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Costa Rica digital nomad visa for British applicants (2026)

Last verified: October 8, 2026Report an error

Brexit is irrelevant in Costa Rica — British applicants face the same $3,000/month bar and one-year (renewable to two) permit as everyone else. Costa Rica's territorial tax system exempts foreign income, which simplifies the tax picture for Brits regardless of UK rules. The honest pitch is lifestyle: 'pura vida' with a low financial bar and no EU-style bureaucracy.

Key facts for British applicants

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 UK

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 UK
British applicants apply at the Costa Rican consulate serving their UK address. Processing can be slow and document requests unpredictable — keep certified copies of everything.
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.

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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).