One year ago, the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved the “Digital Nomad Law” but never got around to the regulations. Thankfully on July 4th, 2022, President Rodrigo Chaves approved the regulations of the “Digital Nomad Law” to finally start attracting digital nomads/remote workers to come to Costa Rica! The good news is, the visa process is much simpler than initially proposed.
Costa Rica has recently become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world! Which comes as no surprise since the weather is incredible, there is a low crime rate, beautiful beaches, high speed internet, and state-of-the-art healthcare. What’s not to love?
Now that many folks have the luxury of having a remote job. Why just travel to Costa Rica, when now you can make it home. If you can work anywhere, then you might as well be sitting in an ocean view home or a walk to the beach condo!
So what are the requirements to be eligible to become a digital nomad in Costa Rica?
- You must have proof that you are receiving a stable income of no less than $3,000 per month, when traveling alone. If you have a family that you are bringing along, the monthly income must be a stable $4,000.
- You must provide proof of health insurance for the whole duration of your stay in Costa Rica. If you are bringing your family, all members must be covered as well.
- The income cannot be generated inside Costa Rica. The company must be registered outside of Costa Rica. The Immigration Authority has a list of remote jobs allowed.
- You must make a one-time payment for being allowed to stay as a Digital Nomad/Remote Worker and this amount will be determined by the Directorate of Immigration.
- Once the migratory condition is granted, you will be authorized to enter and there will be a 3 month processing period for the migratory accreditation document. You will have to attend a face-to-face appointment with an immigration official to complete the process.
Becoming a digital nomad in Costa Rica does not give you a residency. Instead you are granted the ability to stay in Costa Rica up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for another year. This law has authorized a new migratory category of non-resident and is strictly for digital nomads/remote workers.
What are the perks?
- The income received from abroad by digital nomads will receive a total exemption from Costa Rican income tax.
- Digital nomads will be exempt from paying all taxes on the importation of the following items: a basic personal computer, telecommunications equipment, or any other similar equipment necessary to fulfill the tasks of their job.
- Driver’s license from the digital nomads country of origin will be valid for the purposes of driving in Costa Rica, as long as the license is in good standing.
- Digital nomads may open savings accounts in Costa Rican banks.
Out of all the 45 countries that have similar laws in place, Costa Rica is by far one of the easiest places to apply! Immigration is even making the process 100% online and hopes to have the platform working next month. So what are you waiting for? Grab your laptop and enjoy the ocean view! You never know you may end up deciding to stay for good and own your own piece of paradise.
Interested in finding a property in Costa Rica? Check out our extensive listings here:
Want to keep up with everything that is happening here in Costa Rica? Join my email list!
Need more information about Costa Rica in general? Read our FAQS about Costa Rica page.
Interested in owning a property in Costa Rica, checkout some great options here
Have a comment or a question? Feel free to EMAIL ME
Like the article? Please share!