Republic of Costa Rica · digital nomad
Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
A one-year stay (estancia) for remote workers and service providers serving foreign clients under Costa Rica's Ley N. 10008.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official DGME digital-nomad page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a government processing fee applies; confirm the current amount on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Granted for one year, renewable once for an additional year; this is a stay (estancia), not a settlement track, and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008) for Republic of Costa Rica is an unsponsored Costa Rica immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Costa Rica government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/costa-rica/digital-nomad#answer
What is the Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008) in Republic of Costa Rica?
Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008) is an unsponsored Costa Rica route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - a government processing fee applies; confirm the current amount on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official DGME digital-nomad page; typical duration is Granted for one year, renewable once for an additional year; this is a stay (estancia), not a settlement track, and does not lead to permanent residence. Confirm current terms on the official page. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Costa Rica's digital-nomad route is governed by Ley N. 10008 (the law to attract remote workers and providers of international-character services) and is delivered through the immigration subcategory of estancia. It is for people who provide paid services remotely, using digital or telecommunications technology, to a person or entity located outside Costa Rica, and who meet the minimum monthly income required (higher when including dependents). It is granted for one year and renewable once, and it does not lead to permanent residence. It is administered by the DGME.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Paid services are provided remotely, via digital or telecommunications technology, to a person or entity located outside Costa Rica.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓Minimum stable monthly income at the level set by Ley 10008 is evidenced (a higher amount applies when including dependents).Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica for the period of stay is held.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the application form signed by the applicant or their legal representative are presented.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Common blockers
- !The work is for a Costa Rican employer or Costa Rican-sourced clients rather than foreign ones.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- !Monthly income falls below the threshold set by Ley 10008.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- !Expecting the stay to lead to permanent residence - it does not under Ley 10008.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Proof of stable monthly income at the required level (e.g. bank statements).Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Evidence the work or services are for a foreign employer or foreign clients.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Medical insurance valid in Costa Rica for the period of stay.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
- ·Valid passport and the signed estancia application form.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your remote work is for foreign clients and that you meet the Ley 10008 income and insurance requirements, using the official DGME digital-nomad page.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble proof of foreign income, work evidence, Costa Rica-valid medical insurance, passport and the signed application form.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the DGME (online appointment portal for digital nomads or at a migration office) following the Ley 10008 estancia instructions.
After approval
Use the one-year stay; renew once if eligible, remembering this estancia does not lead to permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008).
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Does Costa Rica's digital-nomad estancia lead to permanent residence?+
No. The Ley 10008 remote-worker estancia is granted for one year and renewable once, but it does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. Migrants who want a settlement path should consider the Pensionado, Rentista or Inversionista categories. Confirm the rules on the official DGME page.
What income do I need for the Costa Rican digital-nomad estancia?+
You must show a stable monthly income at the minimum set by Ley 10008, with a higher amount required if you include dependents. Because the figure is set by law and regulation, confirm the current minimum on the official DGME page.
Do I need my own health insurance for the Costa Rican digital-nomad estancia?+
Yes. The Ley 10008 remote-worker estancia requires medical insurance valid in Costa Rica for the period of stay, and proof of that insurance is part of the required evidence. Confirm the current insurance requirements on the official DGME page.
Can I work for a Costa Rican company while on the digital-nomad estancia?+
No. The Ley 10008 estancia requires that your paid services are provided to a person or entity located outside Costa Rica; working for a Costa Rican employer or Costa Rican-sourced clients is a common reason for ineligibility. Confirm the current rules on the official DGME page.
Can I include my spouse or children on Costa Rica's digital-nomad estancia?+
Yes, dependents can be included on the Ley 10008 remote-worker estancia, but a higher minimum monthly income applies when you add dependents. Confirm the current income figures on the official DGME page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Costa RicaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Costa Rica)
Last checked: 1 June 2026