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Costa Rica

Rentista / Nomad Visa

Latin America & Caribbean

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Rentista route trades cold winters for cloud forests, two coasts of surf and a culture famously built around 'pura vida'. The visa is aimed at people with stable foreign income who want a slower pace, easy access to nature and a strong expat scene in places like Tamarindo, Nosara and the Central Valley. Foreign-earned income is not taxed locally, and dependants can be added, making it popular with families who want a safe, English-friendly Latin American base.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: Single: $3,000/month With Dependents : ~ 4,000/month
Length of stay: 1 year
Processing time: ~3 months
Application fee: ~$100 After approval: • DIMEX card — $20 • Visa approval fee — $90
Tax treatment: Tax free / no local tax
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country. Online through Costa Rica's immigration portal or via Costa Rican consulates.
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No fixed savings requirement officially published; proof of stable income is required.
Cost of living: ModerateGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Heavy paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid 6+ months
Bank statements ≥ US$3,000/month for last 12 months
Health insurance covering Costa Rica
Police clearance certificate (apostilled)
Birth/marriage certificates for dependants

Things to know

Imports for personal use are tax-free under this visa.
Driving licence from your home country valid for the visa duration.
Renewable once for total 24 months.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Costa Rica Rentista / Nomad Visa?

The Rentista / Nomad Visa requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly Single: $3,000/month With Dependents : ~ 4,000/month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes ~2-4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Rentista / Nomad Visa?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Costa Rica.

Can I bring my family on the Rentista / Nomad Visa?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Costa Rica?

Foreign-source remote income is generally exempt from local income tax while on this visa. You should still confirm your home-country tax obligations.

Is the Rentista / Nomad Visa renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Rentista / Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Rentista / Nomad Visa is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Costa Rica.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 6+ months; Bank statements ≥ US$3,000/month for last 12 months; Health insurance covering Costa Rica; Police clearance certificate (apostilled); Birth/marriage certificates for dependants. Always check the official source for the latest list.