The official launch of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa (known as Estancia for Remote Workers and Service Providers) in July 2022 transformed this stunning country into a prime destination for long-term remote work. This visa provides the legal framework to live and work while fully immersing yourself in the famous “Pura Vida” (pure life) lifestyle! 🐒

No longer limited to just a 90-day tourist visit, the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa grants you an initial stay of one full year, with a straightforward option to renew it for a second year if you demonstrate a presence in the country for at least 180 days during the first term. This stability makes it ideal for true exploration.

💎 Financial & Lifestyle Perks of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

The program is structured to make working and living in Costa Rica highly appealing and financially advantageous:

• 100% Income Tax Exemption: Your foreign-sourced income is completely exempt from local Costa Rican income tax during your stay. This is a massive financial benefit! 💸
• Import Tax Waiver: You can import essential work and personal equipment—including computers, tablets, cameras, and up to two vehicles—free of customs duties.
• Driving Freedom: Legally use your foreign driver’s license for the entire duration of the visa. 🚗
• Local Banking Access: You are permitted to open a local bank account, simplifying your financial life in Costa Rica.
• Family Inclusion: Bring your dependents (spouse, children under 25, or disabled dependents) under the same application. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

✅ Core Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must prove financial stability and remote work status:

📝 Step-by-Step Application for the Digital Nomad Visa

The application process is managed primarily online through the official government platform, TramiteYa (the General Directorate of Immigration’s digital portal).

Step 1: Document Preparation and Translation 📑

Gather all necessary documents. Crucially, any document not originally in Spanish must be officially translated by an accredited translator. Key documents include:

• Copy of Passport (photo page and entry stamp if already in Costa Rica).
• Proof of Foreign-Sourced Income (12 months of bank statements + notarized affidavit/accountant certification).
• Proof of Remote Work Status/Employment.
• Proof of Health Insurance Coverage.
• Proof of Relationship (for dependents).
• Receipt for the initial $100 USD government application fee payment.

Step 2: Online Submission via TramiteYa 💻

Create an account on the TramiteYa platform and upload the completed application form and all supporting documents (in Spanish).

📌 Important Note: The government is legally required to review applications within 15 calendar days. They will notify you if any corrections are needed within the first 5 days.

Step 3: Receive Approval and Finalize Payments 💰

Upon successful preliminary approval, you will receive a resolution letter outlining the next steps, including the payment of additional fees (e.g., a $90 final processing fee).

Step 4: Obtain Your Residence Permit (Once in Costa Rica) 📸

Once you receive final approval, you must enter Costa Rica (if you aren’t already there). You then have three months to complete the final stage:

1. Schedule an in-person appointment at a local immigration office.
2. Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
3. Pay final residency fees to receive your official temporary residence card (DIMEX), formally activating your Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa for one year.

☀️ Live the Pura Vida: Why Costa Rica Beckons

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is your ticket to a vibrant, balanced life where work integrates seamlessly with adventure.

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Explore active volcanoes 🌋, lush rainforests, and world-renowned beaches—from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
• Affinity for Nomads: Close proximity and time zone compatibility with North America make communication easy, and the culture is famously welcoming.
• Infrastructure: While the internet connection can vary outside of major hubs, the government’s focus on attracting remote workers is leading to continuous improvements in connectivity. 📶

Choose Costa Rica to trade complex residency headaches for an easy-going lifestyle, stunning nature, and the happiness of the Pura Vida spirit!