Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a top destination for global remote workers by implementing the Digital Nomad Visa, which was officially established under Law No. 10008. This legislation was enacted to make the residence and immigration procedure easier for people who generate income from outside the country.
The main purpose of this law was to attract foreign currency, which would help the tourism and the Costa Rica real estate industry while not influencing the local job market. The visa includes an initial one-year temporary stay with the possibility of renewal.
Under Ley N° 10008, Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa provides remote workers earning income just from abroad with an entire exemption from local income tax on foreign earnings, without being considered tax residents for income tax purposes. Beneficiaries can also open savings accounts in the national banking system and legally use a valid foreign driver's license during their authorized stay.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the "Remote Worker or Remote Service Provider,” is designed to attract global remote workers employed by foreign companies or working as independent contractors for non Costa Rican clients to legally reside in the country.
This visa offers incentives, including an exemption from Costa Rican income tax on foreign earned income, access to local bank accounts, and the legal right to drive with a foreign issued license for the duration of the approved stay.
This program is initially good for a year, with a one time renewal option, making it super easy for remote workers to legally mix their professional lives in a new country.
Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica?
The legislation has its own criteria for determining its scope of application; the law is restricted to individuals who comply with a specified set of prerequisites. These requirements make sure the legislation focuses on the right people: investors whose activities, assets, or status are relevant to the law's goals, like making sure finances are transparent, or overseeing particular industries.
- Sustainable Income: Applicants have to demonstrate that they have a steady monthly income of at least $3,000. If they want to include their family members in the visa, they have to demonstrate that they have a total income of at least $4,000.
- Health Insurance: A mandatory health insurance that covers the applicant and their family members for the entire duration of their stay in Costa Rica.
- Payment of Fees: Applicants must pay a one time fee to obtain the visa.
- Compliance with Other Requirements: Applicants must comply with the requirements established in the General Immigration and Foreigners Law.
What is the application process
- Application Form: Interested individuals need to submit a form for the digital nomad visa and provide the required information.
- Document Review: The General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners will review the submitted documents to ensure they comply with what is established in the law.
- Decision Timeline: The Directorate has a period of fifteen days to issue a decision on the application after having received all the documentation.
How do the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Benefits affect Real Estate Buyers?
The Digital Nomad visa is a good strategy for anyone looking to buy real estate here. It offers legal stability for long periods, without worrying about local income tax on your foreign earnings. You can actually live in Costa Rica for up to two years, while keeping your income setup abroad. That means no border runs, and way less concern about tax issues. This is great news for future buyers, it gives you time to really explore the different areas, check out the different local real estate markets.
The digital nomad visa also makes moving way easier by helping with practical errands like opening local bank accounts, letting you use your foreign driver's license legally, and bringing in crucial work gear duty free. Even though the law doesn't offer direct tax breaks for buying property, it significantly lowers the hurdles to living in Costa Rica long enough to decide to buy and explore the different Modern tropical residences.
Where to Work Remotely in Costa Rica?
Areas with reliable internet infrastructure, walkability, international communities, and lifestyle amenities are often where digital nomads congregate. Particularly coastal towns, temperate mountain locations, and master planned communities. Remote workers looking for permanence rather than temporary travel are driving steady demand in these areas. Coastal spots like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Nosara have become digital nomad anchors due to lifestyle appeal combined with growing infrastructure. In the Central Valley, Escazú offers convenience, international schools, healthcare access, and good connectivity.
Transitioning After the Nomad Visa: Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica
The new Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a good starting point for people like remote workers and digital entrepreneurs looking to set up a temporary, legal base in Costa Rica for up to two years. This visa often serves as the perfect launchpad for transitioning to more permanent residency, especially those investment based options.
If you're planning on staying long term, having a Costa Rican Luxury real estate investment is a game changer. Owning a home or land here builds local connections and can actually help you meet the big financial requirements for an investment-based residency application.
Bibliography:
Law No. 10008, Law to Attract International Remote Workers and Service Providers (Digital Nomads), Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Costa Rica, published in Gaceta Digital No. 168 on September 1, 2021, in force as of 09/01/2021.
Duarte, H. (2025, July 3). Turismo perpetuo: el agujero negro de la política migratoria costarricense. La República.
Simple Legal Consulting. (n.d.). ¿Qué es una visa de nómada digital? Beneficios y requisitos. Simple Legal Consulting.