Costa Rica•North America2 weeks – 1 month
$100 USD
Varies by filing options
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Costa Rica's Estancia for remote workers offers up to 2 years' stay with foreign-income tax exemption for nomads earning USD 3,000+/month from abroad.
Costa Rica's Estancia para Trabajador Remoto, created by Ley 10008 (2021), is a non-residency subcategory for foreigners who provide remote, paid services to people or companies abroad. Filing costs USD 100 via the TramiteYa platform; DGME has 15 calendar days to decide.
The stay is granted for 1 year, renewable once for 1 more year, capping total residency at 2 years. Applicants must show foreign-source income of USD 3,000/month (USD 4,000 with family) for the prior 12 months plus international health insurance. Foreign earnings are exempt from Costa Rican income tax.
This visa is ideal for remote workers and freelancers earning USD 3,000+/month from foreign clients who want up to two tax-favoured years in Costa Rica with their family.
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Must be a remote worker or freelancer for a company/clients outside of Costa Rica
Minimum monthly income of $3,000 USD (individual) or $4,000 USD (with family)
Income must be stable and verified for the previous 12 months
Must possess international health insurance covering the duration of the stay
Must not engage in local remunerated employment within Costa Rica
Min. Income
36,000 EUR/yr
Valid passport
Bank statements
Income verification
International health insurance
Employment contract
Criminal background check
Proof of accommodation
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.
Start Visa Discovery