugal | Mexico | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Income | $3,000/month | €2,800/month | No specific amount | $2,000/month |
| Duration | 1 year + 1 year renewal | 1 year + 2 year renewal | 1 year max | 1 year + renewal |
| Tax Benefits | Full exemption on foreign income | Special NHR tax scheme | No specific benefits | Exempt if staying < 180 days |
| Application Complexity | Moderate | Moderate to High | Low (Temporary Resident Visa) | Moderate |
| Internet Quality | Good (30-100Mbps) | Excellent (100-500Mbps) | Variable (20-200Mbps) | Good (30-200Mbps) |
| Cost of Living (Monthly) | $1,500-2,500 | €1,
500-2,500 |
$1,200-2,000 | $1,000-2,000 |
Costa Rica stands out for its combination of natural beauty, political stability, and quality of life. While Portugal offers better infrastructure and Thailand lower costs, Costa Rica provides an excellent balance of tropical lifestyle, safety, and good-enough digital infrastructure.
Key Takeaway: The Costa Rica digital nomad visa offers significant tax advantages and a straightforward path to legal residency for remote workers, with benefits that compare favorably to other popular digital nomad destinations.
Official Requirements for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa in 2025
Understanding the exact requirements will save you time and prevent application rejection. Here are the current official requirements as of March 2025.
Income and Financial Requirements
The Costa Rican government requires proof of stable income to ensure you won’t become a financial burden on the state:
- Individual applicants: Minimum income of $3,000 USD per month
- Family applications: Minimum income of $4,000 USD per month
- Income source: Must come from outside Costa Rica
- Proof required: Bank statements for the last 12 months showing consistent income
Your income can come from employment with a foreign company, freelance work, business ownership, or investments. The key is demonstrating stability—irregular income patterns might trigger additional scrutiny.
According to Costa Rica’s immigration department, inadequate financial documentation is the number one reason for application rejection.
Insurance and Healthcare Requirements
Costa Rica has universal healthcare for citizens and residents, but digital nomad visa holders must maintain private health insurance:
- Coverage requirements: Minimum of $50,000 USD for medical expenses
- Coverage period: Must match your intended stay duration
- Acceptable providers: International policies are accepted if they cover care in Costa Rica
Popular insurance options among digital nomads include:
- Safety Wing Nomad Insurance
- Cigna Global
- IMG Global
- Blue Cross Blue Shield International
Many applicants don’t realize that local Costa Rican insurance providers like INS can often provide more affordable coverage that perfectly meets the visa requirements.
Background Check and Other Documentation
To ensure public safety, Costa Rica requires:
- Criminal background check: From your country of citizenship and any country where you’ve lived for more than three months in the past three years
- Document apostille: All official documents must be authenticated with an apostille or legalized by the Costa Rican consulate
- Passport requirements: Valid for at least one day beyond your intended stay
- Birth certificate: Apostilled or legalized
- Marriage certificate: If applying with a spouse
All non-English documents must be officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Document Checklist Timeline:
- Background check: 1-4 weeks (depending on country)
- Apostille process: 1-3 weeks
- Insurance acquisition: 1-3 days
- Bank statements compilation: 1 day
- Translation of documents: 3-7 days
Key Takeaway: The financial requirements are non-negotiable, but meeting the $3,000 minimum income requirement is the most critical factor for approval. Prepare your documentation meticulously to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Application Process with Actual Timeline
The application process has been streamlined in 2025, but still requires careful attention to detail and patience.
Preparing Your Application (2-4 Weeks)
Before you can submit your application, you need to:
- Gather financial documentation: Compile 12 months of bank statements showing your income meets the requirements
- Obtain criminal background check: Request this from relevant authorities in your home country
- Get documents apostilled: Send your background check and birth certificate for apostille
- Purchase qualifying health insurance: Ensure it meets the minimum coverage requirements
- Prepare passport photos: Two passport-sized photos with white background
- Complete the application form: Available on the Costa Rican Immigration website
Common mistakes at this stage include:
- Insufficient proof of income (relying on savings rather than regular income)
- Expired criminal background checks (must be less than 6 months old)
- Incorrect apostille procedures (check your country’s specific process)
Submitting Your Application (1-2 Days)
Costa Rica now offers two submission methods:
Online Submission:
- Create an account on the Digital Nomad Visa Portal
- Complete the digital application form
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Pay the $100 application fee online
In-Person Submission:
- Schedule an appointment with the immigration office in San José
- Bring original documents and copies
- Complete the application form on-site
- Pay the $100 application fee
While the online system is more convenient, many successful applicants report that in-person applications receive faster processing times. If you’re already in Costa Rica on a tourist visa, the in-person option may be preferable.
Waiting Period and Approval Process (4-8 Weeks)
After submission, the process typically follows this timeline:
- Week 1-2: Initial document review
- Week 2-4: Background verification
- Week 4-6: Financial verification
- Week 6-8: Final decision and notification
During this period, you can check your application status through the online portal or by calling the immigration office with your application number. Avoid leaving Costa Rica during this period if you applied while in-country.
Common reasons for delays include:
- Incomplete documentation (missing translations or apostilles)
- Questions about income sources (especially for freelancers with variable income)
- High application volume during peak seasons (January-March sees the highest number of applications)
Post-Approval Steps (1-2 Weeks)
Once approved, you’ll need to:
- Schedule an appointment for biometrics and DIMEX card (Documento de Identidad Migratorio para Extranjeros)
- Pay the DIMEX card fee ($20)
- Register with CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security) even though you won’t use their healthcare
- Open a local bank account (optional but recommended)
The DIMEX card is your official Costa Rican ID and proof of legal residency status. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive after your biometrics appointment.
Key Takeaway: From start to finish, expect the entire process to take 2-3 months. Start gathering documents early, and consider using a legal service if you’re uncomfortable with the Spanish-language requirements or complexity.
Real Costs Breakdown of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
One of the most common questions is: “How much does it really cost to get the digital nomad visa?” Here’s a transparent breakdown of all expenses based on recent applicant experiences.
Government Fees and Official Expenses
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100 | Paid at submission |
| Document Authentication | $40-100 per document | Varies by country |
| DIMEX Card | $20 | Paid after approval |
| Visa Approval Fee | $90 | Paid after application approval |
| Document Translation | $20-30 per page | For non-Spanish documents |
| Total Official Fees | $250-450 | Depends on document quantity |
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the official fees, most applicants encounter these expenses:
- Legal assistance: $300-800 (optional but recommended)
- Background check fees: $50-150 (varies by country)
- Health insurance: $75-200 per month
- Transportation for appointments: $50-100
- Notary services: $20-50
- Copies and printing: $20-30
For a single applicant handling everything themselves, expect to spend $500-700 in total fees. Using a lawyer or visa service will add $300-800 but often results in faster approval and fewer headaches.
According to a survey of 200 digital nomad visa holders conducted in January 2025, the average total cost was $750 for self-managed applications and $1,300 for those using legal assistance.
Key Takeaway: Budget at least $1,000 for the complete visa process to cover both expected and unexpected costs. Legal assistance, while adding cost, significantly reduces stress and potential complications.
Best Locations for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers diverse environments for digital nomads, from urban centers to beach towns and mountain retreats. Each location has its own advantages for remote workers.
San José and Central Valley
The capital region offers the most reliable infrastructure and urban amenities:
- Internet speeds: 50-200 Mbps fiber optic connections widely available
- Coworking spaces: Over 15 dedicated spaces including Selina, Iguana, and WeWork
- Cost of living: $1,500-2,000/month for comfortable living
- Digital nomad community: Largest concentration of international remote workers
- Climate: Eternal spring with temperatures between 65-80°F year-round
The suburbs of Escazú and Santa Ana are particularly popular with digital nomads due to their modern amenities, international restaurants, and expat communities. Many start their Costa Rican journey here while exploring other regions.
According to internet speed tests from February 2025, the San José metropolitan area averages 75 Mbps download speeds—sufficient for video calls and most digital tasks.
Coastal Areas: Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo
For those seeking beach vibes and surf culture:
- Tamarindo (Pacific): Popular with North American nomads, good infrastructure, higher costs
- Santa Teresa (Pacific): Hipster surf town, growing nomad scene, occasional internet challenges
- Puerto Viejo (Caribbean): Relaxed Afro-Caribbean culture, lower costs, emerging digital infrastructure
Beach towns typically offer:
- Internet: 20-80 Mbps, with fiber expanding to major beach towns
- Coworking options: Fewer dedicated spaces but many “workation” hostels
- Cost of living: $1,600-2,500/month (higher than San José for equivalent comfort)
- Lifestyle benefits: Immediate beach access, outdoor activities, international communities
Internet reliability remains the biggest challenge in coastal areas, though the situation improves yearly. Many successful nomads use cellular backup solutions like portable hotspots with 4G/5G service from providers like Kolbi or Movistar.
Emerging Digital Nomad Hubs in Costa Rica
Several areas are gaining popularity with the digital workforce:
- Nosara: Yoga-meets-surfing community with improving digital infrastructure
- Monteverde: Cloud forest living with increasingly reliable internet
- Atenas: Perfect climate, lower costs, and proximity to San José
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí: Emerging eco-focused community with affordable living
These emerging areas typically offer better value for long-term stays but may require more flexibility regarding internet connection and urban conveniences.
Key Takeaway: San José provides the most reliable work environment for digital professionals, while coastal areas offer lifestyle benefits that many find worth the occasional connectivity challenges. Consider starting in the Central Valley and exploring other regions once settled.
Practical Tips for Digital Nomad Life in Costa Rica
Beyond securing your visa, these practical considerations will help you thrive as a digital nomad in Costa Rica.
Banking and Financial Management
Managing your money effectively is crucial for long-term stays:
- Opening local accounts: BAC, Scotiabank, and Banco Nacional all accept digital nomad visa holders
- Required documentation: DIMEX card, proof of address, reference letter from home bank
- Online banking options: Most banks offer English-language apps and websites
- ATM fees: $1-4 per withdrawal with non-local cards
- Money transfer services: Wise, Revolut, and OFX offer better exchange rates than banks
Costa Rica remains largely cash-based outside tourist areas. Maintain accounts in both dollars and colones (local currency) for maximum flexibility.
“Setting up a local bank account saves digital nomads an average of $300 annually in transaction fees,” explains James Rodriguez, a financial advisor specializing in expat banking. “More importantly, it simplifies rent payments and utility bills that often don’t accept international cards.”
Finding Accommodation and Workspace
Housing options vary widely across the country:
- Short-term rentals: Airbnb prices run 30-50% higher than local rates
- Long-term leases: Require DIMEX and often a local guarantor
- Popular platforms: Facebook Marketplace, encuentra24.com, and idealista.com offer better deals than international sites
- Monthly costs:
- Studio apartment: 400-700 in San José, 600-1,000 in beach towns
- One-bedroom: 600-1,000 in San José, 800-1,500 in beach towns
- Two-bedroom: 800-1,400 in San José, 1,200-2,000 in beach towns
For workspace options:
- Coworking monthly memberships: $100-250
- Coffee shops with good Wi-Fi: Common in urban areas, purchase minimum of $5-10 daily
- Coliving spaces: Growing in popularity, $800-1,500 monthly including workspace
Pro tip: For stays longer than three months, work with a local real estate agent who can negotiate better terms with landlords. Most will charge half a month’s rent as their fee—worth it for the savings on a year-long lease.
Transportation and Getting Around
Your transportation options depend heavily on your chosen location:
- Public transportation: Excellent bus network nationwide but limited schedules
- Ride-sharing: Uber operates in San José and major towns (20-40% cheaper than taxis)
- Car rental: $400-600 monthly, 4WD recommended for coastal and mountain areas
- Scooter/motorcycle rental: $200-300 monthly, popular in beach communities
- Vehicle purchase: Consider for stays over six months, requires residency
Costa Rica’s roads vary dramatically in quality. Main highways are excellent, but secondary roads often feature potholes and lack shoulders. During rainy season (May-November), some routes may become temporarily impassable without 4WD.
Key Takeaway: Establish local banking early, look beyond tourist platforms for accommodation, and choose transportation based on your specific location rather than general advice about Costa Rica.
