Costa Rica · Digital Nomad Visa
Keep Your Job. Move to Costa Rica.
Live in Costa Rica for up to two years, tax-free, on the money you earn from home.
For remote workers, freelancers, and online founders who want a year (or two) in the tropics.
Why here
Pura vida, on your own schedule
Keep your U.S. paycheck. Swap out the commute for cloud forests and surf towns. Costa Rica is safe, easygoing, and full of people who work online.
The numbers that matter
$3,000
Monthly income to qualify
$4,000 with family
0%
Costa Rican tax on foreign pay
US taxes still apply
~3 hrs
Nonstop flight to Miami
Central time, all year
The visa, simply
Made for people who work online
If your income comes from outside Costa Rica, you qualify. Show about a year of pay plus health insurance and you're set.
- Remote employees on a foreign payroll
- Freelancers with overseas clients
- Founders running an online business
Digital Nomad Visa
For freelancers, remote employees, and online entrepreneurs. Initial permit is for one year, renewable for a second year. Income earned outside Costa Rica is tax-exempt.
- Government cost
- $100
- Processing time
- ~90 days
- Timeline
- 1 year, renewable once
- Difficulty
- Easy
Key requirements
- Proof of remote income of at least $3,000/month (or $4,000/month for families)
- Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica
Close to home
The US is a short flight away
San José is about a three-hour nonstop to Miami, and Costa Rica keeps Central time all year. Your workday overlaps with clients back home, and a weekend trip stateside is easy.
Scouting Trips
See Costa Rica like a local before you move.
- We walk neighborhoods
- Meet local experts
- Tour healthcare facilities
- Explore housing options
- Help you understand what daily life actually feels like
People who've done this
StartAbroad
Costa Rica Relocation Specialist
Zach and Anna handle the visa paperwork, housing, and setup so you can land and get to work.
Robbie Parker & Steve Clayson
Costa Rica Local Guide
Longtime residents who help you find a neighborhood, a rental, and the right beach town.
Where to live
Four bases for remote work
Central Valley
Best internet
San José and Escazú, near the airport, with fiber, coworking, and international schools.
Tamarindo
Surf and community
Guanacaste's easygoing beach hub, full of cafes, remote workers, and sunsets.
Puerto Viejo
Caribbean side
Slower, greener, and cheaper, with reggae, rainforest, and warm water.
Monteverde
Cooler and quieter
Cloud forest in the hills, for nomads who'd rather trade heat for hiking.
Common questions
How long does the digital nomad visa last?
One year to start, and you can renew it once for a second year. To renew, you'll need to have spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during your first year.
Do I pay Costa Rican taxes on my income?
No. Money you earn from foreign clients or employers isn't taxed in Costa Rica. Here's the catch: as a U.S. citizen, you'll still file back home and may owe taxes there on your worldwide income. Keep your accountant in the loop. to stay compliant.
Can I get permanent residency this way?
Not directly. The Digital Nomad Visa tops out at two years. If you want to stay longer, you'd move to a residency track like the Rentista or investor visa, or start a fresh application. Speak with StartAbroad for assistance.
How much income do I need for Costa Rica's digital nomad Visa?
You show at least $3,000 a month, or $4,000 if you bring family, from work outside Costa Rica. Most people prove it with about a year of bank statements. A few official sources list $5,000 for families, so confirm the current figures with StartAbroad before you apply.
What perks come with the digital nomad visa?
You can open a Costa Rican bank account, bring your work gear like laptops and monitors in duty-free, and drive on your home-country license for the length of your stay.
Can I work for a Costa Rican company?
No. This visa is only for income from outside the country. If you want a local job, you'd need a work permit instead.
Your remote job, a new backyard
Tell us about your work, and we'll map out your move to Costa Rica.