Costa Rica visa for US passport holders
A US passport holder can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days.
Staying longer: every Costa Rica visa route
The tourist entry above is for visits. To live and work remotely in Costa Rica, these are the routes the catalogue tracks — income thresholds, fees and processing times are below; the full requirements are on the country page, linked to the official source.
Verified October 15, 2026 (Eastern Time) against official sources.
| Route | Type | Stay | Income needed | Fee | Processing | Work | Residency path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) | nomad | 1 year, renewable 1 year | $3,000/mo | 100 USD | 1-3 months | — | |
| Pensionado (Retirement) Residency | retirement | 2 years, renewable; leads to permanent residency | $1,000/mo | — | 3-9 months | — | |
| Student Temporary Stay | student | Length of the course, renewed annually | — | — | — | — | — |
Costa Rica visa questions for US passport holders
Do US passport citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
A US passport holder can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days.
How much does the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) cost for US passport holders?
The Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) in Costa Rica is listed at 100 USD. Our catalogue records one published fee per route rather than a fee per passport, so check the official source for any nationality-specific charge.
How long does the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) take to process?
The Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) in Costa Rica takes 1-3 months to process.
What income does the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) in Costa Rica require?
The Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) asks for income of about $3,000 USD/month.
Can I work remotely in Costa Rica on the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota)?
Yes, work is allowed on the Digital Nomad Visa (Estancia / Rentista remota) in Costa Rica. It can be renewed.
Where to live in Costa Rica, and what it costs
Is Costa Rica the right fit for a US passport?
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Visa rules change often — verify against the official government source linked on the Costa Rica page before you travel or apply.