DIGITAL NOMADS: WORK REMOTELY FROM THE LAND OF PURA VIDA!

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Digital Nomads:

Work Remotely From the Land of Pura Vid

LEGALEASE

ago, Costa Rica approved Law 10.008, Ley para atraer trabajadores

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y prestadores remotos de servicios de carácter internacional, also known as the "Digital Nomads law."

In July 2022, the reglamento was published, which established the rules for a foreigner to apply as a digital nomad.

Applicants can extend a 90-day tourist visa, allowing them to work remotely from Costa Rica for up to one year, and with an extension of up to one year. (The applicant's proof of stay in Costa Rica must be for a minimum of 180 days).

A digital nomad is someone being paid to provide services remotely for an employer or entity outside Costa Rica, using digital or telecommunication technologies, or in similar circumstances.

Benefits (conditions apply)

• Income tax exemption: Digital nomads will not be considered permanent country residents for tax matters; they are exempt from income tax, as their income originates outside Costa Rica.

• Tax exemption for imported equipment: Digital nomads may waive customs taxes on telecommunications and electronic devices necessary to fulfill remote work requirements. The tax

benefits apply only to the digital nomad, not to their family members.

• Driver's licenses: Digital nomads will be allowed to use their home country driver's license in Costa Rica for the entire stay here.

• Bank account opening: They will be allowed to open a bank account in Costa Rica.

The benefits will last while the digital nomad has a valid migratory condition. The digital nomad is not allowed to work for a Costa Rica employer; it must be a company or employer outside Costa Rica.

Applicant requirements

Foreign nationals and their dependents who meet the following requirements may legally stay in the country under the immigration subcategory of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers. They require:

1. An application form signed by the applicant or their representative.

2. Proof of stable income — bank statements showing a stable monthly net income of at least US $3,000, or $4,000 to $5,000 if they are applying as a family group, and an affidavit of the origin of this information.

3. Health insurance — mandatory medical insurance coverage of at least US $50,000 through the digital

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by Ivan Granados & Andrea Chacón

nomad's stay in Costa Rica for medical expenses in the event of illness here. An insurance policy must also cover any dependents accompanying the digital nomad to Costa Rica.

4. Receipt confirming payment to the Costa Rica government in the amount US $100, or the equivalent amount in Costa Rican colones at the reference exchange rate of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, per Article 256 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens. Payment is required for each family group member.

5. A copy of the photo page of the foreign national's valid passport, which contains their photograph and biographical information, and the page containing the Costa Rican entry stamp if the applicant is already in Costa Rica. The passport must always be provided for the documentation process.

6. Consular or restricted visas as applicable to the group of countries outlined in the requirements under Executive Decree no. 36626-G,

entitled "Regulation on granting entry visas to Costa Rica." This is based on the applicant's nationality per the provisions of the "General Guidelines on Visas for the Entry and Stay of Non- Residents." The exceptions set forth in the guidelines mentioned above will be considered when applying this rule.

All documents issued in a foreign language must be officially translated into Spanish.

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The digital nomad is not allowed to work for a Costa Rica employer; it must be a company or employer outside Costa Rica.

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