Costa Rican officials have finalized plans for a Digital Nomad visa. The visa will be available once regulations are published in The Gazette of Costa Rica.

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 US$3,000 or US$4,000 if bringing dependents for the past year.
    • Obtain health insurance for themselves and (if applicable) their dependents for their time in the country.
    • Make a single payment for a worker or remote service provider non-resident visa.
  • Those who hold the Digital Nomad visa 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.

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.

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

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