Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa Offers Two-Year Stay with Tax Exemption on Foreign Earnings
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa, formally known as 'Estancia para Trabajador o Prestador Remoto de Servicios,' which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year, extendable for an additional year, totaling 24 months. This permit, established by Ley 10008 and governed by Decreto Ejecutivo 43619, requires applicants to demonstrate a monthly income of US$3,000 for individuals or US$4,000 for those bringing family. A key benefit is the full exemption from Costa Rican income tax on foreign earnings, meaning money received from abroad is not considered Costa Rican-source income. However, this tax exemption does not extend to family members, who would need to qualify as principal applicants to receive it. The application process involves a US$100 fee per applicant and a US$90 fee for the DIMEX identity card, with an estimated processing time of around four months.