🛂 Visa comparison
Costa Rica vs Spain 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
- Costa Rica's income bar is lower: about $3,000 a month vs $3,274.
- Life is cheaper in Spain: from $1,712 a month all-in in Seville, vs $1,991 in San José.
- Lighter tax once resident in Costa Rica (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇪🇸 Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Digital Nomad Stay (Estancia) | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) |
| 💵 Income needed | $3,000/mo ($4,000 w/ family) | €2,849/mo (200% SMI, 2026) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $3,000/mo | $3,274/mo |
| 💳 Fees | ~$100 + $90 permit | ~€80 visa + permit fees |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 1 yr (consulate) or 3 yrs (in-country) |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, +1 yr | Yes, 2-yr renewals up to 5 yrs |
| 🏠 Path to residency | DNV: no. Rentista/Pensionado: yes, PR after 3 yrs | PR at 5 yrs; citizenship at 10 (renounce-US rule applies, Ibero-American exceptions) |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $1,991 · San José | $1,712 · Seville |
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.