Costa Rica — Stay for Remote Workers and Service Providers (Estancia, Law 10008)
US citizens can apply for Costa Rica's Estancia for Remote Workers and Service Providers under Law 10008 — show at least US$3,000/month in foreign income, pay the US$100 fee, and submit the application online via the Trámite Ya platform or in person at Immigration.
Costa Rica's digital-nomad immigration sub-category (Estancia) under Law 10008 for foreign nationals who provide paid services remotely to people or companies outside Costa Rica.
- Validity
- Granted as an Estancia (stay) of one year, which can be renewed for one additional year.
- Entries
- Multiple entry while the stay is valid.
- Max stay per visit
- Up to one year per grant, renewable once for a further year.
When to start
Start 15–45 days before your travel date.
You may apply for the Estancia (Stay) for Remote Workers and Service Providers if you provide paid services remotely to a person or company outside Costa Rica.
Assemble bank statements with an affidavit showing income of at least US$3,000 per month from outside Costa Rica (US$4,000 if you also apply for your family group).
Pay the government fee of US$100 (or its colón equivalent) to the Bank of Costa Rica account specified for the application, and keep the proof of payment.
Submit the application form signed by you or your representative — online through the Trámite Ya digital platform, or in person at the central or regional offices of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME).
What you'll need
- Signed application form — The application form signed by the applicant or their representative, downloaded for either the online Trámite Ya platform or in-person submission. ✓ verified
- Proof of US$100 payment — Proof of payment to the Government of US$100 (or its colón equivalent) to the designated Bank of Costa Rica account. ✓ verified
- Passport copy — A copy of the photo page of your valid passport with your photograph and biographical information (plus the Costa Rican entry stamp page if you are already in Costa Rica). ✓ verified
- Bank statements with affidavit — Bank statements with an affidavit, showing income from outside Costa Rica of not less than US$3,000 per month (US$4,000 if applying for your family group). ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
Submit the application online through the Trámite Ya digital platform, or in person using a physical form at the central or regional offices of the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME).
Fees
| Government application fee | USD 100 |
Gotchas to watch
- Income threshold is US$3,000/month from outside Costa Rica — or US$4,000/month if you also want your family group granted permission to stay.
- Apply online via the Trámite Ya platform or in person at central or regional DGME offices.
- A visa or stay does not guarantee entry — an immigration official decides admission at the port of entry.