🛂 Visa comparison
Costa Rica vs Panama 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
- Same income bar: both ask for about $3,000 a month.
- Life is cheaper in Costa Rica: from $1,991 a month all-in in San José, vs $2,114 in Panama City.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇵🇦 Panama |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) | Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa |
| 💵 Income needed | $3,000/mo ($4,000 w/ family) | $3,000/mo ($36k/yr) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo |
| 💳 Fees | ~$100 + $90 permit | ~$300 |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 9 months |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, +1 yr | Once (+9 mo) |
| 🏠 Path to residency | DNV: no. Rentista/Pensionado: yes, PR after 3 yrs | Yes via residency routes (not the remote-worker visa) |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $1,991 · San José | $2,114 · Panama City |
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.