🛂 Visa comparison
Colombia 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
- Colombia's income bar is lower: about $1,400 a month vs $3,000.
- Life is cheaper in Colombia: from $1,344 a month all-in in Bogotá, vs $1,991 in San José.
- Lighter tax once resident in Costa Rica (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (V type) | Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) |
| 💵 Income needed | ~$1,400/mo (3x min wage, COP 5.25M, rises yearly; it was ~$900 in 2023-24, so older blog posts understate it) | $3,000/mo ($4,000 w/ family) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $1,400/mo | $3,000/mo |
| 💳 Fees | ~$220-235 total govt fees + cédula (foreigner ID card) | ~$100 + $90 permit |
| ⏳ Length | Up to 2 yrs | 1 yr |
| 🔁 Renewal | Reapply | Yes, +1 yr |
| 🏠 Path to residency | DNV (V): no. M-visas: yes, R (resident) after 5 yrs | DNV: no. Rentista/Pensionado: yes, PR after 3 yrs |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 39% | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $1,344 · Bogotá | $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.