Can I work remotely from Costa Rica property?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Costa Rica Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Costa Rica Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Costa Rica. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Costa Rican real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like San José, Escazú, and Tamarindo. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What type of visa do I need to live and work remotely in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a Digital Nomad Visa specifically designed for remote workers and freelancers.

This visa requires a minimum monthly income of $3,000 for individuals or $4,000 for families, earned from sources outside Costa Rica. The income must be demonstrated through bank statements, employment contracts, or client agreements from the past six months.

The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year if you spend at least 180 days in Costa Rica during the first period. As of September 2025, this visa provides legal authorization to work remotely while residing in Costa Rican properties, unlike tourist visas which do not permit any form of work.

Application requires proof of income, health insurance coverage, a clean criminal background check, and payment of application fees. The process can be initiated online through Costa Rica's immigration portal.

It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica as a tourist while working remotely?

Tourist visas allow a maximum stay of 90 days in Costa Rica, but working remotely on a tourist visa is not legally permitted.

While many digital nomads historically worked on tourist visas, this practice lacks legal protection and can result in complications with immigration authorities. Costa Rican immigration law requires proper work authorization for any income-generating activities, even if the income source is foreign.

Tourist visa holders can extend their stay by leaving the country briefly and re-entering, but this "visa run" strategy doesn't provide legal work authorization. Immigration officials may question frequent entries and exits, particularly if they suspect undeclared work activities.

For legitimate remote work arrangements, the Digital Nomad Visa provides the proper legal framework and eliminates risks associated with working on tourist status.

Do I need to register with the local authorities if I work remotely from Costa Rica?

Yes, Digital Nomad Visa holders must register with Costa Rican immigration authorities and obtain a residence permit.

Registration involves providing biometric data, submitting required documentation, and completing the residence permit process. This typically occurs after initial visa approval and upon arrival in Costa Rica.

The registration process includes fingerprinting, photographs, and verification of supporting documents such as proof of income, health insurance, and background checks. Most of the initial application can be completed online, but final registration must be completed in-person at immigration offices.

Registration provides legal status and protections under Costa Rican law, including access to certain services and legal recourse in case of disputes. Failure to complete proper registration can result in visa cancellation and deportation.

Are there any tax obligations in Costa Rica for foreign remote workers?

Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system, meaning only income earned within Costa Rica is subject to local taxation.

Remote workers earning income from foreign employers or clients are generally exempt from Costa Rican income tax on that foreign-sourced income. This makes Costa Rica particularly attractive for digital nomads and remote workers compared to countries with worldwide taxation systems.

However, staying in Costa Rica for more than 183 days in a fiscal year may classify you as a tax resident for other reporting requirements. Tax residency can affect obligations related to asset declarations and other administrative requirements, though it doesn't change the territorial taxation of foreign income.

Property purchases, rental income from Costa Rican properties, or any local business activities are subject to Costa Rican taxation. Consultation with a qualified tax advisor is recommended for complex situations involving multiple income sources or extended stays.

Will my current employer allow me to work remotely from Costa Rica?

Employer authorization depends entirely on your company's remote work policies and international employment agreements.

Costa Rican law now provides clear frameworks for remote work arrangements with foreign employers, requiring formal agreements covering equipment provision, insurance coverage, and labor rights protection. However, your employer must explicitly approve international remote work arrangements.

Many companies have specific policies regarding remote work from foreign countries due to tax implications, data security requirements, employment law compliance, and time zone considerations. Some employers require formal remote work agreements or may restrict work from certain countries.

Before relocating to Costa Rica, obtain written authorization from your employer and clarify any requirements regarding work hours, equipment, reporting, and duration of international remote work arrangements.

It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.

Is there reliable and fast internet access available in Costa Rica for remote work?

Costa Rica has developed solid internet infrastructure, particularly in urban areas and popular expat destinations.

Average internet speeds nationwide are around 22 Mbps, with fiber-optic connections available in major cities offering speeds up to 1000 Mbps. San José, Escazú, Santa Ana, and coastal towns like Tamarindo and Nosara have reliable high-speed internet suitable for video conferencing and data-intensive remote work.

Internet service providers like Kolbi, Tigo, and Claro offer various packages ranging from $50-100 monthly for high-speed connections. Many coworking spaces and upscale residential areas have redundant connections to ensure reliability.

Rural areas and mountainous regions may experience connectivity challenges, and tropical weather can occasionally affect service. Before committing to a property, test internet speed and reliability in your specific location, especially if your remote work requires consistent high-bandwidth connections.

What is the cost of living in Costa Rica, particularly in areas where remote workers tend to live?

Remote workers typically budget $1,500-2,000 monthly for comfortable living in Costa Rica's major expat areas.

San José metropolitan area, including Escazú and Santa Ana, represents the higher end of living costs due to urban amenities and infrastructure. Monthly expenses break down roughly as: housing $600-1,200, food $400-600, transportation $100-200, utilities $150-250, and miscellaneous expenses $250-350.

Coastal areas like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Manuel Antonio offer similar costs but with variation based on proximity to beaches and tourist infrastructure. Rural areas and smaller towns can reduce living costs by 20-30%, though with potential trade-offs in internet reliability and amenities.

Property rental costs vary significantly: studio apartments start around $400-600 monthly, one-bedroom units range $600-1,000, and two-bedroom properties cost $800-1,500, depending on location and amenities. Furnished rentals command premium pricing but eliminate furniture acquisition costs.

Are there coworking spaces available in Costa Rica, and how much do they cost?

Location	Coworking Options	Monthly Cost Range
San José/Escazú	WeWork, local spaces, business centers	$250-400
Santa Ana	Professional coworking hubs	$200-350
Tamarindo	Beach-town coworking spaces	$200-300
Nosara	Surf-focused digital nomad spaces	$180-280
Manuel Antonio	Tourism-oriented workspaces	$200-320
Jacó	Mixed beach/business facilities	$150-250
Puerto Viejo	Eco-focused coworking options	$120-200

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Costa Rica versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the healthcare options for remote workers in Costa Rica?

Digital Nomad Visa holders must maintain private health insurance coverage throughout their stay in Costa Rica.

Private health insurance costs typically range $100-300 monthly, depending on coverage levels and provider. International insurance plans or local Costa Rican providers both satisfy visa requirements, though local plans often provide better network access and cost efficiency.

Costa Rica's public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) is available to legal residents through monthly contributions based on income. The public system provides comprehensive coverage but may involve longer wait times for non-emergency procedures.

Private hospitals and clinics in major cities offer high-quality care with shorter wait times. Many physicians speak English, particularly in expat-heavy areas. Medical tourism is common, indicating quality care at competitive prices compared to North American and European standards.

Do I need to open a local bank account to receive payments while living in Costa Rica?

Opening a local Costa Rican bank account is not strictly necessary for receiving remote work payments.

Most remote workers continue using international accounts, online payment platforms, or digital banking services from their home countries. Services like Wise, PayPal, or direct bank transfers work effectively for receiving foreign income.

However, local bank accounts can provide convenience for daily expenses, utility payments, and property-related transactions. Some landlords prefer local bank transfers for rent payments, and having a local account simplifies certain administrative processes.

Opening a Costa Rican bank account requires legal residency status, proof of income, reference letters, and significant documentation. The process can take several weeks and may require substantial minimum deposits, making it more suitable for long-term residents than short-term digital nomads.

Are there any restrictions on remote work for foreigners in Costa Rica?

Digital Nomad Visa holders can only work for employers or clients outside Costa Rica.

Any work performed for Costa Rican companies or clients requires separate work authorization and appropriate visas. This restriction ensures that the Digital Nomad Visa doesn't circumvent normal employment visa requirements for local work.

Professional activities requiring local licensing (such as practicing law, medicine, or architecture) are restricted under the Digital Nomad Visa. These professions require specific professional visas and local certification processes.

Visa holders cannot establish Costa Rican businesses or engage in local commercial activities without proper business registration and different visa categories. Violation of work restrictions can result in visa cancellation and deportation.

It's something we develop in our Costa Rica property pack.

What are the best areas in Costa Rica for remote workers to live and work?

1. **San José Metropolitan Area** - The capital region offers the most reliable internet infrastructure, international airport access, and urban amenities. Neighborhoods like Escazú and Santa Ana provide upscale living with excellent connectivity. 2. **Tamarindo** - This Pacific coast town combines beach lifestyle with solid remote work infrastructure, featuring multiple coworking spaces and a large international community. 3. **Nosara** - Known for its wellness-focused atmosphere and growing digital nomad community, Nosara offers excellent internet and a more laid-back coastal environment. 4. **Manuel Antonio** - Provides a balance of tourist amenities, natural beauty, and adequate remote work infrastructure, though internet speeds can vary by specific location. 5. **Puerto Viejo** - The Caribbean coast option offers lower living costs and a relaxed atmosphere, though internet reliability may be less consistent than Pacific coast alternatives. 6. **Jacó** - A beach town with decent infrastructure and proximity to San José, making it suitable for remote workers who need occasional urban access. 7. **Monteverde** - Mountain location offering cooler climate and unique natural environment, though internet access should be verified before committing to long-term stays.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Nomads Embassy - Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
2. Citizen Remote - Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa Guide
3. Visa Digital Nomad - Costa Rica
4. Jaros CR - Legal Work Restrictions for Digital Nomads
5. GAP Costa Rica - Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads
6. Jaros CR - Internet Speed and Remote Work Options
7. Digital Nomad Lifestyle - San José Guide
8. Cowork Booking - Costa Rica Coworking Spaces
9. Garcia Bodan - Costa Rica Remote Work Law
10. Pacific Prime - Expat Health Insurance Costa Rica