Costa Rica digital nomad visa (2026)

Who can apply

No nationality is barred, but people who need a consular or restricted visa to enter Costa Rica must hold that visa as well.

• Work remotely for employers or clients based outside Costa Rica
• Show foreign income of at least US$3,000 a month (US$4,000 with family)
• Hold health insurance for the whole stay, covering any dependents
• Pass a criminal and police record check

Income requirement

You need to show at least US$3,000 per month (US$4,000 with family). Income must come from outside Costa Rica and be shown for the previous year; the threshold rises to US$4,000 per month when dependents are included, converted at the Central Bank's official selling rate.

Documents you need

• Signed application form
• Receipt for the US$100 payment for each applicant
• Passport photo page (and entry stamp if already in Costa Rica)
• Bank statements for the past year with an affidavit, or a certified statement from a public accountant or notary (apostilled or legalized)
• Health insurance policy covering the full stay
• Official Spanish translation of any foreign-language document

How to apply, step by step

1. Pay US$100 per applicant by bank transfer to the immigration account at Banco de Costa Rica
2. Apply online through the Tramite Ya platform or at a DGME office
3. Wait for the approval resolution after security checks
4. Within three months of approval, book an appointment and collect the stay document after paying the issuance charges

Cost and processing time

The fee is uS$100 application payment per person, plus US$90 for the stay document and other issuance charges after approval. Processing takes about 15 calendar days under the law (not confirmed on an official page). Budget extra for translations, certified copies and health insurance.

Tax

The official programme site says holders are not considered tax residents and are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on this remote income.

Good to know

• A home-country driving licence can be used during the stay
• Work equipment brought in for remote work may qualify for customs relief
• Bank transfers carry a receiving charge, so the full US$100 must arrive

Visiting first?

95 passports can enter Costa Rica visa-free for a short stay, a common way to try the country before applying. Check Costa Rica visa requirements for your passport.

Official source

Visit Costa Rica (ICT) – Digital Nomads

Not yet confirmed on an official source: processing time. Check these with the consulate before you apply.