Estancia – Trabajador o Prestador Remoto de Servicios
Ley 10008, 'nómadas digitales'
A non-resident 'stay' (estancia) status for foreigners who work remotely and are paid from abroad. It is granted by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) under Ley 10008 (as interpreted and amended by Ley 10208) and its regulation, Decreto 43619-H-MGP-TUR. It allows up to one year in Costa Rica, renewable for one more year, and carries tax and import benefits.
Life in Costa Rica
Money
3
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
CRC
Costa Rican Colón
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–25%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 13%
Salary scale 2026: monthly salary up to CRC 918,000 exempt; 25% on the excess over CRC 4,727,000 a month. Self-employed have a separate annual scale.
Living
1
Happiness
#4 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign employees or independent professionals who provide paid services remotely, directly or subcontracted, to people or companies outside Costa Rica.
Eligibility
Remote work for foreign clients
Applicants provide paid services remotely, directly or subcontracted, to a person or company outside Costa Rica, and are paid from abroad.
Minimum income
You need to show income from abroad of at least US$3,000 per month, converted at the Central Bank's official sale rate.
US$3,000
Minimum monthly income from abroad
Official wording
At least US$3,000 per month from abroad, converted at the Central Bank's official sale rate.
Family incomeWith dependants
If dependants will also stay, you need to show at least US$4,000 per month.
US$4,000
Monthly income with dependants
- Per the official requirements page
Official wording
At least US$4,000 per month if dependants will also stay, per the official requirements page.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementHealth insurance
- Document checklistSigned application form
- FeesApplication payment
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 4 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Costa Rica
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Costa Rica
- Visit & tourismVisiting Costa Rica
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence
- Status in-countryTemporary Residence – Pensionado
- Status in-countryTemporary Residence – Rentista
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary Residence – Inversionista
