Every year, many people choose to become independent remote workers. They have built their lives around working from anywhere in the world.
Costa Rica is one of the top places remote workers choose as their home for several reasons. Also, Costa Rica has started a new digital nomad Visa scheme, which allows all remote workers to stay in the country for one year. It sounds like a perfect deal, and many specialists take advantage of it.
But why should you go to and stay in Costa Rica? What does it have to offer? Will you be able to work remotely there? If these are the questions in your head, you have come to the right place.
Here are just a few rationales why Costa Rica has become so popular among remote working nomads. Also, you’ll get to know more about digital nomad Visa and its requirements.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has managed to become one of the rivals for remote workers. And some benefits speak louder than words.
Employees of foreign firms operating in Costa Rica can now stay for one year and apply for an extension of another year under the new legislation. Costa Rica is developing a new immigration status called Remote Employee or Provider of Remote Services to attract more remote workers.
Anyone under the remote worker category can apply for a digital nomad visa. However, Costa Rica does not yet have a proper remote work visa, but it will be implemented soon.
Requirements for Visa
- People working as digital nomads, remote workers, teleworkers, and self-employed workers are eligible for this Visa.
- Proof of the past year’s stable income must be greater than or equal to $3,000.
- The income requirement for a family is $4,000. It includes a spouse or partner, children under 25, or an older adult living with the family.
- Must obtain private insurance for medical services to cover the applicant throughout their stay in Costa Rica.
Why Choose Costa Rica?
The government of Costa Rica is providing various benefits to remote workers. Some of which are tax exemption on income no import tax on essential things needed for the online businesses.
They are also offering savings bank accounts in national banks. But there’s much more than worldly benefits. Let’s explore them.
Beautiful Place to Live & Work
Everyone knows that Costa Rica is a wonderful place to live with its lush rainforests, mountains, beaches, rivers, and oceans. It is no wonder that so many digital nomads love living here. Some remote workers come for a seasonal visit just to enjoy the beauty, and then they end up staying longer than expected.
Affordable cost of living and housing
One thing that every remote worker will want is an affordable stay. Costa Rica undoubtedly has many luxurious stays, but there are many tourist-friendly and affordable hotels. Many of which are offering two-bedroom apartments with a cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per month in rent plus utilities. A pair may live comfortably on around $2,000 each month.
Environmentally Friendly & Eco-tourism
The country is very environmentally aware and strives to protect its nature. Many companies have formed partnerships with the government to create national parks, recycle, reuse, and preserve natural resources whenever possible. There are many eco-tourism activities that the country offers because of this view.
Awesome Weather
Despite the rainforest, Costa Rica has mild weather year-round. Weather is another factor why so many people love working online from there. The temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it always feels like summer due to the sun being out all day, every day.
Internet Connectivity
Fast internet connection is one of the significant factors to consider for remote workers. But no need to worry about the speed in Costa Rica’s as the internet connection is quite fast. You can be confident that your link to the rest of the world will not go down while working from home or at a coffee shop.
However, travellers should know how important it is to ensure that their connection is always safe. After all, there is no corporate enough protecting you from eavesdropping or data theft. Therefore, a Virtual Private Network should be in every user’s arsenal. It encrypts your connection and could also serve you in unblocking websites unavailable in your location. Thus, it could open doors to local content, primarily if you work with other markets and need to see your competitors.
