Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica (Ley 10008)

Ley N.º 10008 ("Ley para Atraer Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios de Carácter Internacional") created a specific migratory category for anyone who wants to work remotely from Costa Rica for an employer or clients abroad, without having to leave the country every 90 days as a regular tourist would.

**Key difference with a regular tourist visa**: a regular tourist does NOT have any special tax or banking benefits. The digital nomad category does provide exemption from local income tax, exemption from import taxes on work equipment you bring, and facilitates opening a local bank account — things that a regular tourist cannot do.

**Main requirements**:

• Demonstrate a stable, fixed, or average monthly income from the last year of at least **USD $3,000** (or **USD $4,000** if you are traveling with family).
• Contract **medical insurance** that covers your entire stay in the country, with minimum coverage of $50,000, which includes hospitalization, emergencies, and repatriation — it can be extended to dependents.
• Work for an employer or clients outside of Costa Rica (it is not for working for a Costa Rican company).
• One-time payment of the fee for granting the category.

**Duration**: the initial stay is for up to 1 year, with the possibility of extending it for one more year (up to 2 years total). During the first year, you must remain in the country for a minimum of 180 days.

**How to apply**: all documentation is submitted through the **"Trámite Ya"** digital platform of the Immigration Department — it is not a process that is resolved at the border when entering as a tourist; you must apply formally.

Note: the minimum income amounts and insurance coverage may be updated by regulation — confirm the current figures at migracion.go.cr before applying.