New Remote Visa Program Approved

• Published date: 23 August 2021
• Subject Matter: Immigration, General Immigration
• Law Firm: Envoy Global, Inc.
• Author: Envoy Global, Inc.

Key Points

• On Aug. 11, 2021, President Carlos Alvarado and Minister of Tourism Gustavo Segura approved new laws supporting a Costa Rican remote work visa. The law will go into effect when published in the Official Gazette (La Gaceta), expected in the coming weeks
• The remote work visa will permit eligible foreign nationals employed outside Costa Rica (servicing personnel or entities outside Costa Rica) to live and work remotely within Costa Rican borders.
• The remote visa will be approved for up to one year, without sponsorship from local employers
• The remote visa will not permit foreign nationals to perform local remunerated work duties in Costa Rica

Overview

Additional information about the remote work visa is as follows:

• The visa is valid for one year. It may be extended one (1) time for an additional one (1) year.
• To be eligible, applicants must prove a consistent average monthly income of at least USD 3,000 (or USD 4,000 if the visa-holder has dependents) for a year prior to submission. The General Immigration Directorate may request bank statements or other documentation to verify.
• Applicants and any familial dependents must possess private medical insurance. The insurance policy must cover the full duration of their time in Costa Rica.
• The government intends to adjudicate remote work visa applications within 15 calendar days from the filing date.
• This program will offer tax benefits to the primary visa-holder. These benefits include
  • Income tax- and technical work equipment exemptions.
  • Additionally, primary visa-holders will be able to use their international driver's...