Costa Rica Rentista / Digital Nomad (Stay in Costa Rica) Visa: Requirements
What you need to qualify for the Costa Rica Rentista / Digital Nomad (Stay in Costa Rica) Visa — income, documents, and the fine print that trips people up.
Costa Rica runs two routes nomads actually use: the long-standing Rentista visa (proof of stable income, not employer-specific) and the dedicated Digital Nomad visa introduced in 2021 specifically for remote workers and freelancers.
The Digital Nomad route requires proof of remote income from a foreign employer or your own foreign-registered business — as of 2026, $3,000/month for an individual applicant or $4,000/month with dependents, generally lower than Panama's comparable program. Documentation requires 12 months of bank statements or an apostilled accountant certification, not just a snapshot balance.
The Rentista route is broader — it doesn't require the income be remote-work-specific, but generally asks for a larger lump-sum deposit or higher recurring income to qualify, since it isn't purpose-built around employment status the way the Digital Nomad visa is.
- Proof of remote income — $3,000/month individual or $4,000/month with dependents as of 2026, via 12 months of bank statements
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance covering your stay
- Clean criminal record
Before you apply
Most routes on this page require proof of health coverage. Compare insurers before you submit anything.
Compare insuranceThis is informational, not advice. Visa, tax, and immigration rules change, and a general guide can't account for your specific situation. Before you act on anything here, confirm current details with the relevant embassy, consulate, or a licensed immigration or tax professional. See our editorial policy for how we verify what we publish.