Costa Rica: Digital nomad stay

Costa Rica's digital nomad stay turns a 90-day tourist stay into one year for remote workers paid from abroad. The Costa Rican Tourism Board states a stable net income of at least USD 3,000 per month, or USD 4,000 per month if dependents stay legally with you.

The stay runs for a year and can be renewed for one additional year. The tourism board states that digital nomads are exempt from income tax and may waive customs taxes on telecommunications and electronic devices needed for remote work, subject to conditions.

The fee is USD 100 per applicant, paid in each individual's name to a Bank of Costa Rica account, and it must reach the Ministry of Finance in full, net of bank charges. The page notes a USD 15 fee charged by the receiving bank. Each dependent needs medical insurance.

1. Sign the application form, online through the Tramite Ya platform or on paper at an immigration (DGME) office.
2. Pay the USD 100 fee and keep the proof of payment.
3. Provide a copy of the passport photo page, plus the entry-stamp page if you are already in Costa Rica.
4. Meet any consular or restricted-visa requirements that apply to your nationality.
5. Provide bank statements with an affidavit, or a public accountant or notary certification, showing at least the required monthly income from outside Costa Rica for the previous year.
6. Add official Spanish translations of any foreign-language documents.
7. Expect a security review by DGME and possibly biometric checks.

Updated: 4 November 2026