Does Costa Rica have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Costa Rica offers a dedicated digital-nomad or remote-work visa for people earning from outside the country, with a monthly income floor of roughly $1,000. Getting it is straightforward.
In practice: Pensionado $1k/mo, Rentista $2.5k/mo, plus nomad visa. Temp->Perm 3yr, citizenship 7yr. Territorial tax; must pay into CAJA.
Tax for foreign residents in Costa Rica
For a foreign earner, Costa Rica's income is treated lightly. The country uses a territorial or remittance basis, so foreign-source income is often left largely untaxed locally, with a headline top personal rate around 25%. This is general information, not tax advice — confirm your own situation with a cross-border professional before you move.
From visa to permanent residency
If you're thinking past a year or two, check whether the stay builds toward settlement: in Costa Rica, permanent residency is reachable after about 3 years of residence. Naturalization typically comes after roughly 7 years. Immigration rules change often, so treat these as directional and verify the current policy with official sources.
Healthcare and insurance
Healthcare access for a foreigner in Costa Rica is easy to access. A mid-tier private health plan runs roughly $150 a month — most long-stay visas require proof of cover.