Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

Living in Costa Rica as a digital nomad

The Happy Planet Index chose the small Central American nation as the happiest country in the world in 2012, and Costa Rica was number one again in a National Geographic Magazine vote in 2017.

This ranking is the most convincing evidence to see that Costa Rica is a country filled with smiles and positivity, which also may be an excellent place for you to work remotely. However, there are many factors involving these rankings that may interest you.

Costa Rica has one of the most stable and democratic governments among all the Central American countries.

This country also believes that education is the key, so the government offers free education for all, with basic education being mandatory.

Although Spanish is the official language, English is commonly spoken along with Bribri, Creole Mekatelyu, and Mandarin Chinese.

This and many more reasons make Costa Rica an excellent place for digital nomads and remote workers!

Attractions and best places to visit

Costa Rica has been attracting tourists as a popular gateway destination because of its breathtaking natural landscape and biodiversity. Part of the reason is that Costa Rica is committed to preserving its most significant asset. More than 25 percent of the country’s land is a dedication to conservation, which means over a quarter of the land in Costa Rica is protected.

Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity. More than five percent of the entire world’s biodiversity is in this country. The Central American nation is confirmed to be home to more than 500,000 different species, while its Corcovado National Park is the most biologically intense location on the planet.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Another fantastic place to explore Costa Rica’s wildlife is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you’ll get the chance to see howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coatimundis, and the famous capuchins. You’ll also see butterflies of every color and a myriad of colorful birds flying above you.

Dominical

If you’re looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches Costa Rica offers, we recommend you head towards Dominical. This is every backpacker’s idea of paradise. This town has the perfect bohemian vibe, with plenty of beautiful beaches, open-air restaurants, and cheap accommodations.

Tortuguero National Park

You might also be interested in visiting the Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast. This park is an important breeding ground for the green sea turtle, which means the main attraction here is turtle watching. You can also take one of the many hiking trails and catch sight of unique flora and fauna.

Digital Nomad Hotspots

San José is the most popular place for digital nomads. As the capital city of Costa Rica, San José has all the amenities you’ll need. You’ll find comfortable accommodations, plenty of restaurants and cafes, beautiful shops, and many historical places. San José is conveniently placed, and you can easily reach popular destinations a short drive away.

If you want to live close to the beach, the most popular place among digital nomads is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Even though it is a small town, it is the perfect destination. Situated near the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers lovely beaches, wildlife, and exciting nightlife.

Cost of Living

Costa Rica’s official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but USD is accepted in most local stores, making it easier for digital nomads to integrate into life here quickly.

Sadly, Costa Rica isn’t the cheapest country in Central America, but it is still relatively affordable.

When it comes to public transport, most people use the bus. Buses are the cheapest form of transportation in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, buses aren’t the most comfortable or effective form of transportation. Most people decide to rent a car instead or use other services like Taxis and Uber.

Costa Rica has three main mobile internet providers: Movistar, Claro, and Kolbi. These providers do not offer e-sim cards, but you can easily purchase one online.

Digital Nomad Essentials

Internet

Internet speed is one of the most critical aspects for any digital nomad. You’ll have peace of mind as it is one of the advantages of Costa Rica. The internet there is high efficiency, with an average internet speed of 43.32 Mbps downloads.

SIM Cards

Costa Rica has three primary mobile internet providers: Movistar, Claro, and Kolbi. You can purchase a SIM card from them at the airport or in the different shops around the city.

Unfortunately, these providers do not offer E-SIM cards, but you can easily purchase one online.

However, Costa Rica is pretty safe for visitors. Everyone should be cautious of the more violent neighbors, but the popular towns are safe.

Always watch for petty theft, especially pickpocketing in the most tourist-heavy places. Also, be careful at night since violent crimes like muggings are not uncommon.

Now, after months of being placed on hold, Costa Rica is finally ready to offer its Digital Nomad Visa.

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa will be one of the most accessible visas. The application process is super easy and quick.

The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa will allow remote workers, business owners, and freelancers to stay in the country for longer than a tourist visa. This visa is different from the Costa Rica Work Visa. Even though it allows you to work while visiting, you must work for a foreign company.

Current travel restrictions

Costa Rica no longer requires travelers to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

However, it is essential to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Costa Rica.

Keep in mind that every foreign document provided must have an official translation into Spanish, made by a Notary Public or official Costa Rican translator.

How much does it cost?

With your application, you must make two payments—one for $100 in favor of the Costa Rican government. The second one is $90 for the issuance of the immigration document.

Timeline for Applying

The application period will depend on how you apply. Applying online will almost always bring a faster response to your application when compared to applying at an embassy. Applications will typically be processed within two weeks when made online, but sometimes additional time is needed for specific applications.

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for digital nomads! So don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this beautiful country your home.