Quick Facts
Requirements
- Proof of remote work contract, freelance agreements, or business ownership outside Costa Rica.
- Bank statements from the last 12 months accompanied by a certified accountant's statement or signed affidavit.
- Valid passport covering the entire stay duration and clear biological details page copy.
- Mandatory medical insurance policy covering the main applicant and all dependents for at least $50,000 USD.
- Official certified translation into Spanish for all documents not originally issued in Spanish.
Application Process
- Step 1
Gather 12 months of bank statements, secure the $50,000 USD health insurance policy, and translate everything to Spanish.
- Step 2
Pay the mandatory government processing fee directly into the official Banco de Costa Rica state account.
- Step 3
Create an account on the official Trámite Ya digital platform and upload all required documents.
- Step 4
Wait 15 working days for immigration approval, enter Costa Rica, and officially activate the legal nomad status.
Estimated Costs
Pros & Cons
100% exemption from local income taxes and zero import duties on personal remote work equipment.
Strict 12-month bank statement history required and does not provide any pathway to permanent residency.
FAQs
Can I include my common-law partner or children under this application?+
Yes. Dependents can join if your total monthly foreign income balance reaches a minimum of $4,000 USD.
Do I have to pay local Costa Rican taxes on my international remote earnings?+
No. The digital nomad framework guarantees complete tax exemption on all foreign-sourced income streams.
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