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Head to head

Argentina vs Costa Rica: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Costa Rica grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Argentina — territorial taxation; Costa Rica — foreign income exempt. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Argentina DNV and the Costa Rica DNV.
Criteria Argentina DNV Costa Rica DNV
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €2,760
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 1 year 2 years
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion No Yes (better)
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Territorial taxation Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales)
Health insurance Unclear Required (explicit), min. €46,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time 2–3 weeks 2–3 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Argentina DNV →

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.

Sources