Costa Rica
General visa requirements for travelling to Costa Rica. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Processing time
- Around 15 working days
- Fee
- $100 USD
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of stable net income of at least $3,000 per month ($5,000 for families).
Minimum funds: $3,000 USD per month ($5,000 for families)
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Employment
Must work remotely for a foreign company, cannot work locally in Costa Rica. Can live in Costa Rica full-time but not work locally.
Required status: Remote work for foreign company only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Costa Rica; Minimum coverage: Coverage for length of stay
How to apply
-
Online application
Submit digital nomad visa application online with application form, passport, proof of income, health insurance, and employment documentation.
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Fee payment
Pay application fee of $100 USD by bank transfer only.
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Processing wait
Application processed in around 15 working days, can vary during busy periods.
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Visa collection
Receive digital nomad visa if approved.
Work / Immigration visa (Investor Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 9-12 months from formal submission
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Entry
- Single entry
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Minimum investment of USD $150,000 in qualifying assets. Investment may include real estate, an active business, or a government-approved project.
Minimum funds: $150,000 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Make qualifying investment in Costa Rica with investment documentation, property titles or business registration, and financial statements.
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Document submission
Submit investor visa application with application form, passport, investment proof, and supporting documents translated into Spanish.
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Processing wait
Application processed by immigration authorities. Wait 9-12 months from formal submission for processing.
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Visa collection
Receive investor residency if approved.
Work / Immigration visa (Rentista Visa - Freelancers & Self-Employed)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-8 months
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Entry
- Single entry
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Documentation showing steady income from outside Costa Rica. Proof of consistent monthly income or pension.
Minimum funds: Steady monthly income from outside Costa Rica
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit rentista visa application at Costa Rican embassy or consulate with application form, passport, income documentation, financial statements, and supporting documents translated into Spanish.
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Processing wait
Application processed by immigration authorities. Wait 3-8 months for processing.
-
Visa collection
Receive rentista visa if approved.
Work / Immigration visa (Temporary Residence Permit - Employer Sponsored)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-8 months, potentially longer
- Fee
- Varies
- Validity
- Duration of employment contract
- Entry
- Single entry
Initiate well in advance of intended employment start date. All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must be sponsored by a Costa Rican employer. Employer must demonstrate that position cannot be filled by a Costa Rican citizen, providing evidence of recruitment efforts and lack of qualified local candidates. Work permit required for all foreign nationals engaging in employment activities, all job sectors and positions.
Required status: Employer sponsorship required with labor market test
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer initiates work permit application process with job offer letter, employment contract, labor market test documentation, and company registration documents.
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Processing wait
Work permit and residence permit processed by immigration authorities. Processing typically takes 3-8 months, sometimes longer.
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Visa collection
Receive work permit and temporary residence permit if approved.
Work / Immigration visa (Special Category - Arts & Entertainment)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-8 months
- Fee
- Varies by consulate
- Entry
- Single entry
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have secured a job in the arts and entertainment industry (actors, painters, musicians, etc.).
Required status: Job offer in arts/entertainment sector
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit special category visa application with application form, passport, job offer letter, portfolio/credentials, and supporting documents translated into Spanish.
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Processing wait
Application processed by immigration authorities. Wait 3-8 months for processing.
-
Visa collection
Receive special category visa if approved.