There’s a remote work movement happening all around the world. With remote work, people are able to live and work from anywhere they want in the world. This means that there is more opportunity for remote workers than ever before!
Introducing Costa Rica – one of the rising hotspots for remote workers and digital nomads alike. The variety of what Costa Rica has to offer, mixed with favorable time zones, coworking hotels and plentiful direct US flights makes Costa Rica one of the best destinations for working remotely.
And a new bill has recently been approved to give special benefits to foreign workers who come to Costa Rica to provide services to clients/employers outside of Costa Rica.
This is an initiative known as the “Digital Nomad Visa”, which will benefit foreigners who come to the country who wish to work remotely. As a tourist, US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days in Costa Rica. But this Digital Nomad Visa will allow remote workers to stay for up to 1 year, with the option of extending their stay.
For the bill to become law it requires the signature of President Carlos Alvarado (no objections expected) and published in La Gaceta, the official government newsletter within days of the President’s signing.
Once the law has passed, we will be providing relevant information regarding the Digital Nomad Visa to help guests who are interested in staying in Costa Rica longer than 90 days.
Requirements for Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa
An article published in the Tico Times outlines the following requirements for the Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa.
- Proof of a stable monthly salary, fixed income or an average monthly income, during the last year, for an amount equal to or greater than $3,000. If the applicant chooses to request benefits also for their family group, the income may be combined with a spouse or one of the other family members and must in that case reach the sum of $4,000. In either case, it must be income that can be continue to be received even if the person is not in their country of origin.
- Obtain a medical insurance policy that covers the applicant throughout their stay in Costa Rica. The General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners will determine the conditions or minimum coverage that this policy must have.
- Make a one-time payment for the granting of a non-resident visa, as a Worker or Remote Service Provider. The amount has yet to be determined.
- Any other requirement derived from the General Migration Law and Immigration Law No 8764.
Photo by: Bruce Mars