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Head to head

Antigua and Barbuda vs Costa Rica: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €3,860 for Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Antigua and Barbuda grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12).
  • Tax treatment differs: Antigua and Barbuda — no personal income tax; Costa Rica — foreign income exempt. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Antigua and Barbuda NDR and the Costa Rica DNV.
Criteria Antigua and Barbuda NDR Costa Rica DNV
Minimum income / month €3,860 €2,760 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 2 years 2 years
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment No personal income tax Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales)
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €46,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €1,390 ≈ €92 (better)
Where to apply Online Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time 1–2 weeks 2–3 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Antigua and Barbuda NDR →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda → Insurance for Costa Rica →

Sources