Digital Nomad Law in Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with plenty of pura vida to keep you digital nomad law costa rica from your work, Costa Rica may be the place for you. It’s long been a popular destination for retirees and expats, but the country has also become an increasingly attractive location for remote workers as well. The time zone’s proximity to North America, the local English language and affordable cost of living make it an ideal location for teleworkers.
Joining the ranks of Croatia, Barbados and other countries that have introduced digital nomad visas, Costa Rica hopes to attract the influx of remote workers looking for a change of scenery. Currently, foreign nationals can only stay in the country under a tourist visa for 90 days at a time, but digital nomads will be allowed to remain in the country for up to two years with this new law.
The Legal Landscape for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica: Understanding the Rights and Responsibilities
One of the biggest appeals for digital nomads is that they won’t have to pay income tax in Costa Rica. This is a big deal, especially for freelancers who often experience volatile earnings. However, the law does have a few stipulations that are worth considering before making the move.
The stipulation that is most likely to deter some aspiring digital nomads from moving to Costa Rica is the requirement that they have a steady source of income of at least $3,000 per month. This is particularly challenging for freelancers and contractors whose jobs can be quite unpredictable, such as those who do project-based work or receive commission-based income.