Digital nomad visa has been officially in effect in the country since the summer of 2022. The immigration category estancia is open to remote professionals with an income of $3,000, including freelancers and business owners from third countries. The electronic DTV allows legal work in the country for one year, with the option to extend for another two. The nomad visa is issued after arrival in the country.
Over the past year, according to Google Trends and Yandex.Wordstat, the demand for digital nomad visas has increased by 50%, including requests for visas to Costa Rica. People arrive in Costa Rica with a foreign passport for 90 days and register through the digital platform Trámite.
Alternatively, they sometimes submit documents in person at the General Directorate of Migration. Relocators first schedule an appointment on the FECitas-VC portal in the Nómadas Digitales section, then follow a series of sequential steps according to instructions.
Specifics of the Costa Rican Freelance Visa
Public support for blockchain, virtual currencies, and digital technologies has led the government to develop these sectors and international business. To exchange experience, pura vida specialists traveling the world and working remotely are invited to the country. Typically, top-tier IT professionals apply for this type of visa. They are involved in programming, providing financial services (FinTech), developing educational programs (EdTech), and promoting products/services through social media.
They work with foreign corporate and private clients, and part of the funds earned are invested in the local economy. In San José and other major cities, coworking spaces with high-speed Wi-Fi and communities of like-minded professionals help digital nomads integrate into the local environment. Citizens of any country can apply for this status under certain conditions. Requirements in 2024:
- employment with a foreign company;
- providing services under client contracts abroad;
- a monthly income of $3,000.
Applicants can bring their spouses, children under 25, dependents with disabilities, elderly, and financially dependent individuals to the country. In such cases, applicants must earn at least $4,000.
What Taxes Do a Freelancer Pay
The country’s legislation only taxes income earned within the country. Dividends from foreign sources are not subject to taxes. If transactions are concluded within the country, offshore income is also not taxed. The law also applies to capital gains and inheritance income.
People residing in Costa Rica for 183 days are automatically considered tax residents. The nomad visa exempts foreigners from paying taxes and customs duties when transporting electronic devices.
How Much Does the Visa Cost
The application processing fee is $100. The state fee and a one-time nomad visa and extension fee is $90. The iVisa platform is open for payment in the country.
It is sometimes not easy to understand all the bureaucratic intricacies on your own, but our experts are always ready to review your case and help you on your way to a comfortable life.
Required Documents and Conditions
The first step to “immigration accreditation” in Costa Rica is to fill out the official form in Spanish and submit it via the digital platform or in DGEM – the General Directorate of Immigration. Processing time is 14 days.
After approval, expats travel to the country where they undergo an interview with their documents. Mandatory documents for visa application:
- a copy of the passport page with a photo and stamp;
- 12 income statements for the previous year;
- proof of fee payment;
- fingerprints;
- proof of employment with a foreign company;
- employer consent for remote services;
- annual medical insurance.
Self-employed individuals must provide client contracts and other documents to confirm their activity. For those moving with family, marriage certificates, children’s birth certificates, and individual health insurance policies are required.
Recent Changes in Costa Rican Visa Policy
In September 2023, the government announced an extension of tourist visas from 90 to 180 days. This rule applies to passport holders from most European countries, including the U.S. and Canada. The decision was endorsed by the National Chamber of Tourism CANATUR, which had long advocated for extending the stay of foreigners to boost the country’s tourism industry and economy overall.
The General Directorate of Immigration confirmed that the new law will bring profits to hotels, tour operators, and restaurants. Authorities note that this visa category is not suitable for business trips.
