How to Become a Digital Nomad in Costa Rica

If you’ve ever considered becoming a digital nomad in Costa Rica, we’re here to tell you all the reasons why Playas del Coco might be the best destination in Costa Rica for digital nomads!

By Jennifer LaCharite

Ever wanted to live the life of a digital nomad? Wandering the world with your laptop and passport? Costa Rica is opening up to the world with a new temporary visa for digital nomads and we think Playas del Coco is the perfect spot to host your new laptop lifestyle.

Costa Rica’s New Digital Nomad Visa

The Costa Rica government signed law 10.008 into effect on September 1, 2021, which allows foreigners to apply for a temporary visa while working remotely for a business in another country. These workers can apply to stay in Costa Rica for one year with the option to extend for an additional year. The law created a new immigration category known as Remote Employee or Provider of Remote Services. While the regulation to this law still must be published, it will likely be done by the end of 2021.

Requirements:

• Individuals must prove a stable monthly salary over the last 12 months of at least $3,000 USD per month (or equivalent in a foreign currency). If the applicant wishes to bring their family under this visa category they must prove $4,000 USD per month income, which can be integrated with the income of their spouse or other family members. 
• They must have private health insurance that covers the applicant(s) for the entire duration of their stay in Costa Rica. 
• Applicants must also comply with the one-time visa payment, which has yet to be established.

Incentives:

• Legal residency in Costa Rica for one year
• Exemption of all import taxes on their personal computer and necessary technology
• Income tax exemption
• Ability to use their foreign driver’s license
• Opening a savings account at a Costa Rican bank

Why Playas del Coco?

One thing that makes Playas del Coco a perfect location for digital nomads is its proximity to an international airport. Known as the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) until this past July, when it was officially changed to the Guanacaste Airport, the closest international airport is a mere 30-minute drive from Coco. 

Being a relatively easy beach town to get to, Coco is popular with expats and snowbirds looking for an escape from the cold. This also means there are plenty of accommodations for people searching for rentals for one year or less. Many renters have a month-to-month arrangement in order to keep their options open, however longer leases are also available. You can easily find a furnished studio apartment for $500 a month in Coco. Those looking for more space will have to budget between $700-$1,500 for a two or three-bedroom place.

Read More: 10 Reasons to Visit Playas del Coco, Guanacaste

Working Online in Playas del Coco

Of course, working from your new home means you need to have access to reliable, high-speed internet. According to speedtest.net, Costa Rica’s average fixed broadband speed for downloads is 56 Mbps, while its average upload speed is 15 Mbps. Many people already doing customer service type work from home (a popular occupation in Costa Rica) are only required to have 30 Mbps and have managed to work comfortably since lockdown forced working from home on many employees in 2020.

We can’t say the Internet is entirely reliable, however. Power surges are still a fairly common occurrence in places like Coco, which tend to interrupt Internet service, albeit briefly. This will not be a daily occurrence by any means but it’s still a nuisance for those that rely on constant Internet access and it’s something to consider for those looking to make their digital nomad life in Costa Rica.

While most places you rent will come with Wifi included, you may require higher speed internet and even fiber optic capabilities. There are several local Internet providers to choose from for those needing their own services, such as Coopeguanacaste, Tigo, Claro, Cabletica, and Kolbi. The cost is relatively low, at around $50 for 50 Mbps. One thing that is reassuring is that the infrastructure for Internet is not that old in a place like Playas del Coco, so the lines may be fairly new!

For those that don’t rely on speed or performance to get their job done – the social media managers, the writers, etc. – there are several locations where one could get the job done around town. Most restaurants, bars, and cafes offer free Wifi. In fact, you can often see people sitting at their laptops in the comfort of an air-conditioned cafe at places like Java or Guayoyo.

Life at the Beach

Coco Beach offers calm waves to swimmers and is ideal for lounging, with plenty of shade and places to grab a cold drink, yet it’s as close as you can get to reaching world-class surfing spots like Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. A popular fishing destination, you’ll see both boats heading out for offshore fishing and local fishermen tossing lines from the shore. Incredible snorkeling at Ocotal Beach and scuba diving at Papagayo Gulf are all nearby. It really offers everything you could want in a beach town.

What could be better than getting done work and catching sunset at the beach? Or what about a walk along the beach with the ocean lapping your feet each morning before starting work? For many living and working in Coco, this is their reality. Enjoying year-round warm weather, hitting the pool or the gym, people-watching at the beach, and meeting new friends for lunch at one of 50+ restaurants…this could be your new digital nomad life in Playas del Coco!

Like this post? Please join us on Facebook and join our travel planning group for more tips!