Costa Rica digital nomad checklist: income, insurance, and renewal

By Chip Moreno · Reviewed September 29, 2026

Check the kind of work first

Costa Rica's digital nomad program uses the Estancia category for remote workers and service providers serving people or businesses outside Costa Rica. Begin by describing where your employer or clients are based and how you deliver the work. Local employment requires a separate immigration assessment.

Make the income file easy to follow

The Tourism Board's dedicated requirements page lists US$3,000 per month for an individual and US$4,000 when dependents apply, supported by the previous year's foreign income evidence. Its general program landing page displays a different family figure. Applicants bringing dependents should confirm the amount with DGME before relying on either summary. Prepare statements in month order and flag gaps, currency changes, or irregular payments for review.

Plan insurance and documents together

Official guidance requires medical coverage for the authorized stay with at least US$50,000 of coverage; dependents need coverage too. Check that the policy documents clearly identify the insured people, dates, territory, and benefit limit. Foreign-language application documents need Spanish translation. Dependents add relationship evidence, so their document work should begin alongside the main applicant's.

Approval creates another checklist

The official documentation guidance provides three months after notification of approval to arrange immigration accreditation. The governing law requires at least 180 days of presence during the first year for renewal; confirm the current implementation with DGME when planning travel. Save travel records and create reminders for documentation, insurance, and renewal instead of treating the approval email as the last step.

Sources & further reading

Reviewed September 29, 2026. Authorities may update requirements.