Indonesia
E33G Remote Worker Visa
$5,000/month
12 months
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Personalized route for United States citizens
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa for United States Citizens
United States citizens can apply for Costa Rica's digital nomad visa with a minimum income of $3,000/month, 12 months stay, and 2 weeks processing.
Eligible
As a United States citizen, you can apply for Costa Rica's remote worker stay under Ley 10008. The program requires USD 3,000/month income and grants tax exemption on foreign-sourced earnings.
Quick facts
Income
$3,000/month
Duration
12 months
Processing
2 weeks
Fee
$100
Tax
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
Required documents
Use this checklist to prepare the core documents for your application.
Background check
Required
DGME conducts security review of criminal and police records via national and international databases. Explicit certificate may be required depending on nationality.
Employment proof
Required
Proof of remote work for foreign employer/company/client, or freelance contracts showing foreign-source income.
Health insurance
Required
Health insurance policy with minimum USD 50,000 coverage for the full duration of stay, covering all dependents if applicable.
Passport
Required
Valid passport with copy of photo page and entry stamp page (if already in Costa Rica).
Proof of income
Required
Bank statements for the previous 12 months showing ≥USD 3,000/month (or ≥USD 4,000/month with dependents) from foreign sources, plus sworn affidavit.
Translations
Required
Official Spanish translations of all foreign-language documents by a translator registered with Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tax implications summary
A quick read on the local tax treatment before you commit.
Current tax status
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.
Longer stays can trigger local tax residency, so confirm whether your foreign income becomes taxable after arrival.
Residency outlook
There is no direct path to permanent residency listed for this visa.
Application steps timeline
A clear sequence from preparation to application submission.
1
Register on TramiteYa platform
Create account at tramiteya.go.cr/dgme and complete the digital affiliation form with informed consent per Art. 5 of Ley 10008.
2
Pay the USD 100 government fee
Transfer USD 100 to Banco de Costa Rica, IBAN: CR15015201001024248003. Ensure $100 arrives net (cover bank fees including BCR's $15 receiving fee). Keep the receipt.
3
Prepare and upload all documents
12 months of bank statements + affidavit (or CPA certification with apostille), passport copy, health insurance (≥$50,000 coverage), Spanish translations of foreign documents, dependent documents if applicable.
4
Submit application
Via TramiteYa digital platform or in person by appointment at DGME offices in La Uruca/regional offices.
5
Respond to any deficiency notice
DGME has 5 calendar days to review completeness and may issue a single written notice. You have 8 working days to comply with any missing requirements.
6
Receive resolution
DGME issues written resolution within 15 calendar days total. If approved from abroad, you must enter Costa Rica to finalize the process.
Other countries for United States citizens
Colombia
Visa V - Nomada Digital
$1,400/month
24 months
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Estonia
Digital Nomad Visa
$4,950/month
12 months
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Malta
Nomad Residence Permit
$3,850/month
12 months
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Barbados
Barbados Welcome Stamp
$50,000/year
12 months
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Frequently asked questions
Can United States citizens apply for Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. United States citizens are currently eligible to apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa.
What is the minimum income for Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?
The minimum income is $3,000/month based on the current program data.
How long does it take to process?
Processing currently takes about 2 weeks, although embassy workloads can change timelines.
Can I bring dependents?
Yes. This program allows dependents.
Is there a path to permanent residency?
There is no direct path to permanent residency listed for this visa.