‘Digital Nomad’ visa introduced

The Costa Rican government recently adopted a new law to create a remote work visa for qualifying foreign nationals.

Key Points:

• Foreign nationals will be able to obtain a one-year remote work permit that is extendable for an additional year if they meet the salary, health insurance and payment requirements. Applicants must:
  • Have proof of a stable monthly income of at least $3,000 or $4,000 if bringing dependents for the past year.
  • Obtain health insurance for themselves and their dependents (if accompanying) for their time in the country.
  • Make a single payment for a worker or remote service provider non-resident visa.
• Remote workers will be exempt from local income taxes, be able to open Costa Rican bank accounts and drive legally without having to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license.

Additional Information: Details regarding the application process have yet to be published and will be made available in the coming weeks.

BAL Analysis: The law intends to bring more foreign national “digital nomads” to the country to stimulate the economy, create jobs and help the country recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bureau of Immigration recently announced that immigrants or permanent residents whose alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) expired may still enter the country if they hold a valid reentry permit.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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