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Colombia

Costa Rica, nestled in the heart of Central America, boasts exceptional levels of connectivity, making it an ideal haven for digital nomads to effortlessly stay connected with their companies across the globe. With its strategic geographic location, temperate climate, excellent air connectivity, and unparalleled tourism experiences, Costa Rica emerges as an irresistible destination for digital nomads seeking both professional growth and memorable adventures. Costa Rica offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and modern amenities that perfectly align with the digital nomad lifestyle.

Capital: Bogotá
Climate Now: 22°C
Government: Democracy
Language: Spanish
Population: 50,882,884
Currency: Colombian peso

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Bogota

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Medellin

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Visa Information

Visa Requirements

You must work for a foreign company, own a business, or work as a freelancer with companies outside Costa Rica.

Have a monthly income of at least $3,000.

If you’re applying for a family, you must have a monthly income of at least $4,000.

Have health insurance that covers you and your family if necessary

Documents required

Valid passport

Travel insurance

Visa application form

Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay

An employment contract

A declaration letter stating that you will be working remotely in Costa Rica

Bank account statements that prove substantial financial means

Proof of payments

Visa Requirements

You must work for a foreign company, own a business, or work as a freelancer with companies outside Costa Rica.

Have a monthly income of at least $3,000.

Documents required

Valid passport

Travel insurance

Visa application form

Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay

Cost Of Living

Costa Rica offers digital nomads the perfect balance of affordable living and unforgettable experiences. From affordable accommodation and reasonable daily expenses to thriving nomad communities and breathtaking landscapes, this Central American gem is a paradise for remote workers seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Consider Costa Rica as your next digital nomad destination and embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle while keeping your expenses in check.

In principle, the tap water here is drinkable, but it’s advised to drink bottled mineral water. Beer (often blonde and light, sometimes amber) is widely available, as are fizzy drinks. The fresh juices are delicious.

Costa Rica has become a hotspot for digital nomad communities, offering ample opportunities to network, collaborate, and engage with like-minded individuals. Cities such as San JoseTamarindo, and Santa Teresa have established coworking spaces and meet-up events where digital nomads can connect, exchange ideas, and find potential collaborations.

Safety and Security

Costa Rica has a low murder rate compared to its neighbours, but the figures are still high compared to the UK.

You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK, including when using ATMs. Petty theft of personal items including passports and muggings are significant problems, particularly on the Atlantic coast.

Be vigilant when using buses, as thefts are common. Bags in overhead compartments are particularly vulnerable. Thieves have simple but effective ways of distracting you. Be particularly watchful of your valuables at the beach.

Rapes and sexual assaults have increased, some of which appear targeted toward tourists. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of ‘spiked’ drinks resulting in assault and theft.

Avoid using unofficial taxis – ‘taxi piratas’. Violent incidents involving tourists have been reported. Official taxis are red (or orange at the airport) with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company. Ideally, use radio-dispatched taxis. Make sure the driver’s ID is clearly visible on the dashboard and that the driver uses the meter. Do not accept lifts from strangers.

Avoid poorly lit or remote areas. Gang muggings, carjackings and armed robberies have occurred, including on busy streets. A number of foreign nationals (including one British national) have gone missing in recent years, with some related to criminal activity.

Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

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Pura Vida Lifestyle: Embracing the Essence of Costa Rica

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Costa Rica's Must-Visit Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Serenity

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Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

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Connectivity

Internet and Connectivity

The average internet speed in Costa Rica is 8 Mbps. However, many rural areas still only have access to 3G or 4G speeds.

If you’re looking for a faster connection, you may want to consider moving to a more urban area, or asking your landlord / host beforehand what their average internet speed is.

You can find the latest reported internet speeds for places like TamarindoSan JoseSamara and Puerto Viejo on Nomadlist.

Internet Services With Prices
Kolbi Internet 1 GB 1GB $1,426.86
Acelera Pymes Premium 5GB $1,053.68
CableTica 25mbps $298.94
Evoluciona Unlimited $1,472.98
Coopelesca 50Mbps $202.40
Super Cable 30GB $200.53

Healthcare

The average internet speed in Costa Rica is 8 Mbps. However, many rural areas still only have access to 3G or 4G speeds.

If you’re looking for a faster connection, you may want to consider moving to a more urban area, or asking your landlord / host beforehand what their average internet speed is.

Healthcare Services With Prices
Coopelesca 50Mbps $202.40
Super Cable 30GB $200.53

Weather

The average internet speed in Costa Rica is 8 Mbps. However, many rural areas still only have access to 3G or 4G speeds.

If you’re looking for a faster connection, you may want to consider moving to a more urban area, or asking your landlord / host beforehand what their average internet speed is.

You can find the latest reported internet speeds for places like TamarindoSan JoseSamara and Puerto Viejo on Nomadlist.

Transportation

The average internet speed in Costa Rica is 8 Mbps. However, many rural areas still only have access to 3G or 4G speeds.

If you’re looking for a faster connection, you may want to consider moving to a more urban area, or asking your landlord / host beforehand what their average internet speed is.

You can find the latest reported internet speeds for places like TamarindoSan JoseSamara and Puerto Viejo on Nomadlist.

Transportation Services With Prices
Kolbi Internet 1 GB 1GB $1,426.86
Acelera Pymes Premium 5GB $1,053.68
CableTica 25mbps $298.94
Evoluciona Unlimited $1,472.98
Coopelesca 50Mbps $202.40
Super Cable 30GB $200.53

Language and Culture

People of Costa Rica
The Costa Rican population is made up of 72% mixed race, 14% white, 10% black (often from Jamaica) and 2% American Indian (Guatusos, Bribris, Cabécaras, Térrabas, Borucas, Guaymíes); most of whom live in indigenous reserves. The mix of ethnicities living here all contribute to Costa Rica’s culture.

Religion in Costa Rica
Catholicism is the official religion and is practiced by the vast majority of the country, but there is an overriding tolerance to religion within Costa Rican culture; many Mormons, for example, live in San José.

Policy in Costa Rica
The Republic of Costa Rica is a presidential republic. The President (elected for four years by national vote, without the possibility of a second consecutive term in the first) is both head of state and government; so is fully responsible for the executive. The parliament (57 deputies elected for four years by national vote) holds legislative power. The Supreme Court is the highest court; the Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws. The Costa Rican population is made up of 72% mixed race, 14% white, 10% black (often from Jamaica) and 2% American Indian (Guatusos, Bribris, Cabécaras, Térrabas, Borucas, Guaymíes).

Streets Of San Jose, Costa Rica

Taxes and Legal Considerations

Digital nomads are not required to pay income taxes in Costa Rica. Moreover, they are exempt from import taxes on computers, laptops and equipment they intend on using for remote work. Such items would be imported by visa holders as personal belongings, which are non-taxable.

If you are a tax resident in your home country, you are only expected to pay tax back home. In some cases, this can be revoked, using the “double tax” statement for countries that require digital nomads to pay income taxes, such as Estonia.

Since digital nomad visa holders don’t pay any taxes in Costa Rica, they can not be considered a resident. This means that access to the free, public medical and education services are off the table. In the same manner, there is no access to local social security for digital nomad visa holders in Costa Rica.

However, there may be other local taxes that do apply to digital nomads. To check if you are required to pay any of them, consult with a local foreign office.

Since digital nomad visa holders don’t pay any taxes in Costa Rica, they can not be considered a resident. This means that access to the free, public medical and education services are off the table. In the same manner, there is no access to local social security for digital nomad visa holders in Costa Rica.

When it comes to Foreign Employer Compliance, no local registration, payroll or social security is required.

Social and Networking Board

Information on local meetups, events, and expat communities where digital nomads can connect with others.

Suggest an event

Join us for a meetup to connect with digital nomads in San Jose and explore Costa Rica together.

Costa Coffee House 123 Main Street, San Jose, Costa Rica

20/06/2023

Meetup Event

San Jose Digital Nomads: Connect

Cultural Event

16/10/2023

Join us for a meetup to connect with digital nomads in San Jose and explore Costa Rica together. Jose and explore Costa Rica together.

Costa Coffee House 123 Main Street, San Jose, Costa Rica

16/10/2023

Cultural Event

San Jose Digital Nomads: Connect and Explore Costa Rica Together

Workshop

02/10/2023

Join us for a meetup to connect with digital nomads in San Jose and explore Costa Rica together.

Costa Coffee House 123 Main Street, San Jose, Costa Rica

02/10/2023

Workshop

San Jose Digital Nomads: Connect

Panel Discussion

03/05/2023

Join us for a meetup to connect with digital nomads in San Jose and explore Costa Rica together. Jose and explore Costa Rica together.

Creative Hub, 789 Oak Street, San Jose, Costa Rica

03/05/2023

Panel Discussion

What people are saying

"I absolutely loved my digital nomad experience in Costa Rica. The warm and welcoming culture, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant expat community made it a perfect destination. I found great support and connections through local meetups and events. Costa Rica offers a wonderful work-life balance, and I highly recommend it to fellow nomads seeking adventure and a relaxed lifestyle." new text

Living and working in Costa Rica was an unforgettable experience. The vibrant expat community in Manuel Antonio made it easy to connect and share adventures with fellow nomads. As a travel blogger, I found endless inspiration in the country's picturesque beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush rainforests. I felt supported and inspired by the local meetups and events that allowed me to network and learn from other digital nomads. Costa Rica truly became my muse.

Working remotely in Costa Rica was a dream come true. The country's breathtaking beaches and tropical vibes provided the perfect backdrop for my digital nomad lifestyle. As a graphic designer, I found endless inspiration in the vibrant colors and natural beauty. I connected with fellow nomads at meetups and through collaborative projects. From surfing breaks to exploring rainforests, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for adventure and creativity. It's a place I'll always cherish.

Costa Rica is an incredible destination for digital nomads. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals create a welcoming environment. As a software developer, I found the country to be tech-friendly with reliable internet access. I joined local networking groups and made lasting connections with like-minded professionals. The country's eco-conscious mindset and emphasis on sustainability also resonated with my values. Costa Rica has it all – a thriving work community, stunning nature, and a relaxed lifestyle.

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