As of last year, the Costa Rican government approved its digital nomad visa, as a result of being a paradisaic country, with its white sandy beaches, outstanding flora and fauna, its “pura vida” culture and enriching gastronomy, digital nomads have called Costa Rica their home for many years.
In the past digital nomads could stay on a tourist visa for a period of 90 days, with this new visa they can work remotely in Costa Rica for a period of 1 year with the possibility of another 12-month extension, only if the person granted the digital nomad visa, has being in the country for a period of 180 days, as stated in article 15 of the newly passed law 10008 specifying the new digital nomad visa.
In addition of being able to stay up to a period of two years in Costa Rica, digital nomads will be exempt from paying local taxes and the tariffs of the equipment that they use to carry out their telework, as stipulated in articles 16 and 17 of the previously mentioned law.
The regulations that will govern the law are still being drafted. At this moment it is not possible to apply for such visa, but we do have information on the basic requirements needed by law. As the regulations for the established law are being determined, these are the requirements stipulated by law for the purpose of qualifying as a digital nomad in Costa Rica:
- $3,000 per Month Income – For one person.
- $4,000 per month income – For the family group.
- Health Insurance – The policy must cover you or your family group for the whole stay.
- Remote work – You must work for yourself, or a company established outside Costa Rica.
- Driver’s license – The driver’s license issued in the country of origin of the beneficiary that is valid will be applicable for the purposes of driving in Costa Rica.
- Bank accounts – The digital nomad will be able to open a saving account in the national banking system.
*A Family group is described by the referred law above in article 11 as: Spouses, partners, children under the age of 25 and the elderly.
Costa Rica represents for the digital nomads an ideal destination, it has a relatively lower cost of living than many developed countries, a fiber optic network system, high air connectivity and a convenient time zone. As we wait for the final regulations to proceed with granting the digital nomad visa, Central Law Costa Rica will be happy to help you and your family to enjoy the beautiful treasures the country has to offer.
For more information, contact us at: info@central-law.com
Asunción Quirós
CENTRAL LAW in Costa Rica
