Costa Rica digital nomad visa guide

The basics

Official tourism pages describe the program as the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers. It is presented as extending a 90-day tourist stay to a full year, with an option to renew for an additional year.

Validity

One year, with the option to renew for an additional year, according to the Visit Costa Rica digital nomads page.

Stay per entry

Sources do not state a stay per entry.

Where you apply

Online through the Tramite Ya digital platform (https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/), or in person at the central or regional offices of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME).

Fee

Proof of a US$100 payment to the Government is required with the application. A further US$90 payment applies at the documentation stage.

Who it's for

Official sources indicate the category is for foreign nationals who provide paid services remotely, including as subcontractors, using digital or telecommunication technologies to a person or company located outside Costa Rica. The income must originate from outside Costa Rica.

• Minimum income of US$3,000 per month for the applicant.
• Minimum income of US$4,000 per month if the applicant also wants dependents to stay legally. One page of the Visit Costa Rica site gives US$5,000 for families, so the figure should be confirmed.
• Amounts are determined using the official sale price set by the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

How to apply

Based on available sources, the process runs in two stages: an application, then documentation after approval.

• Submit the signed application form online through Tramite Ya, or on a physical form at a DGME office.
• Include the US$100 proof of payment and the other required documents.
• The application is subject to a security review of criminal and police records. DGME may also carry out biometric checks.
• After a resolution granting the stay is notified, the applicant and any dependents have three months to process the immigration accreditation document. Sources state that if this is not completed in time, procedures begin to cancel the status granted.
• To document, request an appointment through the Immigration Call Center at 1311 or the Bank of Costa Rica at 800-227-2482.

Documents

• Application form signed by the applicant or their representative.
• Proof of the US$100 payment, made to account 001-0242480-0 of the Bank of Costa Rica (IBAN CR15015201001024248003). Make one transfer per applicant, with dependents paying in their own names.
• Copy of the valid passport photo page, plus the page with the Costa Rican entry stamp if already in the country.
• Consular or restricted visas, where they apply to the applicant's nationality.
• Bank statements with an affidavit showing payment from outside Costa Rica of at least the required monthly amount during the previous year. Alternatively, a certification from a public accountant or notary public. This certification is the only component that needs consular legalization or apostille.
• Official Spanish translation of any document in a foreign language. Sources suggest a translator registered with the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a notary public, may be more practical than translating abroad.
• Applications for minors or children with disabilities must be signed by the parent or a special representative. A power of attorney is needed if a representative applies.
• Medical insurance covering the full authorized stay, with coverage of at least USD $50,000, from an international provider or a Costa Rican insurer regulated by the Superintendent General for Insurance. Dependents must also be covered.
• At the documentation stage: payment receipts (the amount in the approval resolution, US$90, and a guarantee deposit for non-residents), a valid passport in good repair, and the medical policy.

Stay and extensions

The Visit Costa Rica digital nomads page states the program offers a full year with the option to renew for an additional year. Sources reviewed do not state renewal fees, documents, deadlines or conditions, and do not state a stay per entry.

Things to confirm

• The income threshold for families, since sources give both US$4,000 and US$5,000 per month.
• The guarantee deposit amount and the amount in the approval resolution, which sources do not state.
• Renewal terms and any limits on the total length of stay.
• Processing times and decision timelines.
• Whether consular or restricted visas apply to your nationality.
• Tax and customs benefits described on the program page, which note that conditions apply.

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.