Costa Rica vs Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa: Which Is Right for You?

The short version

Only Czech Republic offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Czech Republic — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.

Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Czech Republic Zivno.
Criteria	Costa Rica DNV	Czech Republic Zivno
Minimum income / month	€2,760	No fixed threshold
Income basis	Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)	Savings accepted
Initial duration	1 year	1 year
Renewable	Yes	Yes
Maximum total stay	2 years	1 year
Path to permanent residence	No	Yes (better)
Path to citizenship	No	Via permanent residence
Family inclusion	Yes	Yes
Working for local clients	Not allowed	Allowed
Tax treatment	Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales)	Standard resident taxation (Flat-rate (paušální daň) for OSVČ)
Health insurance	Required (explicit), min. €46,000	Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required	Full visa period	Full visa period
Application fee	≈ €92 (better)	≈ €200
Where to apply	Online, Embassy / consulate	Embassy / consulate
Processing time	2–3 weeks	13–17 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Czech Republic Zivno →

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.