21/08/2026
Applying for Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos) is completed primarily online through Costa Rica's immigration portal (Trámite Ya).
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Gather and Certify Required Documents
Must be in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation
Compile the core documentation before starting the online filing:
Passport: Bio page copy with at least 6 months of validity.
Proof of Income: 12 consecutive months of official bank statements showing deposits of at least $3,000/month (or $4,000/month for families), supported by a notarized sworn affidavit or CPA certification.
Health Insurance: Policy certificate confirming at least $50,000 in coverage per person valid for the entire 12-month period.
Family Ties (if applicable): Apostilled and officially translated marriage/birth certificates for dependents.
2. Pay the Government Filing Fee
Deposit or transfer the $100 USD application fee to the official account of the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) and save the official payment receipt.
3. Submit Online via the Trámite Ya Portal
Create a user account on the DGME Trámite Ya portal. Fill out the digital affiliation form and upload digital copies of all gathered documents, along with the $100 fee receipt.
4. Immigration Review and Document Rectification
DGME reviews the application file. If any document is missing or requires clarification, they issue a previo (notification), typically within 5 working days. You will have 8 working days to submit any requested corrections.
5. Receive Official Resolution & Enter Costa Rica
Must enter within 90 days if applying from abroad
Once approved, the DGME issues an official approval resolution (resolución). If you applied from outside Costa Rica, you have up to 90 days to enter the country to finalize your paperwork.
6. In-Country Accreditation and Stamping
Attend an in-person appointment at the DGME headquarters in La Uruca (San José) or a designated regional office to present your original passport and receive the official digital nomad visa endorsement / accreditation document.
Realistic Timeline Breakdown
Phase | Duration | Details
Document Preparation | 1 to 3 weeks
Compiling 12 months of bank statements, purchasing qualifying insurance, notarizing affidavits, and obtaining official certified translations.
DGME Review & Decision 15 to 30 calendar days
Legal standard review window is 15 calendar days from the date all documents are accepted.
Correction Window (if needed) | Up to 8 business days
Added only if immigration requests supplemental proof or document fixes.
|In-Person Activation 1 to 2 weeks post-arrival Scheduling the final in-person document review and obtaining your visa stamp/credential.
Total Estimated Time | 4 to 8 weeks | From initial preparation to receiving legal nomad status.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
Applying In-Country vs. Abroad: You can apply while already inside Costa Rica on a standard tourist stamp or online from your home country. If applying from inside Costa Rica, include a scan of your entry stamp.
Apostilles: Unlike standard Costa Rican residency pathways (such as Rentista or Inversionista), the Digital Nomad Visa does not require an apostilled police background check—only your proof of income and family certificates (if bringing dependents) require certification.
Renewal Condition: To qualify for the second-year renewal, you must maintain your qualifying foreign income and reside physically in Costa Rica for a minimum of 180 days during year one.
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