Side-by-side visa comparison

Estonia vs Costa Rica — Digital Nomad Visa Comparison

Estonia requires $4,950/month with 12 months stay, while Costa Rica requires $3,000/month with 12 months stay. Costa Rica wins on budget.

Budget

Costa Rica

Long-term

Tie

Fastest

Costa Rica

Feature
Estonia
Costa Rica
Minimum Income
$4,950/month
$3,000/month
Duration
12 months
12 months
Processing Time
3 weeks
2 weeks
Application Fee
$132
$100
Tax Status
The DNV is an immigration document, NOT a tax regime. Under 183 days in a 12-month period: generally not an Estonian tax resident — no Estonian tax on foreign-sourced income. 183+ days: becomes Estonian tax resident, owing 22% flat income tax on worldwide income (2026 rate; planned 24% increase was cancelled Dec 2025). Universal €700/month tax-free allowance applies. Estonia has double-taxation treaties with 60+ countries.
Full income tax exemption on foreign-sourced earnings per Art. 16 of Ley 10008. Beneficiaries are explicitly NOT considered habitual tax residents. This exemption applies only to the primary beneficiary, not to family members automatically. Costa Rica uses a territorial tax system.
Dependents
Yes
Yes
Path to Residency
No
No
Path to Citizenship
No
No

Best for budget

Costa Rica

Lower monthly income thresholds make this option easier to qualify for financially.

Best for long-term

Tie

Longer approved stay periods reduce renewal pressure and support slower relocation plans.

Fastest processing

Costa Rica

Shorter processing windows can make this the better pick for near-term travel timelines.

Next step

Check Estonia eligibility for your nationality

Next step

Check Costa Rica eligibility for your nationality