Costa Rica for Digital Nomads [Guide 2023]

The eco-friendly Costa Rica haven offers a harmonious blend of nature and adventure. You can explore the dense jungles of Corcovado National Park, unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Manuel Antonio, and experience the pura vida lifestyle embraced by the locals. Costa Rica invites nomads to embark on a transformative journey with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and opportunities for remote work, 

In this article, we will take a look at Costa Rica for Digital Nomads [Guide 2023]. We cover living and working as a digital nomad in Costa Rica with topics like visas, cost of living, getting around, and not missing out on the best places.

What do digital nomads need to know about Costa Rica?

What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

The monthly cost of living in Costa Rica starts from 1,200 USD, excluding rent*.

What is the cost of rent in Costa Rica?

The cost of rent in Costa Rica starts from 400 to 1,200 USD per month, depending on the town and type of accommodation*.

*The cost of living and rent is an approximation, please share your recent data if you have been there in the past months.

What is the official currency in Costa Rica?

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

What are the best cities or regions to visit in Costa Rica as a digital nomad?

The best cities to visit in Costa Rica as a digital nomad are San José, Liberia, Puntarenas, Jacó, and Tamarindo.

Are there any hidden gems to explore in Costa Rica for digital nomads?

If you find yourself in Costa Rica do not hesitate to visit: Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Tortuguero National Park, and Corcovado National Park.

What are the best months to work remotely from Costa Rica?

The dry season is the best time to work remotely from Costa Rica: December to April.

What are the typical opening hours of stores and businesses in Costa Rica?

Stores generally open from 8 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday, although hours may vary in smaller towns and rural areas.

Is tipping common in Costa Rica?

A 10% service charge is typically included in the bill at restaurants.

Checklist for Digital Nomads Visiting Costa Rica 🇨🇷

✈️ Book flights at your favorite platform, for example, Trivago.

🛂 Check if you need a Tourist Visa at the official government page. US, Canada, and UK visitors do not need a Tourist Visa.

🌎 Do you want to stay longer in Costa Rica? Costa Rica offers a special immigration permit for nomads. You need to have a minimum income of at least $3000 USD monthly. Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa! There are also other long-term visas you can revise here.

👩🏻‍💻 Do you need assistance with your Costa Rica visa application? You can chat with our community-verified Expert for Costa Rica. Chat with Nicole here.

🏥 Stay safe with Travel Health Insurance. You can check out this digital nomad community recommended that starts at $12 USD weekly and covers you for emergencies. You can buy SafetyWing even if your trip has already begun. Get subscribed and learn more here.

🧳 Are your suitcases ready? We have a surprise for you. You can get 10% OFF on any Solgaard luggage product such as the Endeavor backpack or the check-in closet carry-on. Their award-winning products are made of recycled ocean plastic so you support keeping our planet clean. Learn more here.

😷 COVID-19 Restrictions. Regulations were lifted.

Nicole Quesada

Nomad Visa Help

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Application

Application Assistance Fee

$ 1000 - $ 1000

,

Government Fees

$ 190 - $ 190

,

Translations Fee/Document Certification

$ 40 - $ 40

,

1-hr consultation

$ 170 - $ 170

Nicole Quesada

Immigration & Residency

Costa Rica Residence Application

Application Assistance Service

$ 1700 - $ 1700

,

Government Fee To Open File

$ 250 - $ 250

,

Government Fee: Stamps

$ 30 - $ 30

,

Translation/Document

$ 40 - $ 40

Randall Zamora

Tax Optimization

Company registration in Costa Rica for foreigners

Full Service

$ 750 - $ 1500

,

Consultation

Free - $ 75

Randall Zamora

Register Business

Accounting of corporate taxes in Costa Rica for foreigners

Full Service

$ 200 - $ 1000

,

Consultation

Free - $ 75

We hope this article has been a great reference point for your digital nomad visit to Costa Rica. Check out 800+ visas and +300 verified immigration, tax, real estate, and company formation services at https://visadb.io.

This is just a courtesy guide. The information hereby presented might change unexpectedly: please always verify the information for your trips abroad.