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Head to head

Barbados 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 €3,855 for Barbados.
Side-by-side comparison of the Barbados Welcome Stamp and the Costa Rica DNV.
Criteria Barbados Welcome Stamp Costa Rica DNV
Minimum income / month €3,855 €2,760 (better)
Income basis Savings accepted Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 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 Foreign income exempt (Remote Employment Act, 2020-23 (Welcome Stamp non-resident treatment)) 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 ≈ €1,850 ≈ €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

Barbados Welcome Stamp →

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 Barbados → Insurance for Costa Rica →

Sources