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Business & investor visas

Costa Rican Estancia for Remote Workers (Digital Nomad)

A special non-resident stay (Estancia) for remote workers and service providers earning stable foreign income, letting them live in Costa Rica while working for clients or employers abroad.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Stay length (1+1 years), income thresholds (US$3,000/US$4,000), the US$50,000 insurance floor, US$100 fee and 15-business-day processing are from secondary summaries, not confirmed directly on migracion.go.cr. Verify all figures on the official Nómadas Digitales page.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Costa Rica government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Estancia para Trabajadores o Prestadores de Servicios Remotos
Route type
Special stay for remote workers (digital nomad)
Maximum stay
1 year, extendable for 1 further year
Reported; verify on migracion.go.cr.
Income requirement
US$3,000/month single; US$4,000/month with dependants
Reported figures; verify on the official Nómadas Digitales page.
Application fee
US$100 to Banco de Costa Rica
Reported figure; verify on migracion.go.cr.

Who it is for

  • Employees of a foreign company who work remotely
  • Self-employed professionals and service providers with clients outside Costa Rica
  • Applicants with stable foreign income who wish to base themselves in Costa Rica temporarily

Requirements

  • Proof of stable foreign monthly income at the required threshold for the preceding period
  • Health insurance with coverage reported at US$50,000 or more for the duration of the stay
  • Passport valid for the stay
  • Payment of the application fee to Banco de Costa Rica

What you can do

  • Live in Costa Rica while working remotely for foreign clients or an employer abroad
  • Extend for a second year if conditions are met
  • Cannot take up local employment in the Costa Rican labour market

How to apply

  • Apply online through the DGME digital platform, in person at a DGME office, or at a Costa Rican consulate abroad
  • Submit income evidence, insurance and passport
  • Pay the application fee and await the DGME decision

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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