Expat Guide to Costa Rica

Everything you need to know about living and working in Costa Rica.

Digital Nomad Visa (Ley para Atraer Trabajadores y Prestadores Remotos de Servicios Internacionales): requires proof of $3,000/month income or $60,000 in savings. Valid for 1 year, renewable once. Provides tax exemption on foreign income. The Rentista visa requires proof of $2,500/month passive income for at least 2 years. The Pensionado visa requires $1,000/month pension income. Tourist entry allows 90-day stays for most nationalities. Costa Rica's 'Pura Vida' lifestyle is a major draw.

Territorial tax system: only Costa Rican-source income is taxed — foreign-source income is completely exempt. This is one of the most favorable tax regimes for remote workers globally. Costa Rican-source income is taxed at progressive rates from 0% to 25%. Corporate tax is 30% on net income. VAT (IVA) is 13% on most goods and services. DN visa holders are explicitly exempt from Costa Rican income tax on their foreign earnings. Social security contributions (CCSS) are mandatory for employees: approximately 10.34% employee contribution plus 26.33% employer contribution.

Costa Rica's social security system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, CCSS, known as 'La Caja') provides universal healthcare to all legal residents and contributors. Quality in San José metro area is good — Hospital CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital Calderón Guardia are well-regarded. The public system has longer wait times but is comprehensive. Private insurance (INS — Instituto Nacional de Seguros) is affordable at $50-150/month. Costa Rica is known for medical tourism, especially dental care and cosmetic procedures. Rural and beach areas have limited medical facilities — evacuation insurance is recommended for those living outside the Central Valley.

Banco Nacional, BCR (Banco de Costa Rica), and BAC San José are the major banks. Opening an account as a resident requires: DIMEX (residency card), passport, and proof of address. The process can be bureaucratic — expect multiple visits and waiting. Costa Rica's banking system is modernizing but still somewhat behind the curve — online banking works but isn't always intuitive. SINPE Móvil is the local mobile payment system (similar to Venmo). Cash and card are both widely used. US dollars are accepted in tourist areas and can be held in Costa Rican bank accounts. Wise works well for international transfers.