Costa Rica's digital nomad visa gives remote workers earning at least $3,000 a month ($4,000 with family) a year in the country, renewable once for a second year. Foreign income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 3, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | Up to 180 days as a tourist (the officer decides) |
| Route for remote workers | Digital nomad visa (stay for remote workers, Law 10008) |
| Money you need to show | At least $3,000 a month from outside Costa Rica ($4,000 with dependents) |
| Length | 1 year, renewable once for another year |
| Government fees | $100 application fee paid to Banco de Costa Rica, plus $90 for the immigration document |
| Timeline | Immigration (DGME) has 15 calendar days to decide |
| Where you apply | Online through DGME's Trámite Ya platform or at a DGME office; register biometrics within 3 months of arriving to get your DIMEX card |
| Family | Spouse and children can be included; the income bar rises to $4,000 a month |
| Long-term residence | The visa doesn't lead to permanent residency. Longer routes are Rentista ($2,500 a month for 2 years, or a $60,000 deposit) and Pensionado (a pension of at least $1,000 a month) |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Costa Rica's digital nomad visa gives remote workers earning at least $3,000 a month ($4,000 with family) a year in the country, renewable once for a second year. Foreign income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.
- Remote employees of companies outside Costa Rica: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Income: At least $3,000 a month from outside Costa Rica ($4,000 with dependents). That's about $3,000 a month.
Documents
Have these ready before you apply. Your consulate or the official site may ask for more.
- Passport
- Bank statements, an employer letter or contracts showing $3,000+ a month from abroad
- Health insurance with at least $50,000 of cover for your whole stay, including family
- Application form and photo
- Proof of the $100 payment
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers: $3,000 a month from outside Costa Rica ($4,000 with family).
- Gather your proof: bank statements and an employer letter or contracts.
- Buy health insurance with at least $50,000 of cover for everyone on the application.
- Apply online through Trámite Ya or at a DGME office, and pay the $100 and $90 fees.
- Arrive and register your biometrics within 3 months to get your DIMEX card.
Taxes
- Digital nomad visa holders are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign earnings
- No US-Costa Rica income tax treaty or totalization agreement
- With no Costa Rican tax to credit, the US foreign earned income exclusion usually matters more than the foreign tax credit
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- Missing the 3-month window for biometrics
- Serving Costa Rican clients or employers: not allowed
- Bringing insurance under $50,000 or that leaves out family members
Where to live in Costa Rica
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: San José.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 3, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (official)
- Taxes for Expats: Costa Rica digital nomad visa (2026)
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