Everything about the New Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica

The latest addition to the digital nomad visa list available for remote workers worldwide is Costa Rica's. The "Ley para atraer trabajadores y prestadores remotos de servicios de carácter internacional" or "Law to Attract Remote Workers and International Service Providers" was recently signed by the President.  

Here you can see the main questions and everything about the New Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica. Do not hesitate to reach out to visadb.io if you have another question, or if you need to hire an Expert.

Why did Costa Rica approve a new Digital Nomad Visa?

They are looking to encourage income from international sources.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa is a legal permit which allows remote workers with employment outside of a country to reside and work.

Now, Costa Rica's approved and published law defines a remote worker as a "foreign person who provides paid services remotely, subordinated or not, using a computer, telecommunications or similar means, in favor of a natural or legal person who is abroad, for which he or she receives a payment or remuneration from of the outside".

How can I apply for Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

You can apply anytime here: https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/.

Before applying you need to create an account.

a) If you have a digital signature you can register with it.

b) Otherwise, you can sign up with the following information:

1. Nationality
2. Passport ID Number or DIMEX or Cédula
3. Full name, gender, Birth place, Birth date, Civil status
4. Full address
5. Phone number
6. Alternative email address

Note: Once you start you document submission, remember that you need to have them in SPANISH.

How much is the Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica?

The government fee is $100.

The processing fee is $90.

Other acceptance and dependents fees might apply.

What are the Requirements for Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa?

1. Income of more than 3000 USD monthly. You need 1000USD more for each dependent with which you apply. You can show bank statement to prove your stable income.
2. Proof of Health Insurance covering the main applicant and all dependents.
3. Payment of the Visa Application which can be done online.

How long is the new Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa for?

It is given for one year, and you can only extend it for an extra year.

How long does it take to get the new Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica?

Applications can take up to 2 weeks whilst authorities revise your application. By law, they should give you a resolution in this time period.

What are the tax benefits of the new Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

• You do not have to pay any taxes for your income.
• You do not have to pay any taxes if you bring cars, computers or tech equipment to Costa Rica.

Can I open a bank account if I have Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can open a savings account in Costa Rica.

Do I become a resident of Costa Rica with the New Digital Nomad Visa?

No, it is actually established on the law that you have a non-resident status.

Which legal dependency is in charge of managing the New Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica?

La Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, which is the equivalent for the Foreign Ministry.

Can I apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa with my family?

Yes, you can actually apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica with your family. According to the Official Law, "Family group is understood as the spouse or de facto partner, sons or daughters under the age of twenty-five or those sons or daughters of any age who have a disability, as well as the elderly who live with them".

You would need to submit a passport copy of each dependent and pay the required fees. If you are applying with your children, you also need to submit a copy of their Birth Certificate.

Note: Tax benefits are only for the main applicant and not the family members.

Can I drive with my home country driving license?

Yes, you can actually use it in Costa Rica if you have the Digital Nomad Visa.

What happens if my Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is rejected?

The Foreign Ministry is going to give you a list of further visa options which you qualify for.

What happens if I work for a Costa Rican employer whilst on a Digital Nomad Visa?

You can lose your benefits, pay a fine and the correspondent taxes.

Do you want to become a Digital Nomad?

Join the biggest private community of digital nomads here.