Quick answer
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos) allows remote workers to stay for **up to one year** (renewable for another) . You must earn at least **$3,000/month** from outside Costa Rica (or **$4,000/month** if bringing dependents) [2][3][15], pay a **$100 fee** (plus $15 bank fee) [7], and hold medical insurance with minimum **$50,000 coverage** for the entire stay . Documents include a signed application [5][6], passport copy [9][10], bank statements or certified income proof [14][15][16], and Spanish translations [18]. The visa grants income tax exemption, driver’s license validation, and the ability to open a local bank account . No legal assistance is required .
Key facts
Requirements
Documents you'll need
Payment
Identification
Income
Insurance
- Medical insurance policy covering the full stay with minimum $50,000 coverage
Translation
- Official Spanish translation of any foreign-language documents (by a registered translator or notary) [18]
Dependents
- If dependents: separate application forms and payment for each dependent, plus proof of $4,000 monthly income [3]
Representative
- Power of attorney if applying through a representative
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Prepare all required documents: signed application form (download from TramiteYa.go.cr or obtain at DGME office), passport copy, income proof (bank statements or certified accountant certification with apostille if from abroad), medical insurance policy, and Spanish translations of any non-Spanish documents [5][6][9][14][15][16][17][18].
- 2
Pay the $100 government fee: Deposit US$100 (or colones equivalent) into Banco de Costa Rica account 001-0242480-0 (IBAN CR15015201001024248003) referencing applicant details. For international transfers, include SWIFT code BCRICRSJ, beneficiary ESTADO MINISTERIO DE HACIENDA. Note that an additional $15 bank fee will be deducted, so ensure the full $100 net is received [7][8].
- 3
Submit the application online via the TramiteYa platform (tramiteya.go.cr/dgme) or in person at the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) central or regional offices with all documents [5][6][7].
- 4
Wait for security review and possible biometric verification by DGME . Processing times may vary.
- 5
If approved, receive the immigration document (Estancia) and begin your stay. The visa extends your tourist entry to one year and can be renewed for another year .
- 6
Optional: Open a savings account at a national bank by presenting your digital nomad status and complying with anti‑money laundering regulations .
Frequently asked questions
Who can provide the Spanish translation of my documents?
You may use an official translator registered with the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a notary public knowledgeable in the language, or a translator abroad. However, using a Costa Rican translator is recommended to avoid errors that slow processing .
Where do I make the $100 deposit?
The deposit must be made to account number 001-0242480-0 at Banco de Costa Rica (IBAN CR15015201001024248003). For international transfers, use SWIFT code BCRICRSJ and beneficiary ESTADO MINISTERIO DE HACIENDA. Ensure the full $100 is received net; the receiving bank deducts $15 .
How does the medical insurance requirement work?
You must have a medical insurance policy that covers the entire duration of your stay with a minimum coverage of US$50,000. The policy can be from an international provider or a Costa Rican insurer regulated by the Superintendent of Insurance. Dependents must also be covered .
Can I open a bank account in Costa Rica as a digital nomad?
Yes, you may open savings accounts in national banking system institutions, subject to compliance with anti‑money laundering laws and regulations (Law 8.204) .
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
No, legal assistance is not required. You can apply directly .
What if I want to bring my family?
You must show a minimum income of $4,000 per month (instead of $3,000) and each dependent must submit a separate application and pay the $100 fee [3].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [2]
Income requirement with dependents
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Government fee of $100
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Visa extends tourist visa to 1 year, renewable for another year
Digital Nomads: Live and Work - Visit Costa Rica · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Income tax exemption and driver’s license validation
Digital Nomads: Live and Work - Visit Costa Rica · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Medical insurance requirement: minimum $50,000 coverage for full stay
Digital Nomads: Live and Work - Visit Costa Rica · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Bank statements or certified income proof required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Translation of documents into Spanish required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Application form and online submission via Tramite Ya
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Copy of passport and entry stamp if already in Costa Rica
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Consular visa may be required based on nationality
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Each applicant (including dependents) must pay separate $100 fee
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
No legal assistance required to apply
Digital Nomads: Live and Work - Visit Costa Rica · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
Bank account opening allowed for digital nomads
Digital Nomads: Live and Work - Visit Costa Rica · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Income from outside Costa Rica must be at least $3,000/month
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Certification by public accountant or notary public may substitute bank statements
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Costa Rica's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Costa Rica's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.