Costa Rica Digital Nomad (Estancia – Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios)
Live pura vida for up to two years with Costa Rican income-tax exemption on your foreign r…
Record checked Oct 21, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:01 UTC
Summary
Costa Rica's special stay category for remote workers earning foreign-source income: one year, renewable once for a second year.
Dream spread
Live pura vida for up to two years with Costa Rican income-tax exemption on your foreign remote income.
Relocation reality check
Need USD 3,000/month (USD 4,000 with dependents) stable foreign income proven over 12 months, USD 50,000+ health cover for the whole stay (travel insurance not accepted), and no Costa Rican employment; it does not lead to permanent residency.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansCheck: $3,000 monthly stable income ($4,000 with family)
Must prove stable foreign income of at least $3,000/month for the prior 12 months — $4,000/month when applying with…
Check: No Costa Rican employment
Permit does not authorize work for Costa Rican-domiciled employers.
Check: Health insurance of at least USD 50,000
Health insurance with at least USD 50,000 of coverage for the whole stay.
Reality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Foreign remote employees or service providers paid from abroad; 12 months of bank statements, health insurance, Spanish-translated documents.
Conditions
The program's rules on record, blockers first. Confirm each on the official source.
$3,000 monthly stable income ($4,000 with family)
BlockerMust prove stable foreign income of at least $3,000/month for the prior 12 months — $4,000/month when applying with family.
No Costa Rican employment
BlockerPermit does not authorize work for Costa Rican-domiciled employers.
Health insurance of at least USD 50,000
BlockerHealth insurance with at least USD 50,000 of coverage for the whole stay.
The long game
If Costa Rica becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Income requirement
- $3,000 per monthStable monthly income of at least $3,000 (or $4,000 for families) for the prior 12 months.
- Duration
- 12–24 months
- Property purchase
- Not required
- Tax
- Holders are exempt from Costa Rican income tax on the foreign-source remote income (per ICT page); home-country obligations (e.g., US citizens) still apply.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Community & lifestyle
Lived experience signals — not a substitute for official rules.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇨🇷 Costa Rica. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/costarica
Bilingual sub; relocation and rentista/nomad threads abound.
Facebook groups
Red flags
- No Costa Rican employment
- 12-month income history
- Insurance mandatory
- Tax residency rules apply
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.