Concierge service for Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa. You hire My Latin Life; local immigration specialists (and licensed counsel where required) file on your behalf. The deliverable: residency or visa status filed through local specialists — card or approval in your name — not advice, not a DIY packet.
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa (Categoría Especial de Trabajador Remoto) allows remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Costa Rica for up to two years. Launched in 2022 under Law 9996, it is one of the most established digital nomad programs in Central America. Costa Rica offers a modern capital city, excellent healthcare, and a large North American expat community. We handle the full application with our licensed Costa Rican attorneys.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Status Granted | Special Remote Worker Status |
| Program Type | Digital Nomad / Remote Work Visa |
| Min. Monthly Income (Employed) | from ~US$3,000/month from an employer outside Costa Rica |
| Min. Monthly Income (Freelance) | from ~US$2,000/month from clients outside Costa Rica |
| Savings Alternative | US$60,000 in bank account balance |
| Duration | 1 year, renewable once (2 years maximum) |
| Processing Time | 3–5 months |
| Path to Permanent Residency | No direct path — must transition to Rentista or Investor category |
| Tax on Foreign Income | None — Costa Rica territorial tax system |
| Work for CR Employers | Not permitted — remote work for foreign employers/clients only |
| Physical Presence | No minimum stay required |
| Health Insurance | CCSS enrollment or approved private insurance required |
| Program Authority | DGME (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjera) |
| Legal Basis | Law 9996 (Ley para Atraer Trabajadores y Prestadores de Servicios de Carácter Remoto, August 2021) |
Program Overview
Costa Rica enacted Law 9996 in August 2021, establishing a dedicated category for remote workers. The visa allows qualifying individuals to live in Costa Rica for 1 year, renewable once for a second year. After 2 years, the holder must either leave or transition to a longer-term residency category such as the Rentista (passive income) or Investor visa.
Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system — income earned from services provided entirely outside Costa Rica is not subject to Costa Rican income tax. For remote workers employed by or contracting with foreign companies, this means no local income tax obligation during their stay.
The visa requires enrollment in Costa Rica’s public healthcare system (CCSS — Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) or approved private insurance. CCSS enrollment is straightforward and provides access to Costa Rica’s widely-praised public health system.
Why the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
- No income tax on remote work earnings — Costa Rica’s territorial tax system means income from foreign employers or clients is not taxed locally. Work for a US, UK, or European company from San José and pay no Costa Rican income tax on those earnings.
- Dedicated legal status — not a tourist visa workaround — unlike countries where digital nomads technically overstay on tourist visas, this is a formal, recognized legal category specifically for remote workers. No grey area.
- No minimum physical presence requirement — you can travel freely while holding the status. Spend time in neighboring countries or elsewhere without jeopardizing your Costa Rican digital nomad visa.
- Access to CCSS public healthcare — enrolling in CCSS (the public health system) gives you access to Costa Rica’s extensive public health network — consistently rated the best in Central America.
- Outstanding natural environment and lifestyle — volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, and exceptional biodiversity — all accessible from a modern capital city with reliable internet and a large North American expat community.
- Gateway to permanent residency — after 2 years on the digital nomad visa, you can transition to the Rentista or Investor category for long-term residency and an eventual path to citizenship. We help you plan the transition during your time on the nomad visa.
- Both employed and freelance qualify — $3,000/month employed or $2,000/month freelance. The dual threshold makes it accessible to a wider range of remote work structures than most digital nomad programs.
- Direct flights from the US — Miami, Houston, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, and other major hubs have direct connections to San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). Practical for US-based clients who want easy home-country access.
How to Qualify
- Income (employed): from ~US$3,000/month from an employer based outside Costa Rica
- Income (freelance/self-employed): from ~US$2,000/month from clients based outside Costa Rica
- Savings alternative: US$60,000 in bank account balance
- No local work: Cannot provide services to Costa Rican employers or clients
- Health insurance: CCSS enrollment or approved private health insurance
- Clean criminal record
Application Process
- MLL confirms eligibility based on income documentation
- Document package prepared — income proof, contracts, apostilled criminal background check, bank statements
- Application submitted to DGME
- Remote worker status granted (1-year initial period)
- CCSS enrollment completed in-country
- Renewal at 12 months for the second year
What MLL Handles
- Eligibility review and document checklist
- Full document preparation by licensed Costa Rican attorneys
- DGME submission and renewal coordination
- CCSS enrollment guidance
- Transition planning if you decide to stay beyond 2 years (Rentista or Investor visa)
Comparing your options across the region? See our full guide to the best countries for digital nomads in Latin America for a side-by-side look at costs, visas, internet, and taxes across 10 countries.
Ready to Work Remotely from Costa Rica?
Book a consultation and our team will confirm your eligibility and handle the full DGME application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Costa Rica on the digital nomad visa?
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed once for a second year — 2 years maximum. After that period, you must either leave Costa Rica or apply for a different residency category such as the Rentista or Investor visa.
Does Costa Rica tax my remote work income?
Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system. Income earned for services performed entirely outside Costa Rica and paid by foreign employers or clients is not subject to Costa Rican income tax. Your home country may still require you to file and pay taxes depending on your citizenship status.
Do I need to enroll in Costa Rica’s public healthcare system?
Yes. The law requires digital nomad visa holders to have valid health coverage in Costa Rica — either through the CCSS (public system) or approved private health insurance. Enrolling in CCSS is common and provides access to Costa Rica’s extensive public health network.
What happens after 2 years?
The digital nomad visa cannot be renewed beyond 2 years total. To remain in Costa Rica long-term, you would need to qualify for a different residency category. The most common transitions are the Rentista visa (passive income of US$2,500/month) or the Investor visa (investment of US$150,000+). We advise on the right path during your consultation.
Does the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency?
Not directly. The digital nomad status itself does not count toward the 3-year Rentista requirement or build toward a permanent residency timeline. To build toward long-term status, you would transition to a qualifying residency category (Rentista or Investor) after your 2-year nomad period ends.
Related Services
- How to Get Costa Rica Residency
- Costa Rica Rentista Visa — passive income residency, path to citizenship; the natural next step after the digital nomad visa
- Costa Rica Investor Visa — investment-based long-term residency
- Panama Friendly Nations Visa — fast alternative with territorial tax and lower threshold
- Colombia Independent Means Visa — passive income residency with 2-year PR path
