A Guide to the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
🌴 Embracing the Pura Vida Lifestyle:
A Guide to the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa 🌎
Introduction
Costa Rica, a tropical paradise nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, has become a hotspot for digital nomads worldwide. With its stable democracy, high-quality internet infrastructure, and a lifestyle that embraces ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘Pure Life,’ it’s no wonder that digital nomads are flocking to this Central American country.
This guide will walk you through the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, its requirements, and how to apply: it will gradually updated to give you the most details and information you might need to either decide to apply and/or make the relevant actionable steps towards the application.
Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers a unique blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and a friendly, welcoming culture. The country is home to more than 500,000 different species, making it one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. From the bustling city life of San José to the serene beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica has something to offer every digital nomad.
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
In 2022, Costa Rica launched its Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier for remote workers and freelancers to live and work in the country. The visa allows digital nomads to stay in Costa Rica for up to a year, with the possibility of extending for another year.
To qualify for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, you must work for a foreign company or as a freelancer for companies outside Costa Rica. You must also have a monthly income of at least $3,000, or $4,000 if you’re applying as a family (our case).
Here is my DIMEX below
How to Apply
You can apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa online, at a Costa Rican embassy, or using various visa services. The application process is straightforward and quick but because this type of visa was completely new in Costa Rica, we felt we prefered to have experienced legal services to make the application on our behalf . You’ll need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, proof of income, and a declaration letter stating that you’ll be working remotely in Costa Rica.
Living in Costa Rica as a Digital Nomad
Living in Costa Rica as a digital nomad is a unique experience. The cost of living is relatively affordable, but only if you are willing to live like the locals do and don’t live in a touristy location (not our case) . The country also has a robust internet infrastructure, with an average internet speed of 43.32 Mbps.
Working in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a variety of coworking spaces and cafes for digital nomads. From Gracias Coffee & Cowork in San José to Sand & Surf Co-working in Tamarindo, you’ll find a space that suits your working style.
Our favourite place to work is at Selina Jaco Cowork in Puntarenas (where we currently live and stay)
Conclusion
Embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle is more than just living in a tropical paradise. It’s about immersing yourself in a culture that values happiness, sustainability, and balance. With the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, you can make this beautiful country your home and experience the Pura Vida lifestyle for yourself.
