Digital nomads are people who work remotely using technology to carry out their tasks, without being tied to a particular location. In the past couple of years, this lifestyle has been gaining popularity in Costa Rica. As a result, the Costa Rican Government has introduced a special temporary residence category tailored for digital nomads to encourage their stay in the country.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Residence Category in Costa Rica
Holders of the digital nomad category in Costa Rica enjoy various benefits, including:
- The right to open bank accounts in the country.
- Exemption from specific taxes on income.
- Validity of the driver’s license for the same duration as the digital nomad residence.
- Exemption from customs duties on basic technological equipment.
Requirements and Process to Obtain the Special Temporary Residence
To acquire the digital nomad category, applicants must adhere to certain requirements and follow a process through the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) digital platform:
- Verification of a minimum monthly income of $3,000 USD from abroad for individual applicants or $4,000 USD if also applying for legal permanence for dependents.
- Once this requirement has been verified, a user must be generated on the government’s platform, and complete the enrollment process.
- In case clarifications or corrections of information are needed, the government can ask for extra documentation.
The digital nomad category is valid for one year and can be extended for a second year. To ensure legal immigration status in Costa Rica, it is crucial to meet all requirements and submit the necessary documentation in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in denial or cancellation of the digital nomad category.
Expert Legal Assistance for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
LightHouse Equipo Legal is a Costa Rican law firm specializing in corporate law, crypto law, tech law, and public law. If you are a digital nomad interested in obtaining legal residence in Costa Rica, our team is ready to guide you through the process. For more information, contact us at info@lh-legal.com or jrodriguez@lh-legal.com.
