🛂 Visa comparison
Brazil vs Costa Rica digital nomad visa
Two of the nomad visas Americans compare most, side by side: what each asks for, how long it lasts, where it leads, and what life costs in each country.
The short version
- Brazil's income bar is lower: about $1,500 a month vs $3,000.
- Life is cheaper in Brazil: from $995 a month all-in in Fortaleza, vs $1,991 in San José.
- Lighter tax once resident in Costa Rica (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) | Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) |
| 💵 Income needed | $1,500/mo or $18,000 savings | $3,000/mo ($4,000 w/ family) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $1,500/mo | $3,000/mo |
| 💳 Fees | ~$100-290 (consulate-dependent) | ~$100 + $90 permit |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 1 yr |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, +1 yr | Yes, +1 yr |
| 🏠 Path to residency | DNV years generally don't count; retirement/investor routes do | DNV: no. Rentista/Pensionado: yes, PR after 3 yrs |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 27.5% | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $995 · Fortaleza | $1,991 · San José |
General reference, not immigration or tax advice. Income figures in US dollars are converted at current rates from each visa's own requirement; confirm with the consulate before applying.