President Carlos Alvarado of Costa Rica has signed new legislation targeted at recruiting digital nomads. The bill will make it possible for qualified foreign nationals to receive a one-year visa that can be extended for an additional year.
The government believes that this project would encourage remote employees to relocate to a tropical paradise and enjoy Costa Rica’s famed, laid-back ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle.
According to Lonely Planet, the Costa Rican tourist board believes the new digital nomad visa would help revitalize the tourism economy and associated industries. International remote workers staying on the visa are expected to contribute around $24,100 (15 million colones) to the local economy. This might also result in an increase in work opportunities for Costa Ricans.
According to The Tico Times, Alvarado stated, “We welcome digital nomads to Costa Rica.” “This is an incentive for tourism, employment, and investment in the various parts of the nation by digital nomads.” Additionally, the president stated, “The digital nomad uses services, eats food, makes purchases, utilizes transportation, and hires people—all of which contributes to the country’s employment and growth.”
Digital nomad visa holders will be exempt from local income taxes, will be able to open bank accounts in Costa Rica, will be authorized to drive using their home country’s licenses, and will get a variety of additional perks.
Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura stated that digital nomads will be “critical to the sector’s recovery.” Costa Rica, he asserted, is a perfect location for remote workers wanting a change of scenery, owing to the country’s strong internet connectivity, pleasant climate, and plenty of outdoor activities.
“Tourists who remain for an extended length of time redistribute their money across the tourist value chains,” Segura explained. “They make more local purchases, rent a car for many weeks or months, and patronize local businesses such as the beauty salon, supermarket, restaurant, soda fountain, laundry, greengrocer, and medical services, among others, emphasizing the necessity of being a remote worker option.”
At the moment, digital nomads visiting Costa Rica are classed as tourists and are required to leave the country within 90 days.
While certain issues have to be worked out and the project may not be completely authorized for execution for some time, it appears probable that digital nomad visa applications will become accessible within the next several weeks.