With Law 10.008, Costa Rica aims to attract remote workers by offering a Digital Nomad Visa and is one of the first in the region with legislation for that category. The new law gives an insight into what the requirements might look like for other countries looking to follow this trend.
Requirements
The law establishes the requirements to be a remote worker living in Costa Rica supported by foreign earned funds (payment from outside of Costa Rica). The Digital Nomad Visa is a new visa category with the following requirements;
- They work remotely and receive a minimum monthly income of US $3,000.
- This person can also obtain a visa as a “family group”, however, in that case must prove a higher income of US $4,000.
- Under this category, the “nomad” must be in the country for at least 180 days during the first year. The visa can be extended for a second year for a maximum of 2 years.
- The proof of income is “a stable monthly salary, fixed income or an average monthly income during the previous year” for the minimum US $ 3,000 or US $4,000 depending on single or family applicant.
- The applicant must obtain medical insurance for the entire duration of their time in Costa Rica.
Benefits
Some advantages for those with a Digital Nomad Visa are;
- A total exemption on income tax for the visa holder (but not his/her family group).
- They will receive a tax and duty exemption on the basic personal computer and telecommunications equipment required to carry out their work.
- They will be permitted to drive on their foreign driver’s license in Costa Rica during the term of the stay
- They can open savings accounts.
The fee for the visa will be determined by the regulations.
Officially known in Costa Rica as the “Law to Attract Workers and Remote Service Providers of an International Nature” (Ley para atraer trabajadores y prestadores remotos de servicios de carácter internacional).
It was signed last August 11th 2021 by the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado and came into effect on September 1st 2021 upon publication in La Gaceta, the official Government of Costa Rica publication.
Legislators have 60 working days from the publication date to finalize the regulations which cover the small print and finer details of how the new law will be administered.
Other countries attracting Nomads
