Digital Nomad Stay
One year, renewable for another, for remote workers earning USD 3,000 a month, or USD 4,000 with family.
Estancia para trabajadores y prestadores remotos de servicios (Ley 10008)
Costa Rica's digital nomad stay, created by Law 10008, lets remote workers and freelancers stay a year while working for employers or clients abroad, renewable for a second year. You need a stable income of at least USD 3,000 a month, or USD 4,000 with family, and private health insurance covering at least USD 50,000. Foreign income is exempt from Costa Rican income tax during the stay, and holders can import work equipment duty-free. It does not lead to permanent residence.
At a glance
Initial stay
365 days
Per entry, before extension
Entries
Multiple
Application fee
100 USD
Processing
15–30 days
Apply
Online
Valid for
12 months
Max total stay
730 days
Income required
3,000 USD/mo
USD 4,000 with family members.
Other fees
- Immigration document (DIMEX)
- 90 USD
Who can apply
Broadly open, but consulates assess each application case by case.
Requirements
- USD 3,000 monthly incomeRequiredStable income of at least USD 3,000 a month, or USD 4,000 with family members, from sources outside Costa Rica, shown over the last twelve months.
- Remote work for employers or clients abroadRequiredYou must work remotely, using telecommunications technology, for an employer or clients registered outside Costa Rica.
- Health insurance covering USD 50,000RequiredPrivate health insurance covering at least USD 50,000 for the whole stay. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Twelve months of bank statements or an accountant's income certification
- Proof of remote work for foreign employers or clients
- Health insurance certificate with USD 50,000 coverage
- Payment receipts
How to apply
Last verified 2026-10-12
Apply online
~1 daySubmit the application through the DGME digital nomad platform.
Approval
~15 daysDGME reviews the income and insurance evidence.
Get your DIMEX
~14 daysBook an appointment to receive the immigration ID card.
Extending the stay
Extendable
Yes
Per extension
365 days
Max extensions
1
Where
In country
Renewable once for a further year, subject to having spent enough time in Costa Rica during the first year.
Tax and health
Tax
Foreign income earned during the digital nomad stay is exempt from Costa Rican income tax.
Insurance
Required — minimum 50,000 USD of cover. Private health insurance; travel insurance is not accepted.
Healthcare
Private insurance covering USD 50,000 is mandatory.
Immigration and tax rules change without notice and depend on your nationality and circumstances. Confirm with the official source below or a qualified adviser before acting on anything here.
Good to know
- Holders can open a local bank account and drive with a foreign licence
- Keep track of your days for the renewal presence condition
- Travel insurance does not satisfy the insurance requirement
- The stay does not count towards permanent residence
Official source
medium confidenceOther ways into Costa Rica