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Costa Rica digital nomad visa for Americans (2026)

Last verified: October 8, 2026Report an error

Costa Rica's territorial tax system exempts foreign-earned income entirely — for Americans, that eliminates the Costa Rican side of the tax equation, leaving only the IRS. The FEIE (about $130,000/year) then handles the US side for most remote workers. The $3,000/month bar is modest, and the permit runs one year, renewable to two.

Key facts for Americans

Minimum income: €2,760/month — $3,000/month (about €2,760 at approximate rates); $4,000/month if bringing family — verify with DGME.
Maximum stay: Up to 2 years, renewable
Processing time: 2–3 months typical.
Fees: $100 government fee at filing (paid in colones at the Central Bank rate), plus a document-issuance fee on acceptance (reported ~$90 — confirm current totals with DGME).
Family: Spouse and dependents are included at the higher $4,000/month income bar. Dependents' documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Health insurance: Required — must be valid for the full stay

How to apply from the United States

1Confirm you clear the bar
Costa Rica requires $3,000/month (about €2,760 at approximate rates); $4,000/month if bringing family — verify with DGME.. Run your numbers through our income checker first — it is the fastest way to rule countries in or out.
2Apply from the United States
Americans apply at the Costa Rican consulate with jurisdiction over their state of residence. Costa Rica's immigration timelines are famously elastic — file early and expect patience-testing processing.
3Prepare for the permit stage
In-country applications are reported as possible via the TrámiteYa platform or at immigration offices — confirm current practice with DGME before traveling to file.
4Sort tax before you fly
Tax residency usually follows 183+ days of presence, and your home country may still want a return. Read the tax notes below, then confirm your position with a qualified advisor.

Tax notes

The headline feature: Costa Rica's territorial tax system exempts foreign-sourced income from Costa Rican income tax, and the nomad law adds duty-free import of teleworking equipment. Your home-country tax obligations still apply — this exempts you from Costa Rican tax, not from tax generally.

Tax rules are simplified here and change often. Confirm your position with a qualified tax advisor before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

At least $3,000 per month in stable foreign income for a single applicant (about €2,760 at approximate rates), or $4,000 per month if you bring a spouse or dependents. The income must be received outside Costa Rica — typically proven with 12 months of bank statements plus certification.

Keep exploring

Full Costa Rica guide

Every requirement, fee and timeline in one place.

Eligibility quiz

See how Costa Rica ranks against every other visa for your profile.

Costa Rica for other nationalities

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Not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently and consulates interpret them differently. Always verify current requirements with the official consulate or immigration authority before applying. Official source: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería — DGME (official portal).