Working remotely in Costa Rica. Where to begin.

Where the visa stands

Costa Rica offers a stay category for paid remote services delivered to people or businesses outside the country. The individual income requirement is US$3,000 per month.

Start with your work plans

Income must come from qualifying remote services outside Costa Rica. The individual requirement is US$3,000 monthly; the reviewed official pages disagree on the family amount.

Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Take the first application step

Use the official requirements page and its immigration application channel. Clarify the family income requirement directly with Immigration if relevant.

The requirements page says US$4,000 for a family, while the overview says US$5,000. Neither conflict nor a pension-only income should be ignored.

Keep two money questions separate

The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.

This briefing reorganizes the existing visa summary. It does not represent a new source review. The visa section of the guide keeps the original review dates and qualifications.

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