DIGITAL NOMAD VISA 2026
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Rentista Digital Nomad Visa · also known as the Rentista. Launched 2022. $3,000/month income bar — 11% lower than the global nomad-visa average.
Costa Rica's Rentista nomad visa arrived 2022 — tax-exempt on foreign income for the first year, renewable for a second. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa have become global yoga/surf nomad hubs. Slower processing is the main catch.
Visa Details
Tax Treatment
⚠️ Tax rules change often and depend on your citizenship and total days abroad. Consult an international tax advisor before committing.
✅ What's great
- Tax-exempt first year on foreign income
- Pura vida + wellness culture
- Pacific + Caribbean coastlines
- Stable democracy, no army
⚠️ What to know
- 12-week processing is slow
- Internet spotty on Caribbean side
- Pricier than Mexico or Colombia
Plan Your Stay
How long can you stay on this visa? Enter a target stay length — see where you land relative to the max term.
How to Apply
Applications go through the official Costa Rica immigration portal. Budget 12 weeks and a $100 application fee.
Official Costa Rica Application →Nomad Visas in North America
How Costa Rica's visa stacks up against other North America nomad visas on income bar, term, and long-term path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
The Rentista Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista) is Costa Rica's dedicated visa for remote workers and freelancers. It was launched in 2022 and runs for 1 year, with renewals available up to 2 years. Costa Rica's Rentista nomad visa arrived 2022 — tax-exempt on foreign income for the first year, renewable for a second. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa have become global yoga/surf nomad hubs. Slower processing is the main catch.
What's the income requirement for the Costa Rica nomad visa?
You need to show proof of at least $3,000 per month in stable remote income. Employed by foreign company OR self-employed with foreign clients
How long does the Costa Rica nomad visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 12 weeks from submission to approval, though timelines vary by consulate and application completeness. The application fee is $100.
Will I pay taxes on the Costa Rica nomad visa?
Exempt from Costa Rican income tax on foreign income for first year You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Costa Rica within a rolling 12-month period.
Does the Costa Rica nomad visa lead to residency?
No — this visa is designed for temporary stays and does not lead directly to permanent residency. If you want a long-term base, consider switching to a work or investor visa before the term ends.
Plan Your Move to Costa Rica
Track visa dates, budget months abroad, and see Costa Rica fit into your life calendar.
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