The Legal Side of Costa Rica
Featuring Articles Written by Oscar Hernandez, Attorney
Oscar Hernandez is an Immigration Attorney
Located in San Jose, Costa Rica. He & His Team at
Expat Legal Advisors understand the needs
of the Expat who has begun a NEW LIFE in Costa Rica.
They know that the best way to enjoy the Pura Vida Lifestyle is to
have complete knowledge of the Laws of the Land. .
Understanding the Law & Living the Dream. .
Living the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica means more than enjoying its beaches, jungles and peaceful rhythm.
It means embracing a new way of life built on respect, knowledge and connection.
At Expat Legal Advisors, we believe that the more you understand the laws of the land,
the more fully and confidently you can enjoy the beauty of your new home.
These insightful articles, written by Attorney Oscar Hernández, who practices law in San José,
are designed to guide you through the legal landscape of Costa Rica with clarity and purpose.
From legal residency & real estate to healthcare & daily living, Oscar’s experience and dedication help demystify complex legal topics, empowering expats to make informed decisions
and live freely within the framework of Costa Rican law.
Knowledge is Peace of Mind. . and Peace of Mind is Pura Vida. .
Here, you’ll find practical wisdom, trusted guidance and the tools to help you thrive
as a well-informed member of Costa Rica’s expat community.
Enjoy this Article
Written Especially
for You. .
Digital Nomad Visa:
Key Immigration, Tax & Practical Advantages. .
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa, created under Law No. 10.008 and its regulations, offers a streamlined immigration category for remote workers whose clients or employers are based outside the country. It provides a legal way to live in Costa Rica for an initial 12-month period, with the option to renew for an additional year by demonstrating continued compliance with the requirements. Applicants may also include eligible family members, making it an appealing option for individuals or families seeking a long-term stay without becoming Costa Rican tax residents.
Once approved, digital nomads gain access to the Costa Rican banking system and may open accounts in both public and private institutions. This makes it easier to pay rent, utilities, insurance, and other expenses while maintaining normal financial activity within the country. Although banks conduct their own compliance reviews, the digital-nomad approval serves as sufficient legal grounds to proceed. Tax advantages are another major benefit—foreign-sourced income earned from clients or employers abroad is not subject to Costa Rican income tax during the validity of the visa. Because Costa Rica’s territorial tax system only taxes local income, digital nomads enjoy complete exemption on what they earn abroad. The law also allows duty exemptions for essential work equipment such as laptops and other necessary devices.
Daily life is made easier thanks to additional practical perks. Digital nomads may use their valid foreign driver’s license, and the application process itself is largely digital, allowing most communications and submissions to be handled online. With proper documentation and access to local banking, long-term leases, utility contracts, and other services become much easier to secure. Another strong advantage is the efficiency of the approval process: once a complete file is submitted, immigration authorities must resolve the application quickly, and well-prepared cases are often approved within weeks. Requirements are clear and limited to proof of stable foreign income, valid health insurance, and standard identification and civil-status documents, avoiding the complications often associated with employer-based residency categories.
This visa is especially attractive for those who want to enjoy life in Costa Rica while maintaining foreign employment, avoiding local tax residency, and securing a legal long-term stay without the obligations of full residency. For anyone interested in determining whether the Digital Nomad Visa is the right fit, our firm is happy to review your situation and provide personalized guidance. You may schedule a consultation here: https://calendly.com/expat/30min
Lic. Oscar Andrés López Hernández
Attorney-at-Law
Expat Legal Advisors
When You're in Need of Legal Advice in Costa Rica,
Contact
Oscar Hernandez at
WhatsApp:
506-8543-7650
Email:
legal@expatlegaladvisors.com
Website:
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